Electronic symbols are used when drawing circuit diagrams to represent the basic components that make up the circuit. Engineers have to study these diagrams to understand how electronic devices work, the complicated collection of components that goes into them, and how they’re connected together. Below, we’ll be looking at some of the most frequently used electronic symbols that are found in circuit diagrams, manuals, and sometimes on equipment.
IEC 60617: Standard Graphic Symbols for Circuit Diagrams
The graphic symbols for electrical and electronic components are standardised, so that circuit diagrams can be read and recognised in many different countries. Since mass production of many devices has increased around the world, it’s clear that the schematics for such devices must be uniform, so that all manufacturers are working to the same standards. It’s also necessary to devise, standardise and introduce new symbols for the more advanced technology now in circulation.
Electronic Symbols
The symbols are mostly comprised of geometric lines and figures in different combinations. Specific meaning to individual symbols can be attributed by adding shading, a dot, an extra line, and numbers or letters.
Wires
There are various types of electronic wire or cabling used to conduct electrical current into and around an application. The symbols represent the wires, their connections, and types of cable.
Switches
An electronic switch is a device or component that can cause an electrical circuit to switch, either by diverting the current away from one conductor towards another or by interrupting it altogether. Such switches have two states, ON or OFF, so are categorised as binary devices.
Sources
These symbols are used to show the source of the power supplied to an electronic circuit.
Wave Generators
Wave generators are electrical or electronic circuits or devices designed to produce various types of waveform at any particular frequency.
Ground
Earth, or ground, is the point where voltages are measured from in an electronic circuit, representing a direct physical connection of electricity to the earth.
Resistors
In electronic circuits, resistors provide a barrier device that can be used to divide voltages, reduce current flow, terminate transmission lines, adjust signal levels, bias active elements, and more.
Capacitors
These are simple electrical components that can store an electrical charge. They usually comprise a layer of insulation sandwiched between two layers of conducting material.
Inductors
Inductors are usually made up of a coil of insulated wire. They can store energy within a magnetic field when electric current is passed through them. Inductors are also called coils, reactors or chokes.
Diodes
Diodes are electronic components with two terminals that conduct electrical current in one direction. In one direction they offer low resistance, while providing high resistance in the opposite.
Transistors
Transistors are the foundation of modern electronics. These semiconductor devices can switch or amplify electrical power and electronic signals.
Logic Gates
Logic gates provide the foundations of a digital system. These electronic circuits have only one output, but can have one or more inputs. How the gate functions is based on the interaction of the input and the output (AND, OR or NOT), according to a form of logic known as Boolean Logic.
Amplifier
These electronic devices are used to increase or amplify an electrical or electronic signal.
Antennae
Antennae are composed of metal transducers that can intercept and convert electromagnetic voltages into radio waves, or vice versa.
Transformers
These passive electrical components are the method by which electrical energy can be transferred between electrical circuits.
Sound Devices
These symbols are used for any devices in an electronic circuit that make a noise when activated.
Converters
Converters are devices that convert the type of signals used in electronic circuits (analogue to digital and vice versa).
Lighting
Miscellaneous
Originally published at https://www.rowse-automation.co.uk.
