Introduction

Electrical engineering is a field that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It is a broad discipline that encompasses various subfields, including power systems, control systems, telecommunications, and electronics. In this glossary, we will explore the key concepts and terms related to electrical engineering, providing a comprehensive overview of what it entails.

Electricity

Electricity is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire. It is a form of energy that powers electrical devices and systems. The unit of measurement for electric charge is the coulomb, while the unit of measurement for electric current is the ampere. Voltage, measured in volts, is the force that drives electric current through a circuit.

Circuit

A circuit is a closed loop through which electric current can flow. It consists of various components, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, that control the flow of electricity. Circuits can be classified into two types: series circuits, where components are connected in a single path, and parallel circuits, where components are connected in multiple paths.

Resistor

A resistor is a passive electrical component that resists the flow of electric current. It is used to control the amount of current in a circuit and protect other components from damage. Resistors are measured in ohms and come in various types, such as fixed resistors, variable resistors, and light-dependent resistors.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a passive electrical component that stores and releases electrical energy. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric. Capacitors are used in circuits to store charge, filter signals, and stabilize voltage levels. They are measured in farads and come in different types, such as electrolytic capacitors and ceramic capacitors.

Inductor

An inductor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. It consists of a coil of wire wound around a core material, such as iron or ferrite. Inductors are used in circuits to store energy, filter signals, and create magnetic fields. They are measured in henries and come in various types, such as air-core inductors and toroidal inductors.

Transformer

A transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. It consists of two coils of wire, known as the primary and secondary windings, that are magnetically coupled. Transformers are used to step up or step down voltage levels, isolate circuits, and match impedance between components.

Diode

A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only. It consists of a p-n junction, where electrons and holes combine to form a depletion region. Diodes are used in circuits to rectify AC signals, protect against reverse polarity, and regulate voltage levels. They come in various types, such as silicon diodes, germanium diodes, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Transistor

A transistor is a semiconductor device that amplifies or switches electronic signals. It consists of three layers of semiconductor material, known as the emitter, base, and collector. Transistors are used in circuits to amplify audio signals, control motors, and perform logic operations. They come in different types, such as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs).

Integrated Circuit

An integrated circuit (IC) is a semiconductor device that contains thousands to millions of electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, on a single chip of silicon. ICs are used in circuits to perform complex functions, such as microprocessors, memory storage, and signal processing. They come in various types, such as analog ICs, digital ICs, and mixed-signal ICs.

Power Supply

A power supply is an electrical device that converts AC or DC power from a source, such as a wall outlet or battery, into a stable voltage and current for electronic devices. It consists of various components, such as transformers, rectifiers, and voltage regulators, that control the output power. Power supplies are used in circuits to provide energy for computers, televisions, and other electronic devices.

Printed Circuit Board

A printed circuit board (PCB) is a flat board made of non-conductive material, such as fiberglass or epoxy, that holds electronic components and provides connections between them. PCBs are used in circuits to support and interconnect components, such as resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits. They come in different types, such as single-sided PCBs, double-sided PCBs, and multi-layer PCBs.