introduction

This blog shares knowledge about electronic components, circuit design, PCB design, microcontrollers, sensors, and how to design electronic circuits and their connections. using EDA tools.

Individual assignment

task

In the individual assignment, I simulated a circuit with an LED, resistor, and IR sensor, and checked the design using ERC and DRC tools. I tested the circuits to ensure they functioned correctly and fixed errors before starting the PCB design. This experience improved my circuit design and error-checking skills.

Group assignment

task

in the group assignment As part of our Electrical Design, our group built a simple circuit using an ESP32-C3, an LED, and a resistor. We connected the components on a breadboard and verified the circuit connections. Using a multimeter, we measured the voltage and current to test the circuit’s performance. The LED glowed successfully, confirming that the circuit was working correctly. This assignment helped us understand basic circuit design, electrical measurements, and teamwork.

Electronic Design:-

Electronic Design is the process of creating, developing, and testing electronic circuits and systems using electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, LEDs, transistors, microcontrollers, and sensors. It involves designing circuit diagrams, selecting suitable components, assembling the circuit, and verifying its performance through testing and measurements. Electronic design is widely used in embedded systems, IoT devices, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

What is Current?

Current is the flow of electric charge through the components of an electronic circuit, such as resistors, LEDs, and microcontrollers. It is an important parameter because it determines how electronic components operate safely and efficiently. Current is measured in amperes (A) using a multimeter or ammeter. In electronic design, engineers calculate and measure current to ensure that components receive the correct amount of electrical power and to prevent damage caused by excessive current.

Type	Direction of Flow	Common Source	Applications
Direct Current (DC)	One direction	Battery, USB, Power Supply	ESP32-C3, LEDs, Electronics
Alternating Current (AC)	Changes direction periodically	Mains Electricity	Home and Industrial Appliances

Current Formula

$$I=\frac{V}{R}$$I=RV​

Where:

• I = Current (Amperes, A)
• V = Voltage (Volts, V)
• R = Resistance (Ohms, Ω)

This formula is derived from Ohm’s Law.

Example

If the voltage is 5 V and the resistance is 220 Ω:$$I=\frac{5}{220}=0.0227\text{ A}$$I=2205​=0.0227 A

So, the current is:

• 0.0227 A or 22.7 mA

Unit of Current

• Ampere (A) is the SI unit of current.
• 1 A = 1000 mA (milliamperes)

What is Voltage?

Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is the force that pushes electric current through electrical components such as resistors, LEDs, and microcontrollers. Voltage is measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter or a multimeter. It is represented by the symbol V and is an essential parameter in electronic design to ensure that electronic components operate safely and correctly.

Voltage Formula

The basic formula for voltage is based on Ohm’s Law:$$\boxed{{\displaystyle V=I\times R}}$$V=I×R​

Where:

• V = Voltage (Volts, V)
• I = Current (Amperes, A)
• R = Resistance (Ohms, Ω)

Example

If the current is 0.02 A (20 mA) and the resistance is 220 Ω:$$V=0.02\times 220=4.4\text{ V}$$V=0.02×220=4.4 V

So, the voltage is 4.4 V.

What is Power?

Power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred or consumed in an electrical circuit. It indicates how much electrical energy is used by a device per unit of time. In electronic design, power is an important parameter because it helps determine the energy consumption and efficiency of electronic components such as LEDs, resistors, and microcontrollers. Power is measured in watts  using a wattmeter or it can be calculated using electrical formulas.

Power Formula

$$\boxed{{\displaystyle P=V\times I}}$$P=V×I​

Where:

• P = Power (Watts, W)
• V = Voltage (Volts, V)
• I = Current (Amperes, A)

Other Power Formulas

• $\boxed{{\displaystyle P=I^2\times R}}$P=I2×R​
• $\boxed{{\displaystyle P=\frac{V^2}{R}}}$P=RV2​​

Example

If the voltage is 5 V and the current is 0.02 A (20 mA):$$P=5\times 0.02=0.1\text{ W}$$P=5×0.02=0.1 W

Power = 0.1 W (100 mW).

What is Resistance?

Resistance is the property of an electrical component that opposes or limits the flow of electric current in a circuit. It helps control the amount of current flowing through components such as LEDs, resistors, and microcontrollers, protecting them from excessive current. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω) using an ohmmeter or a multimeter and is represented by the symbol R.

Resistance Formula (Ohm’s Law)

$$\boxed{{\displaystyle R=\frac{V}{I}}}$$R=IV​​

Where:

• R = Resistance (Ohms, Ω)
• V = Voltage (Volts, V)
• I = Current (Amperes, A)

Example

If the voltage is 5 V and the current is 0.02 A (20 mA):$$R=\frac{5}{0.02}=250\mathrm{\Omega }$$R=0.025​=250Ω

Resistance = 250 Ω

Ohm’s Law:

Ohm’s Law

Ohm’s Law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across it and inversely proportional to its resistance, provided the temperature remains constant.

Formula

$$\boxed{{\displaystyle V=I\times R}}$$V=I×R​

Where:

• V = Voltage (Volts, V)
• I = Current (Amperes, A)
• R = Resistance (Ohms, Ω)

Other Forms of Ohm’s Law

• Current: $\boxed{{\displaystyle I=\frac{V}{R}}}$I=RV​​
• Resistance: $\boxed{{\displaystyle R=\frac{V}{I}}}$R=IV​​

Example

If the voltage is 5 V and the resistance is 220 Ω:$$I=\frac{5}{220}=0.0227\text{ A}$$I=2205​=0.0227 A

Current = 0.0227 A (22.7 mA)

Electronic Components:-

Electronic components are the fundamental elements used to create electronic circuits and systems. Each component performs a specific function that helps the circuit operate efficiently. For instance, a resistor limits the flow of current, an LED produces light, a capacitor stores electrical energy, and a microcontroller manages and controls the overall operation of the circuit. These components are interconnected using wires, breadboards, or printed circuit boards (PCBs) to build functional electronic devices. Electronic components are widely used in applications such as smartphones, computers, home appliances, robots, and IoT devices. By choosing the appropriate components and connecting them correctly, engineers can design circuits for applications such as LED control, temperature monitoring, motor control, and many other automation tasks.

1. LED :-

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light when electric current flows through it. It allows current to flow in only one direction and requires a current-limiting resistor to prevent damage. LEDs are energy-efficient, consume very little power, and have a long lifespan. They are widely used as indicators, displays, lighting, and in electronic projects. In our Electrical Design assignment, we used an LED to verify that our ESP32-C3 circuit was working correctly.

2. Resistor :-

A resistor is a passive electronic component that limits or controls the flow of electric current in an electronic circuit. It helps protect components from excessive current and ensures that circuits operate safely and correctly.

3.Push Button

A push button is an electronic switch that is used to open or close an electrical circuit when it is pressed. It is one of the most common input devices in electronic projects.

What it does

• Pressed: The circuit is connected (or disconnected, depending on the type).
• Released: The switch returns to its original position using a spring mechanism.

Types of Push Buttons

1. Normally Open (NO): The circuit is open until the button is pressed.
2. Normally Closed (NC): The circuit is closed until the button is pressed.

4.Switches

switch is an electronic component used to control the flow of electric current in a circuit. It can turn a circuit ON or OFF by opening or closing the electrical connection.

Types of Switches

1. Push Button Switch – Operates only while the button is pressed.
2. Toggle Switch – Changes position to stay ON or OFF.
3. Slide Switch – Slides between ON and OFF positions.
4. Rotary Switch – Rotates to select one of several circuits.

5.Capacitors

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is widely used in electronic circuits for filtering, smoothing, timing, and energy storage.

5.Diode

A diode is a semiconductor electronic component that allows electric current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. It is made from P-type and N-type semiconductor materials joined together to form a PN junction. Diodes are widely used for rectification, protection, switching, and signal processing in electronic circuits.

6.Transistors

A transistor is an electronic component used to control or amplify electric current in a circuit. It works like a switch or amplifier, allowing a small current to control a larger current. Transistors are used in microcontrollers, amplifiers, and many electronic devices. They are very important components in modern electronics and are used to build circuits like logic gates, signal amplifiers, and switching circuits.

7.Sensors

An electronic sensor is a device that detects changes in the physical environment and converts them into an electrical signal. These signals can then be processed by electronic circuits, microcontrollers (such as Arduino), or computers to monitor, control, or automate systems.

Electronic sensors are widely used in robots, smartphones, home automation, automobiles, medical equipment, weather stations, and industrial control systems.

How Does an Electronic Sensor Work?

1. The sensor detects a physical quantity such as temperature, light, pressure, or motion.
2. It converts the detected quantity into an electrical signal (analog or digital).
3. The signal is sent to a controller or processor.
4. The controller performs an action, such as displaying data, turning on a device, or triggering an alarm.

Electronic Components Types:

Based on mounting type

SMD (Surface Mount Device)
SMD components are compact electronic parts that are mounted and soldered directly onto the surface of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

Through-Hole
Through-hole components are electronic parts with wire leads that are inserted into holes on the PCB and soldered from the opposite side for a strong and reliable connection.

Based on functionality type

Active Components	Passive Components
Require an external power source to operate.	Do not require an external power source.
Can amplify or control electrical signals.	Cannot amplify signals; they only store, transfer, or dissipate energy.
Can provide power gain.	Cannot provide power gain.
More complex in operation.	Simpler in operation.
Examples: Transistors, diodes, integrated circuits (ICs), operational amplifiers.	Examples: Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers.

Group assignment

During our Electronic Design group assignment, we built a simple circuit using an ESP32-C3, an LED, and a resistor. The main objective of this task was to understand how to connect electronic components correctly and measure voltage and current in the circuit. and  observe operations of an embedded microcontroller.used lab equipment

 Multimeter

A multimeter is an electronic measuring instrument used to test electrical circuits. It combines several measuring functions into one device.

The main functions of a multimeter are:

• Voltage (V): Measures AC or DC voltage.
• Current (A): Measures AC or DC current.
• Resistance (Ω): Measures electrical resistance.
• Continuity: Checks if a circuit is complete (usually with a beep).
• Diode Test: Tests the condition of diodes.
• Some advanced models also measure capacitance, frequency, temperature, and transistor gain.

Types of multimeters

• Digital multimeter (DMM): Displays readings on an LCD screen. It is the most common type due to its accuracy and ease of use.
• Analog multimeter: Uses a moving needle to indicate measurements. It is less common today but can be useful for observing changing signals.

Testing of Voltage and Current  

in this assignment, we used a digital multimeter to measure the voltage and current of our electronic circuit. A multimeter is an essential tool in electronics that helps verify whether a circuit is operating correctly. First, the multimeter was set to DC Voltage (V) mode and connected in parallel with the circuit to measure the supply voltage. Next, it was switched to DC Current (A) mode and connected in series with the circuit to measure the current flowing through it. The measured values were then compared with the expected values to ensure the circuit was functioning properly. This practical activity helped us understand the correct use of a multimeter, the difference between voltage and current measurement, and the importance of accurate testing in electronic circuit design and troubleshooting.

Current, Voltage checking using esp32

We measured voltage of an LED

We also measured current

PCB designing tools

EDA (Electronic Design Automation)

Electronic Design Automation (EDA) is software used to design, simulate, and test electronic circuits and printed circuit boards (PCBs). It helps engineers create accurate circuit diagrams and PCB layouts before manufacturing. EDA tools also perform Electrical Rule Check (ERC) and Design Rule Check (DRC) to identify and fix errors. Popular EDA software includes KiCad, Altium Designer, Eagle, and OrCAD. Using EDA tools saves time, reduces design mistakes, and improves the overall quality of electronic projects.

There are various tools to design a PCB KiCad, EasyEDA, Eagle but I choose KiCad.

KiCad

Why I choose KiCad?

KiCad is a free, open-source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) suite used to design electronic circuits and printed circuit boards (PCBs). It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and includes tools for:

• Schematic capture – Draw electronic circuits.
• PCB layout – Place components and route copper traces.
• 3D viewer – Inspect the finished PCB in 3D.
• SPICE simulation – Simulate analog circuits before building them.
• Gerber generation – Create manufacturing files for PCB fabrication.
• Library editor – Create custom symbols and footprints.

If you’re new to KiCad, the typical workflow is:

1. Create a new project.
2. Draw the schematic.
3. Assign footprints to components.
4. Generate the PCB from the schematic.
5. Place components and route traces.
6. Run electrical (ERC) and design rule (DRC) checks.
7. Export Gerber files for manufacturing

About KiCad:-

With KiCad, users can design single-layer, double-layer, and multi-layer PCBs, create custom symbols and footprints, and view their designs in a realistic 3D environment before manufacturing. The software also supports Electrical Rule Check (ERC) and Design Rule Check (DRC), helping designers detect and fix errors early in the design process.

Step by step process to download kicad:-

First, searched for KiCad download for Windows on Google.

Choose the latest stable release version of KiCad.

Click the download link and wait for the installer to finish downloading.

Open the downloaded installation file

Open KiCad from the Start Menu or Desktop shortcut and verify that it starts successfully.

I searched for the FAB library because it includes the components needed for my project.

The GitHub page opened, and I downloaded the FAB Library by clicking the “Download ZIP” option for my assignment.

Open KiCad.

Go to Preferences → Manage Symbol Libraries.

Click Add Existing Library, browse to the extracted FAB Library folder, select the .kicad_sym file, and click Open.

Add the Footprint Library
Go to Preferences → Manage Footprint Libraries. Click Add Existing Library, select the .pretty folder from the FAB Library, and click OK.

Open the Symbol Editor or Footprint Editor to confirm that the FAB Library has been added successfully.

done

Individual assignment

As part of my Individual Assignment in Electronic Design, I learned the basic concepts and practical skills required for designing and building electronic circuits. This assignment helped me understand how electronic components are connected, tested, and converted into a working circuit. I also gained experience with both hardware and software tools used in electronics

assignment

paper circuit

A paper circuit is a simple electronic circuit made using paper, copper tape, a coin cell battery, and LEDs. In this activity, I created simple, series, and parallel circuits. A simple circuit helped me understand the basic flow of electric current. In a series circuit, all the LEDs were connected in a single path, and if one LED failed, the entire circuit stopped working. In a parallel circuit, each LED had its own path, so the other LEDs continued to glow even if one failed. This activity improved my understanding of circuit connections, current flow, and basic electronics while providing hands-on learning experience

Soldering on Zero Board

As part of my Individual Assignment, I learned how to perform soldering on a Zero Board. First, I placed electronic components such as resistors, LEDs, and connecting wires in their correct positions on the board according to the circuit design. Then, I used a soldering iron and solder wire to make strong and reliable electrical connections between the components. After completing the soldering process, I carefully inspected all the joints and tested the circuit to ensure it worked properly. This activity improved my soldering skills, accuracy, and understanding of practical electronic circuit assembly.

object detection using IR sensor

As part of an electronics design task, I built a simple circuit using an IR sensor, LED, resistor, and Arduino. The IR sensor detects the presence of an object by transmitting and receiving infrared light. When an object is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the Arduino. The Arduino processes this signal and turns the LED ON or OFF accordingly. The resistor is used to limit the current flowing through the LED, protecting it from damage. This task helped me understand sensor interfacing, basic circuit connections, and Arduino programming

Simulate a Circuit in Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a free online tool that allows users to design and simulate electronic circuits before building them physically. It provides a virtual workspace where components such as LEDs, resistors, Arduino boards, sensors, and breadboards can be connected easily

Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a board used to connect and support electronic components in an electronic circuit. It is made of an insulating material with thin copper tracks that carry electrical signals between components. PCBs are widely used in devices such as mobile phones, computers, televisions, and robots. They make circuits compact, reliable, and easy to assemble. PCB design is created using EDA software like KiCad before manufacturing. Using a PCB improves the performance, durability, and organization of electronic devices.

First KiCad PCB Design

As part of my individual assignment, I learned how to design a simple Printed Circuit Board (PCB) using KiCad. The circuit consisted of one LED, one resistor, and a connector. First, I created the circuit diagram (schematic) by placing the required components and connecting them correctly.
After completing the schematic, I assigned footprints to all the components and transferred the design to the PCB editor. In the PCB editor, I arranged the components properly and routed the copper tracks to make the electrical connections. Finally, I checked the design for errors using the Design Rule Check (DRC) and completed the PCB layout.

ESP32 PCB Design with LED

As part of an electronic design task, I designed a PCB using an ESP32, an LED, a resistor, and a connector. First, I created the circuit schematic and assigned the required footprints. Then, I performed ERC (Electrical Rules Check) to identify and fix any electrical connection errors in the schematic.
After that, I transferred the schematic to the PCB Editor, where I placed all the components and routed the PCB tracks. Once the PCB layout was completed, I performed DRC (Design Rules Check) to verify that the board met the required design rules and had no clearance or routing errors. Finally, I generated the PCB design

Add the required components

connect the components

ESP32-C3 GPIO (e.g., GPIO4) → Resistor → LED Anode (+) LED Cathode (–) → GND

Run Electrical Rules Check (ERC)

Open PCB Editor. Click Update PCB from Schematic.

Run Design Rule Check (DRC)

View the 3D PCB

Go to File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers

Select the required layers and click Plot.

Done.