Electronic schematics are like recipes for electronics. They tell you what ingredients to use and how to mix the ingredients. But instead of using text to explain the recipe, a drawing is used.
They are also called circuit diagrams. Read how to read schematics here.
What do you use them for?
They are used pretty much in the same way as recipes for food. It is a way of explaining how to reach a certain result. So when you want to build something with electronics, you find a schematic diagram or you create one for what you want to build.
When you have your electronic schematics for what you want to build, the rest is all about just following the recipe.
How do they work?
A schematic diagram shows you which components are used and how they are connected.
They consist of electronic symbols that represent each of the components used. The symbols are connected with lines that show you how to connect the components.
How do they help me create electronic circuits?
When you have the schematics, you don’t actual need to know any electronics theory. (But a little bit of basic electronics can be very helpful)
All you have to do is learn a few practical skills like designing a PCB, where to get your board made and how to solder.
Want to start designing your own circuit boards? Check out my KiCad tutorial: Make Your First Printed Circuit Board
How to find electronic schematics?
Back when I was just starting out with electronics, I did not know any electronics theory at all. I started out with some simple circuits that my father drew on a piece of paper for me, containing relays and capacitors to make a light blink.
I connected the components using wires and an old, used circuit board that I drilled holes in. I was in ecstasy when I made it work! And I got hooked. I needed more circuits.
I started looking on the internet and found out you could find schematics to all kinds of circuits. When I realized this, it was like I had found a secret treasure! I was now in possession of information on how to build electronic circuits for all kinds of devices.
So if you want to find electronic schematics for a project, just Google it. I am pretty sure you will find most of what you are looking for.
Here is a few pages that I like with free electronic circuits.
Create your own schematic diagrams
Many people ask me “How do I take the idea I have in my head and make it into a circuit?”. So I wrote an article on how to make your own circuit design from scratch.
But I would also recommend you checking out Creating Circuit Schematic Diagrams for an overview of the process.
Or start reading about the Voltage Divider, Ohm’s law, Thevenin’s Theorem or Kirchhoff’s Laws.
Digital Electronics:
- Binary number system
- Logic gates
- What is a Microcontroller?
- Microcontroller basics
- Microcontroller programming
- Using microcontroller boards
- What is Arduino?
- Arduino Programming
Further reading
When you have found or created the schematics for your project, you are ready for the next step:
ROTIMI says
good to know! OK.
MUKESH B R says
I MUKESH .Interested to learn electronic design .so pls guide me to learn.
Joseph Llarves says
I have a schematic design for a 150w audio amplifiers, and I am having trouble in making the PCB Layout and the Component Layout… can you help me? thanks in advance…
shoaib says
i want to learn about 32 bit microcontroller, and want to know which software is used for its programming and for its schematic design
Anointing says
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Saqib malik says
I have used regulator 7805 for converting 24 volt to 5 volt but ic is going very heat when using, so how can i use it that it will remain cold.
[email protected] says
could you use heat sink to reduce heat of your regulator or you should use 1.5A 7805 voltage regulator by heat sink plate.//////
cosmas jackson says
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kathleen says
hi, we have a project proposal an we need to build a small digital scale, but we dont know how to do it and what are the parts…please can you help me?
Johnnyson Dominic says
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john says
hows about doing a section on getting projects working, to cover when youv’e built something and it does not work no one seems to cover this anywhere on the internet, thanks john.
just me says
why do people want others to do the job for them, learn , read , read and read
kathleen, why dont you just buy some small digital scales for under a fiver ?, the mind boggles
Sumday says
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amol choudhari says
Thank you so much sir…..
I want to more knowledge about electronic so plz sir guide me sir…
SOLOMON JAURO says
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Dan Okocha says
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THANKS
Ganesh patra says
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Sylvester says
Many thanks for your help and encouragement. I ‘do really want to learn the basics of electronic circuit from you. Thanks once again.