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 that 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.
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
Or go directly to Eagle Schematics Tutorial for a hands on tutorial on drawing schematics in Eagle. If you are not familiar with Eagle, here is a beginner’s guide to Eagle CAD.
If you would like to learn more about creating circuit boards, I recently created a Udemy course on creating circuit boards. Check it out!
How to create anything in electronics
I you are reading this, it means you are really interested in electronics. Go from being merely interested into building your dream project. Learn how to build whatever electronics project you want.
Further reading
When you have found or created the schematics for your project, you are ready for the next step:
ROTIMI says
June 3, 2015 at 4:51 pmgood to know! OK.
MUKESH B R says
June 3, 2015 at 9:44 pmI MUKESH .Interested to learn electronic design .so pls guide me to learn.
Joseph Llarves says
September 9, 2015 at 8:53 pmI 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
January 27, 2016 at 12:01 pmi 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
July 5, 2017 at 7:49 pmI want to buy the text book. Anointing 2349025849624. Very grateful.
Saqib malik says
July 4, 2016 at 8:20 pmI 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
July 21, 2016 at 9:31 amcould 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
July 31, 2016 at 9:25 amAbsolute I got some insight here, I will keep it up!
kathleen says
August 8, 2016 at 1:06 pmhi, 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
December 11, 2016 at 3:58 amThanks very much .You are here for we all we really appreciate .Please how can I get on line electronic repairs some of these electronic gadgets is really taking my time I need your help all I ask please.
john says
January 9, 2017 at 3:37 pmhows 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
February 21, 2017 at 11:16 pmwhy 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
March 11, 2017 at 10:17 amHi, Please I’ve Always Wanted To Learn Electronics But I Don’t Know Where To Start. It Seems That I Have Been Reading Wrong Things. Can You Please Recomend Any Ebook For Me To Teach Me In A Very Straight Foward Way, I Wish To Be Good To The Stage That I Will Be Able To Work With Microcontrollers. Thanks
amol choudhari says
March 13, 2017 at 7:52 pmThank you so much sir…..
I want to more knowledge about electronic so plz sir guide me sir…
SOLOMON JAURO says
July 27, 2017 at 8:14 amIam really interested in electronics. It has always being my desire that I be able to contact someone who might be of help to me with regard to electronics. I am happy you offer to do just that. I’ll keep in contact with you. Thanks.
Dan Okocha says
November 2, 2017 at 12:23 pmI new I could get all these,but pliz send me some more in my mail
THANKS
Ganesh patra says
April 10, 2018 at 5:39 amHi I am Ganesh I am interested in electronics !!!! please help me out
Sylvester says
June 28, 2018 at 5:24 pmMany thanks for your help and encouragement. I ‘do really want to learn the basics of electronic circuit from you. Thanks once again.