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:
