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Every device we rely on, from your home appliances to our traffic control system to the device you're reading this on now, relies on the magic of electrical circuits. Electrical circuits are the foundation for all electronics and understanding their basics is not only essential to anyone learning electronics, but useful to anyone who participates in the modern world. How circuits work can seem like a mystery full of technical terms and complex concepts, but the basics can be broken down in very simple terms. So explore with us: from what circuits are and what they do to how to best learn about circuits. What is a circuit? An electrical circuit is a loop around which electricity moves to give power to the devices that make up the world around us. Imagine your friend has been helping you move, but after lifting so many heavy things, he’s out of energy. There are snacks in the kitchen to refuel, but the way there is blocked by stacks on stacks of boxes. Only by clearing a path to the kitchen and back can you bring him the energy he needs to keep performing the task. Circuits are the same thing: paths that can bring energy to the devices we want to perform various tasks. If we have a power source with a negative and positive end, connecting the two lets us make a direct path from that negative start point to the positive endpoint - allowing the electricity to flow. If circuits sound like a “circle”, that’s because that’s not far off of what they are: simple circuits circle the electricity around themselves, from one end of the power source back to the other. How do electrical circuits work? If there is a path, tiny negatively charged particles called electrons like to move from negatively charged places—places with a lot of electrons—to positively charged places without many electrons. The energy those electrons bring is called electricity. Like stacks of boxes blocking your way to the kitchen, air usually does not allow electricity through easily, so we need the two sides to be connected with a material that does let electricity through easily, which is called a conductor. Metal wires work great for that and form many circuits. What do circuits do? The fact that electrical circuits move energy around lets us bring that energy in (and out) of all the tools we need for a modern world. If you want to have a device do something, like toast your bread or load your emails, you’ll need circuits to give it the power to do so. If a circuit is complete, meaning there is an unbroken path from start to finish, electricity will flow through each part of the circuit, including any connected devices. Those devices then have the power to do what they were meant to, and so your bedside lamp turns on or your electric vehicle starts to move. It can take a lot of imagination — and centuries of human innovation — to figure out all the practical applications we can get out of circuits, but discovering those endless possibilities is the most fun part! What makes up an electrical circuit? Electrical circuits are usually comprised of three key components: A "path” made of conductive material that the electric current easily travels along, such as wire or etches in a circuit board. A "source" of electrical power that gives the circuit electrical energy, such as batteries or a wall outlet A "load”, made up of the device or devices that use that electrical power to operate such as lamps or motors attribution: Image by brgfx on Freepik What do circuit symbols mean? An essential tool in the journey to understanding circuits will be the ability to read the circuit language. We’ll start you off with the most basic - ones you’ll see in almost any circuit. The first represents a power source, like a battery. With a larger line representing the positive end (or terminal) and a smaller line representing the negative terminal, the power source is usually the start and endpoint of the electrical circuit. The second represents a resistor, something on the circuit where electricity will still flow through, but it struggles more than it would in conductors like wires. Why would we want to use a resistor if it restricts the flow of electricity and even uses up electrical energy? One of the main reasons is that a lot of materials do cool things when they resist electricity, like producing light or heat. From toasters to light bulbs, devices that heat or light up often “use” electricity by resisting it. The last we’re going to talk about for now is a switch, represented by a place in the circuit where the lines don’t connect. When the switch is “off”, the circuit is open, which means there isn’t a path for the electricity to get to where it wants to go. No power is moving through and none of the devices on the way will work. Flip the switch and the circuit closes, giving the electricity a complete path to get to where it needs to go and powering the devices again. There’s a lot more to learn about electrical circuits and the ways we understand or draw them, from voltage to alternating current versus direct current to so much more - but we believe in letting you learn with your hands as much as with your eyes, so let’s get your hands on them. attribution: Image by brgfx on Freepik How to learn about electronics or electrical circuits: Explanations are nice, but the best and most engaging way to really understand circuits is to play around them. EIM Technology provides numerous kits and accompanying guides to walk you through not just how to assemble basic circuits, but the principles at play in each one. With step by step instructions, these projects work great for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and most excitingly, will show you that you’re learning when the lights turn on or the motors start to move. What electrical circuits can do is a lot of fun, so make learning about them fun too! We have carefully designed an experimental learning kit, including manual and tools, to coach you from introductory to intermediate level familiarity with electrical circuits: Basic Electric Circuits At the end of a long day of moving things, you and your friend have finished all the snacks and are exhausted. “Maybe one day, someone will invent a robot that does this for us,” your friend jokes. With your budding journey into the world of circuits and how to use them to power all sorts of useful tools, you think maybe that person could be you. Continue that journey with our other posts on different types of circuits, transistors, and resistance Or make that journey an engaging, self guided exploration with kits that suit any level. Happy learning! Check our collections: For electronics learning kit >> DIY Learning Kits For Electronics testing >> Instruments & Testing Tools For Sensor Modules / Hardware Modules >> Accessories & Boards

What is Ohm's Law? Ohm's Law, a cornerstone in the field of electronics, establishes the crucial relationship between voltage, current, and resistance within an electrical circuit. This principle, encapsulated in the equation V = I x R holds as much importance to electronics students as Einstein's Relativity theory does to physicists. In the simplest of terms, Ohm's Law posits that the voltage (V) is the product of the current (I) and the resistance (R). This can also be expressed as volts equals amps multiplied by ohms, or V = A x Ω This principle has been named after its proposer, the celebrated German physicist Georg Ohm (1789-1854). Ohm's Law elucidates the fundamental quantities in play within circuits: voltage, current, and resistance. Importance of Ohm's Law in understanding electrical circuits Ohm's Law plays an indispensable role in understanding electrical circuits. It establishes the basic relationship among the three primary electrical properties: voltage, current, and resistance. This understanding is fundamental to the analysis, design, and troubleshooting of any electrical circuit. In essence, Ohm's Law is a fundamental tool in the electrical and electronics field. It provides a solid foundation for understanding how electricity works and how to safely and efficiently manipulate it in practical applications. Ohms Law Calculation: Mathematical equation and its components - voltage, current, and resistance Ohm's Law is an essential mathematical principle in the field of electrical and electronic engineering. It is represented as V= I x R To understand the formula further, here's a breakdown of these components: 1. V (Voltage): This is the force that propels the electric charge through a circuit. It's the energy per unit charge and is measured in volts (V). 2. I (Current): Current refers to the flow of electric charge, or put simply, the rate at which charge is moving. It is measured in amperes or amps (A). 3. R (Resistance): This property opposes or resists the flow of electrical current in a circuit. It is measured in ohms (Ω). The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance Ohm's Law describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electric circuit: the current is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance, assuming a constant temperature. This means that if the voltage increases, the current increases, and if the resistance increases, the current decreases. The figure below is referred to as the Ohm’s Law Triangle and it is used to visualize the mathematical relationship between the three. Here's how to read the triangle: 1. If you want to find voltage (V), you cover up V in the triangle, leaving you with I (current) next to R (resistance). This tells you that voltage is equal to current multiplied by resistance V = I x R 2. If you want to find the current (I), you cover up I, leaving you with E over R. This tells you that current is equal to voltage divided by resistance I = V/R 3. If you want to find resistance (R), you cover up R, leaving you with E over I. This tells you that resistance is equal to voltage divided by current R = V/I Practical applications of Ohm's Law Ohm's Law has numerous practical applications, such as: 1. Analysis and Design: Ohm's Law is used to design electronic circuits and systems by helping engineers or technicians determine the correct values for voltage, current, or resistance needed in a circuit to achieve their desired output. This is vital in the design of different devices such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and integrated circuits, among others. 2. Troubleshooting: When a circuit isn’t working as expected, Ohm's Law can be used to identify and fix the problem. By understanding the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, one can diagnose whether the issue lies in an excess or lack of voltage, an incorrect level of current, or an improper amount of resistance. 3. Power Calculation: Ohm's Law, in conjunction with the power law, can be used to calculate the power consumed by a device or a component in a circuit. This is essential in designing power supplies or choosing the correct components to handle the power in a circuit. 4. Safety: Understanding Ohm's Law is crucial for safety reasons. It allows one to calculate the amount of current that will flow in a circuit for a given voltage and resistance, helping to prevent electrical shocks or fires. Understanding Resistance Electrical resistance, measured in ohms (Ω), is a property that quantifies how a material opposes or hinders the flow of electrical current. Factors affecting resistance The resistance of a conductor is influenced by several factors: 1. Material: The atomic structure of different materials can either facilitate or obstruct the flow of electrons. Metals like copper and silver, which have low resistance, are good conductors, while high-resistance materials like rubber and glass are good insulators. 2. Length: The longer the conductor, the greater the resistance, as electrons encounter more opposition over a longer distance. 3. Cross-sectional Area: A larger cross-sectional area lowers resistance by providing more space for electron flow. 4. Temperature: For most materials, resistance increases with temperature. More thermal energy causes atoms to vibrate more, leading to more collisions and hindering electron flow. The effect of resistance on current and voltage Resistance directly impacts both current and voltage within a circuit, as defined by Ohm's Law (V = I x R). 1. Current: With a constant voltage, an increase in resistance leads to a decrease in current, as there is more opposition to the flow of electrons. 2. Voltage: With a constant current, an increase in resistance results in an increase in voltage, as more force is needed to push the same amount of current through the circuit. In our Electronics Learning kit - "Basic Electric Circuits" we have broken down the electric circuits concepts in a much simpler way with practical application. This comprehensive kit is designed to enhance electronics education by offering structured learning, hands-on experimentation, and critical thinking development. EIM Technology Basic Electronic Learning Kit Introduction to Simple Circuits A simple electrical circuit, or a basic circuit, primarily consists of three components: a power source (such as a battery), a load (like a light bulb or a resistor that works using the electricity), and a conductive path (wires that connect the power source to the load). The power source provides the force or voltage that makes the electric charge or current flow through the circuit. The current leaves the positive terminal of the power source, moves through the conductive path, does work at the load, like lighting a bulb, and returns to the negative terminal of the power source, thereby completing the circuit. Resistance plays a pivotal role in controlling the flow of current in a simple circuit. A resistor, which is a common load in a circuit, uses the property of resistance to limit the flow of electric current to a safe and useful level. In the context of Ohm's Law, resistance determines how much current will flow through the circuit for a given voltage. If the resistance is high, the current will be low, and vice versa. This helps in preventing overloaded or short circuits, thus ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the circuit. In a nutshell, Ohm's Law, represented by the equation V = I x R, forms the cornerstone of electrical and electronic engineering, defining the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R). Resistance is a property that impedes the flow of electrical current and is affected by factors such as the material, length, cross-sectional area of the conductor, and temperature. Simple circuits, comprising a power source, a load, and a conductive path, function based on these principles. The role of resistance in such circuits is crucial, as it controls the current flow to ensure safety and efficiency. For anyone studying or working in the field of electronics, understanding these concepts is of paramount importance. Ohm's Law is applied frequently to design, analyze, and troubleshoot circuits. Knowledge of resistance and how it affects current and voltage is vital in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electronic devices. Furthermore, the principles of simple circuits serve as a foundation, aiding the understanding of more complex electronic systems. In essence, these concepts are fundamental tools that aid in the effective manipulation and control of electricity in practical applications. EIM Technology's Basic Electric Circuits Kit The Basic Electric Circuit Kit from EIM Technology is a robust educational tool that combines structured learning and hands-on experimentation. This kit includes essential electronic components, a solderless breadboard, and a comprehensive lab manual that covers everything from fundamental circuit concepts to complex topics like Ohm's Law and resistance. This kit is fully compatible with our very own portable & rechargeable electronic lab, Lab-on-the-Go. Users can construct and test circuits, deepening their understanding of how changes in voltage, current, and resistance affect circuit behavior. The lab manual supports this practical exploration, guiding users through a range of experiments and demonstrating real-world applications of these principles. Available for purchase on EIM Technology's website, this kit provides invaluable hands-on experience, reinforcing theoretical understanding and fostering practical skills in both educational and professional settings. Check our blogs: https://www.eimtechnology.com/blogs Related blog topic: https://www.eimtechnology.com/post/electrical-circuits-what-is-a-electrical-circuit-how-do-circuits-work EIM Technology shop (Store): https://shop.eimtechnology.com/ EIM Technology Support (Technical Features of the Products): https://support.eimtechnology.com/ EIM Technology Learning Center: https://doc.eimtechnology.com/

What are Kirchhoff's Laws? Kirchhoff's Laws, named after the German physicist Gustav Kirchhoff, are fundamental principles in the field of electrical engineering that describe the relationship between current and voltage in electrical circuits. These laws, known as Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL), form the backbone of circuit analysis. Simply put, KCL states that the total current entering a junction or node in a circuit must equal the total current leaving it, while KVL states that the total voltage around any closed loop or mesh in a circuit must equal zero. Kirchhoff's Laws have wide-ranging applications in our day-to-day lives. From the functioning of the electronic devices we use daily, like our phones, to larger systems like the electrical grids that power entire cities, Kirchhoff's Laws play a key role. Understanding these laws can help us grasp how our modern world functions. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a curious hobbyist, or simply a lifelong learner, getting familiar with Kirchhoff's Laws offers valuable insights into the world around us. Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) Kirchhoff's Current Law, also known as the first of Kirchhoff's Laws, states that the total current entering a junction or node in an electrical circuit must equal the total current leaving it. In simpler terms, what goes in must come out. This law is based on the principle of conservation of electric charge, which means that electric charge can neither be created nor destroyed. Currents Entering the Node = Currents Leaving the Node Let’s consider a simple example to better understand this law. In the figure below, we have a node in a circuit with three connected branches carrying the three currents I1, I2, and I3. The currents I1 and I2 are flowing into the node and I3 is flowing out. According to KCL, I1 + I2 = I3. This rule applies no matter how many currents are flowing in and out of a node. For example, we have a node below in a circuit with five branches carrying the currents I1, I2, I3, I4, and I5. The currents I1 and I3 are flowing into the node while the rest are flowing out. According to KCL, I1 + I3 = I2 + I4 + I5. In real life, KCL has various applications. It is used in designing and analyzing complex electrical circuits, such as those found in our electronic devices. For instance, engineers use KCL in determining the current distribution in multiple paths of power supply circuitry in a laptop or smartphone to ensure they function properly. One common mistake in applying KCL is forgetting that the current direction matters. We have to remember that currents flowing into the node are considered positive, and those flowing out are considered negative or vice versa, based on your initial assumption. Another mistake is not taking into account all the currents entering or leaving a node, which may lead to an incorrect analysis of the circuit. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) Kirchhoff's Voltage Law, also known as the second of Kirchhoff's Laws, states that the sum of the voltages around any closed loop or mesh in a network is always equal to zero. This is because a circuit loop is a closed conducting path, so no energy is lost. In real-world applications, KVL is used in just about every electronic device you can think of. From designing complex circuitry in telecommunication devices to troubleshooting electrical problems in automotive systems, KVL is a powerful tool for engineers and technicians alike. For instance, in household electrical wiring, KVL can help identify whether there is a short circuit in the system. One common error when applying KVL is not keeping track of the polarity of voltages. While traveling around a circuit loop, it is essential to add voltages that rise (going from minus to plus) and subtract voltages that drop (going from plus to minus). Another mistake is not considering all the voltages in a loop, especially when the loop contains multiple elements like batteries and resistors. Comparing KCL and KVL Similarities Both Kirchhoff's Current Law and Voltage Law are fundamental principles in the field of electrical and electronic engineering and are based on the conservation laws - KCL on the conservation of charge and KVL on the conservation of energy. Both laws are used for circuit analysis to find unknown currents and voltages, and both apply to any type of circuit - DC, AC, linear, non-linear, simple, or complex. Differences While both laws have similarities, they focus on different aspects of electrical circuits. KCL deals with the current flowing into and out of a junction in a circuit. It is based on the principle that the amount of current entering a node must equal the amount leaving it. On the other hand, KVL deals with the voltage around a closed loop in a circuit. It states that the total voltage supplied in a loop must equal the total voltage drop across the loop. When to Use KCL or KVL The decision to use KCL or KVL depends on the specifics of the problem at hand. KCL is often useful for analyzing current in parallel circuits and at junction points in complex networks. KVL, on the other hand, is commonly used for voltage analysis in series circuits and closed loops. In many cases, both laws are used together to solve complex circuit problems. These laws are especially powerful when used in conjunction with Ohm's Law, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of electric circuits. Key Takeaways Understanding Kirchhoff's Laws, specifically Kirchhoff's Current Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law is essential for anyone interested in the field of electrical engineering or simply seeking to understand the electrical world around us. Kirchhoff's Current Law teaches us that currents in a circuit are always conserved at any node or junction, providing a vital rule for analyzing current flow through complex networks. On the other hand, Kirchhoff's Voltage Law ensures that the total voltage in a closed loop remains constant, offering a powerful tool for voltage analysis in various circuits. The importance of these laws lies not only in their academic and theoretical value but also in their wide-ranging real-world applications. From designing electronic devices to troubleshooting electrical systems, these fundamental laws of physics are at the heart of our electrified world. Remember, while these laws might seem challenging at first, with practice and patience, anyone can master the art of circuit analysis using Kirchhoff's Laws. EIM Technology's Basic Electrical Circuit Kit At EIM Technology, we understand that learning about electrical circuits can be a daunting task. That's why we've developed our "Basic Electric Circuits" Electronics Learning Kit. This comprehensive kit simplifies the complex concepts of electric circuits and presents them in an engaging and practical way. One of the key features of our kit is the easy-to-understand explanation of Kirchoff's laws, accompanied by hands-on exercises that allow learners to apply these laws in real time, thereby providing a complete understanding of these fundamental principles. Our goal is to make learning about electric circuits accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The "Basic Electric Circuits" Electronics Learning Kit is available for purchase on our website: https://shop.eimtechnology.com/collections/all-products/products/basic-electric-circuits Dive into the electrifying world of circuits with EIM Technology and simplify your learning journey! References Recommended Books and Articles https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4909474 Useful Online Resources for Learning and Practice https://byjus.com/physics/kirchhoffs-law/

Electronic kits are a fantastic way for adults and hobbyists to dive into the fascinating world of electronics. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a curious beginner, these kits offer an opportunity to learn, experiment, and create exciting electronic projects. When it comes to learning electronics or creating electronics projects the image of messed up wires in a lab and referring to a number of study materials seems to be a boring way of learning. If you are looking for the best DIY electronic kits to scale up your learning, this is it. EIM Technology is here to make the learning of electronics fun, quick, and super easy! In this blog post, we will explore the top five Best Electronics Kits for Adults that cater to the needs of adults and hobbyists, providing an engaging and educational experience. So, let's get started! Below are the best electronic kits: Electronic Kit no 1: STEP FPGA FPGAs are employed in many industries and markets, including wireless communications, data centers, automotive, medical, and aerospace. FPGA processors can execute an AI algorithm much more quickly than a CPU. We bring STEP FPGA fast-paced processor with extensive features that you can master the category just like a pro! It’s a web-based beginner-friendly FPGA board to unlock your journey of digital electronics and hardware programming. The kit comes with hardware and stimulation with detailed demo video and materials which makes everything so accessible for you. If you are keen on mastering something similar to Arduino projects it’s time to take one step ahead with STEPFPGA MXO2Core development board. The MXO2Core is a family of the STEPFPGA series (which we co-developed with the STEPFPGA team in Suzhou, China; see a brief history at the very bottom of the campaign page). This MXO2Core is featured as compact, reliable, affordable, and easy to learn for FPGA beginners. Here is a list of the key features of the STEPFPGA MXO2Core board: No driver installation is needed, take a few seconds to flash the chip Support development on a Web-based IDE platform Support MacBook, Windows, and Linux operating systems One USB to support UART and Program Flashing at the same time On-board peripherals, switches/pushbuttons/LEDs/segments DIP40 footprint is ideal for both breadboard projects and embedded product design The best part of this kit it comes with illustrative Tutorials. The tutorials are designed in a way that they are easy to learn, implement, and apply to desired applications. The projects are selected in a way that educates you completely. In the tutorial, there are 8 projects, 2 of which are warm-up projects that can be realized by the STEPFPGA board only. The rest 6 projects are interesting and we put a graphical summary so you can take a glance. One example that we have is - learning to construct a program-controlled elevator model. Simply Design, Develop, and Share your FPGA source code. Step FPGA Web IDE: https://stepfpga.eimtechnology.com/ Step FPGA demo 1 Step FPGA demo 2 Get your hands on our STEP FPGA and prepare to delve into the functionalities and applications of FPGA technology. The product is available for purchase on both our online store and Amazon. Our STEPFPGA Learning Board Kit has received a great response in the market and is our all-time bestseller. FPGA Kit is indeed a Best Electronics Kits for Adults. Product purchase link: https://shop.eimtechnology.com/collections/all-products/products/step-fpga-development-board Product purchase link Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/STEPFPGA-Lattice-Interactive-Components-Extension/dp/B0BJW39L4D?ref_=ast_sto_dp Electronic Kit no 2: LAB-ON-THE-GO (Star Product) We have made it possible for you to have your very own portable Lab. Now convert any space into your LAB! Lab-On-The-Go (LOTG) is our unique innovation that solves the problem of bulky and old-styled electronic lab equipment. Lab-On-The-Go enables one to engage in real-world problem-solving outside of traditional laboratory settings.​ With Lab-On-The-Go, learning electronics and circuiting is no longer restricted by location or access to expensive equipment, allowing for better engagement and inclusivity in Edtech electronics and the self-development of practical skills. Now you know what makes it our STAR product. Lab-On-The-Go kit info: Items included in the Kit: MEGO | A rechargeable breadboard power supply generates 4-24V DC output VEGO | An auto-ranging digital multi-meter with accessory cables and probes Zoolark | A circuit debugging device integrated with a function generator and oscilloscope A half-sized solder-less breadboard with 410 holes A box of 140 pieces of pre-stripped 22AWG solid copper wires for immediate circuiting A bag of miscellaneous components for quick circuiting on the breadboard. A color-printed quick starter guide for electronics beginners Lab On The Go is a hero support agent that adds to our collection of Best Electronics Kits for Adults as the best electronic tool set for accurate results and learning. The below demo video gives you a brief understanding of how Lab-On-The-Go provides solutions to eliminating the hurdles one faces in electronics projects and learning. YouTube Demo: Now you know why Lab-On-The-Go is our best seller ever since it hit live. Below is the link to your purchase. Our constant efforts is you all enjoy these learning electronics kit for adults along with all the electronic Lab tools that Lab-On-The-Go offers. Product purchase link: https://shop.eimtechnology.com/collections/all-products/products/lab-on-the-go-electronic-testing-tools Electronic Kit no 3: Smart Greenhouse Our belief is understanding the problem and providing impactful solutions to it along with creativity. Maintaining a healthy life can be attained through healthy food. Smart greenhouses allow the crops that are being grown to reach the harvesting stage faster whilst retaining as many nutrients as possible. Smart greenhouse with cutting-edge sensors and communications systems monitor their surroundings and crops. The smart greenhouse with the help of cutting-edge sensors and communications systems monitors their surroundings and crops all the time and provides optimum thriving conditions for the plant/farms/garden. Our STEM Enhanced version of the Smart Greenhouse Kit offers advanced learning with an electronics-controlled smart greenhouse. The kit is capable of helping one expertise with the below topics: # Knowledge of the Greenhouse effect # Analog sensors circuitry # Basic thermodynamics # Motor control circuit # Op-amp and 555 timer basics The kit includes the following items: The greenhouse model building parts A color-printed illustrative tutorial book A full-size breadboard Watering pump system (a motor pump and tubing) A bag of electronic components and sensors Have a look at the kit below which makes it possible to learn various electronic modules at once. Some of the modules are temperature control unit, water pumping systems, humidity control systems and more. If you want to expose yourself to the learning of sensors, database logs along with their use and much more than this learning kit is perfect for you. The kit includes the basic model of a greenhouse (acrylic and plastic) where young learners can enjoy the hands-on building process. On average, the model can be assembled within 30 minutes. Purchase link: https://shop.eimtechnology.com/collections/all-products/products/greenhouse-effect-kit Electronic Kit no 4: SparkTip: Wireless Soldering Learning Kit Learning soldering with improper equipment could make it is a difficult skill to learn. We aim to make learning soldering exciting, quick and hassle-free with our one-of-its-kind, SparkTip: Wireless Soldering Learning Kit. With its user-friendly interface and convenient portability, SparkTip offers a seamless soldering experience, enabling you to assemble and repair electronic circuits effortlessly. Our soldering kit offers a range of practical DIY projects, allowing you to apply your newfound skills and unleash your creativity. Some extraordinary features offered by SparkTip Soldering Learning kit: Wireless Solder Iron/Cordless Solder Iron Adjustable temperatures Intelligent sleep mode Smart portable fan with UV light Fan speed control Fan with powerful smoke suction DIY project Check this exciting and unique soldering iron kit below: SparkTip is the most awaited product that we are thrilled to bring for you and it's coming soon on our website store! Buy SparkTip: Rechargeable Soldering Iron Online: https://shop.eimtechnology.com/products/sparktip-soldering-iron-kit Electronic kits undoubtedly offer an exciting gateway into the world of electronics, fostering creativity, knowledge acquisition, and personal growth. By choosing the right kit, and exploring various projects you can embark on a fulfilling journey of discovery. Check our website and be one step ahead in the journey of learning and experimenting. These electronic kits for adults, hobbyists and electronics learners offer an excellent opportunity to explore the exciting world of electronics. Whether you prefer Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or a more hands-on approach with snap-together circuits, there's a kit to suit your preferences and skill level. Each kit provides a unique learning experience, allowing you to build projects, experiment with programming, and expand your knowledge of electronics. So, pick a kit that excites you the most, embark on your electronic journey, and unleash your creativity with us! EIM Technology shop (Store): https://shop.eimtechnology.com/ Check our collections: For electronics learning kit >> DIY Learning Kits For Electronics testing >> Instruments & Testing Tools For Sensor Modules / Hardware Modules >> Accessories & Boards EIM Technology Support (Technical Features of the Products): https://support.eimtechnology.com/ EIM Technology Learning Center: https://doc.eimtechnology.com/

In today’s digital world, everything is about ones and zeros, on and off, true and false. Digital electronics dominate the field, and as such, most electronics projects involve switches, LEDs, microcontrollers, and the like. To spice things up, I decided to mess around with some analog electronics, and the simplest project I could think of was to make a basic amplifier with a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). The 2N3904 is a common general-purpose NPN-type BJT. The plan was to use a function generator to output a small signal and then measure a (hopefully) amplified version of that wave on the oscilloscope. Simple enough, right? Here’s the bipolar junction transistor amplifier circuit that I put together. Attempt #1 - Bipolar Junction Transistor Amplifier Schematic: >>> The product used in this image is Zoolark , an Oscilloscope with Waveform Generator by EIM Technology, check it out at https://shop.eimtechnology.com/collections/all-products/products/zoolark-oscilloscope-with-function-generator >>> My thinking here was that my function generator inputs a small signal with low current to the base, and the transistor would amplify it. I vaguely remembered that the gain of the amplifier would be equal to the value of the collector resistor divided by the emitter resistor, so the gain should be about 45. Let’s plug the input and output into the oscilloscope channels and see what we get. Observation & learning from 1st attempt of BJT amplifier output: Yikes! Not exactly what I was expecting. Now, this is slightly embarrassing considering I took an entire university course on transistors, op-amps, diodes, and the like, but hey, it’s been a few years, and every student knows that realization that you forgot everything after the exam. The last time I used a BJT in a project, I was essentially using it as a switch, so that’s sort of where my head was at with this silly configuration. I was quickly reminded that using a transistor as an amplifier is a little more involved. So, I looked at some articles online for a quick refresher and sure enough, all the knowledge started flowing back. There are two main problems with my BJT amplifier circuit: 1) I am trying to amplify the signal to an amplitude that is larger than my supply voltage, which is not possible. My theoretical gain of 45 would amplify my 1 V input to a 45 V output, so my wave is being clipped at the 5 V supply voltage. This is why my output wave looks so strange. 2) I haven’t ensured that the BJT is in the active region, which is essential when making an amplifier. (For the BJT to operate in the active region, the condition is that the base-emitter junction should be forward-biased while the base-collector junction is reverse-biased.) To review, BJTs have three main operating regions: active, saturation, and cutoff. Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) Active Mode: The active region is characterized by two conditions being satisfied: the collector voltage being greater than the base voltage, and the base voltage being about 0.7 V greater than the emitter voltage. We will need to add some extra resistors with values that will produce the desired operating point. This process is called biasing. There are many ways to do this, but I find H-biasing to be straightforward. This will make our circuit look like this: BJT Biasing - Transistor Biasing Calculations: The two resistors we added create a voltage divider, which allows us to set the base voltage by varying the ratio between the resistor values. Let’s aim for a more modest gain of 10. We’ll choose a 10 kΩ resistor for the collector and 1 kΩ for the emitter. Let’s also use a 20 V power source so that we can avoid the clipping issue. The first thing we need to do is figure out the collector and emitter currents, but we can approximate these as equal because the emitter current is the sum of the collector and base currents, and the base current is very small. Now, a little bit of math. Optimal amplification happens when the voltage between the collector and emitter is half of our supply voltage, so we want it to be around 10 V. Since our supply is 20 V, this means that the remaining 10 V is consumed by the collector and emitter resistors. Using Ohm’s Law, 10 V divided by the combined resistance of 11 kΩ gives us a collector (and emitter) current of 0.9 mA. We can use this to determine that the collector voltage is 20 V – (0.9 mA) (10 kΩ) = 11 V. Similarly, the emitter voltage is 0 + (0.9 mA) (1 kΩ) = 0.9 V. And since our base voltage needs to be 0.7 V higher than that, 0.9 V + 0.7 V = 1.6 V. Now we can set the resistor values in our voltage divider to produce a base voltage of 1.6 V, which is about one-tenth of our supply voltage, so we need our top resistor to be around 10 times larger than the bottom resistor. We’ll choose 100 kΩ and 10 kΩ. One more thing that I forgot in the first go around: the AC input and output should be isolated from the DC sources used for biasing! To do this, we need to add capacitors at the input and output. The idea here is that small capacitors charge up quickly and then act like an open circuit for DC current but act like a short circuit for AC current, so only the AC can cross the capacitors. Attempt #2 - Bipolar Junction Transistor Amplifier on Breadboard: Setting it up on the board looks like this. Now, when I measure both the input and output on the two channels of the oscilloscope: We amplified our wave! A few more steps than I thought it would take, but not too difficult once I knew what I was missing. This type of amplifier is called a common-emitter amplifier (CE amplifier), and one of its characteristics is that in addition to being amplified, our wave was also inverted. You can see that the high points of the input wave are the low points of the output wave.

In my communication with instructors, there’s often a recognized desire to implement electronics learning into school curriculum. However, one question that I have gotten is “How do I do it?”. A lot of teachers are requested by administration to implement some electronics teaching aspect to their curriculum but sometimes the teacher’s academic expertise is not in electronics. One of EIM’s chief mandate is to make electronics learning more accessible for everyone. Making implementation more accessible in the classroom is a part of this! This post will be describing some simple breadboard projects that can be implemented with minimal financial resource and time. Q: What is a breadboard? The breadboard is a commonly used tool for prototyping basic electronic circuits. Since a breadboard does not require any soldering and is reusable, it is an ideal tool for electronics learners. Breadboards are also easy to modify, are affordable, and are meant for rapid prototyping since you can build very quickly. Q: What are some projects I can build on a breadboard? The following are some beginner level projects with links to good resources to get you started on your journey! · Blinking LEDs: Learn about resistors, LEDs, and basic circuitry by creating a blinking LED circuit. · Light Sensor: Can use light dependent resistors to build a simple light sensing circuit. · Temperature Sensor: Learn about thermistors and how they can be used to measure temperature. · Audio Amplifier: Learn how to amplify sound with an audio amplifier chip, capacitor, and potentiometer! · Alarm Circuit: Using a 555 timer IC that generates a square signal wave to drive the speaker ringing an alarm. This project teaches about timing circuits, oscillators, and signal generators. There are just a few to get started, we will post many more projects in the future! Some of these projects require multimeters and power supplies. EIM’s Lab-on-the-Go platform is perfect for powering your projects! Check it on - https://www.eimtechnology.com/products/lab-on-the-go #EdTech #ElectronicsLearning #BreadboardProjects #STEMeducation #MakerEducation #HandsOnLearning #DIYElectronics #EducationTechnology #OnlineLearning #Elearning #RemoteLearning #BlendedLearning #StudentEngagement #DigitalEducation #LearningTools #TeachingTools #ClassroomTechnology #21stCenturySkills #FutureOfLearning #TechInEducation #EducationalSoftware #LearningAnalytics #EdTechChat #EducationReform #PersonalizedLearning

It's fascinating to see the magic that a soldering iron does through its way of building a connection. Being from an electronic background or from a non-electronic background the joy of using a soldering iron seems mesmerizing. Often the first time using a soldering iron has been exciting but the result of the solder connection turns out to be a messy one. Sometimes multiple short circuits have been made, sometimes too much solder is left at a place, or the solder has the black stain left or the worse I would say would damage the PCB board due to overheating. But the question remains How Do I Use a Soldering Iron? But there is a solution to every problem! By following some cautions and instructions the soldering blunder can be easily eliminated. Let us learn in this article. All you need is a soldering iron, solder wire, a steady soldering iron stand, minor accessories to clean the soldering iron tip, and a power supply (ideal solder iron, a rechargeable cordless soldering iron when it comes to a cordless soldering iron like SparkTip) Guide to HOW TO USE A SOLDERING IRON When it comes to learning to solder there are certain things to be informed about what you can do before soldering, how to get to know if the soldering is done right, and how you can check the soldering results. Let us now have a look at the How Do I Use a Soldering Iron / How to Solder: Choose the right solder iron – When it comes to choosing the right soldering iron below are a few top questions to be asked. One is the Watts range of the soldering iron as it decides how fast your soldering iron will heat up. The ideal watt range for a good soldering iron is 40–60 watts. Second, what is the temperature control it offers? How efficient it is when it comes to heating. The right temperature for a perfect soldering is important. Third, is it a fixed or variable temperature soldering iron? The variable soldering iron is always better as it gives you the advantage of temperature control as required. Fourth could be a traditional soldering iron with a wired power-up arrangement which makes it difficult to use. I have faced many challenges while using it. Sometimes it falls out of stand due to the wire getting stuck somewhere in between. Sometimes got burnt bruises because of immobility. Right Soldering tip - Selecting the right kind of soldering iron Tip is crucial. The 3 most common for electronics work: are chisel, conical, and bevel tips. The right tip can lead to perfect soldering if all are correct as they are based on the type of board or component size to be soldered. Tin and clean your iron tip - Cleaning the tip frequently while using helps to no stained soldering. The wet sponge had been used to clean the soldering tip for a very long time but it leads to temperature fluctuations and stresses the tip. A good option could be Soldering Iron Tip Cleaner Brass Tip Cleaner. It has brass wool which removes "debris" better, smaller thermal shock and you don't have to pour water whenever you start soldering. Use flux to prevent fire scale and help the solder to flow - Solder flux is a substance that helps clean and forms a strong bond between parts of the electronics or wires. It achieves this by removing impurities from the surface and preventing them from interfering with the bond between it and the solder. The flux can be in liquid, paste, or powder form, and you can apply it before and during the soldering process. Avoiding overheating - Overheating of solder iron due to prolonged heating that is continuous use can be avoided by using a soldering iron with sleep mode and quick heat time. Here the solder is more or less in the right place but isn't actually bonded to one or more of the metal surfaces in the joint. Say no to Cold Solder Joints - A cold joint occurs whenever the solder doesn't completely melt when soldering, forming an improper joint as a result. To avoid Cold Solder joints, ensure efficiency and perfection in soldering. Most of the time, bad soldering occurs due to low-quality soldering tools. Choosing the right soldering iron, setting up the right temperature, mess free environment, and a clean surface are important. The points we discussed above can stop the formation of cold solder joints. Cold solder joints can be detected by visually checking the board. Avoiding Disturbed Joints: A Disturbed joint has been subjected to movement as the solder was solidifying. The surface of the joint may appear frosted, crystalline, or rough. Try to stabilize the surface or lessen the unnecessary movement. Knowing the right amount of solder: Over-soldering or staved joints are two common causes of cold soldering. So, you need to arrange adequate solder during the operation. Try to apply a minimal amount of solder mixture. It reduces the opportunity of creating cold solder. Excess solder mistake- Knowing when to pull out the soldering iron is important. If not taken care of, it can lead to excess solder. Excess solder may look like a small ball of solder at a place or say ball-like pin. Often excess solder can lead to a solder bridge. In actuality, the solder covering the solder pad (the solder pad is the copper patch to a dedicated pin or component ends) is enough. Too little solder mistake - Less solder can lead to an open circuit or discontinuity in the circuit. Sometimes less solder and the direct contact between the component lead can lead to its damage. Especially in ICs or SMD components. One should know to consider the right amount of solder and remove excess solder if required. Lifted pads: A lifted pad is a solder pad that has become detached from the surface of the PCB possibly due to excessive force on an existing joint or excess heat. This results in a damaged PCB and it could not be good to use anymore. There is nothing much we can do to fix this problem. But we can take care of the heat and the pressure that we apply to the surface while soldering. Checking the solder joints: To verify the task is something that can never be skipped anywhere. To ensure the proper working of the circuit the solder connections are double-checked. The solder connection testing has two parts: Testing the Continuity: The other testing method involves switching the multimeter into continuity mode, interconnecting two terminals, and listening for a beep. If there is a beep, then continuity has been confirmed. Connecting to the two ends of a suspected cold solder joint may not return a beep, meaning that the joint must be redone. If there is a beep, then the joint will be normally functional. Testing The Resistance: The first involves setting the multimeter to a resistance of 1000 ohms. You then interconnect the two terminals and look for a reading of 0 ohms to ensure it is working. Now you can connect each terminal to the opposing joints. If the reading shows 0 ohms, then the connection is viable. Use proper ventilation/fans / PPE: Using a Fan that extracts the harmful fumes generator while soldering is also equally important. It is called solder fume extractor fans. Desoldering Pump: Mistakes and errors happen everywhere. There is no exception when it comes to soldering. Common mistakes could be placing the wrong component, say instead of placing a 1000 ohm resistor 10000 ohm resistor was placed in the PCB. Now, it is to be removed which can be done using a desoldering pump. Place it to the point from where the solder is to be removed and punch in the pump button. It pushes out the solder from the place it was placed. Practice, practice, and practice! – The perfect answer to how do you solder is to keep practicing soldering. Eventually, taking precautions, and practicing soldering is what will make it perfect. Check SparkTip: Best Cordless Soldering Iron by EIM Technology - Answer to "How Do I Use a Soldering Iron" made easy A good solder iron available that stands on all the standards that make an ideal solder iron is SparkTip EIM Technology’s SparkTip Soldering Iron Explained. The top features that make it the best solder iron are its portable, USB rechargeable, and smart temperature control giving a clean soldering result. Moreover, EIM has created an illustrative soldering tutorial guide which makes learning soldering skills easier and interesting. SparkTip is an answer to the question How Do I Use a Soldering Iron? for many beginners as it offers such easy-to-use features and functionality. Check SparkTip: Cordless Soldering Iron SparkTip: Cordless & USB Rechargeable Soldering Iron Unboxing, Introduction, Working Explained. Buy SparkTip: Cordless Soldering Iron https://shop.eimtechnology.com/products/sparktip-soldering-iron-kit To sum up, the article, choosing the right good quality soldering is an important step towards mastering the soldering skill. In accordance with that, taking the precautionary steps discussed by us and lots of practice will surely lead to the answer to “How do I use a soldering iron?” Check our blogs: https://www.eimtechnology.com/blogs Related blog topic: https://www.eimtechnology.com/post/best-soldering-iron-with-diy-projects-kit-by-eim-technology EIM Technology shop (Store): https://shop.eimtechnology.com/ EIM Technology Support (Technical Features of the Products): https://support.eimtechnology.com/ EIM Technology Learning Center: https://doc.eimtechnology.com/

Have you ever embarked on a DIY electronics project, only to end up with a poorly soldered joint? Perhaps the solder didn't flow properly, or maybe you ended up damaging the components due to excessive heat. Does overheating of solder iron cause damage to the electronic component or the circuit board? Are the chip components like chip resistors, chip capacitors, chip diode, etc., difficult to place on the PCB board? If you've faced these challenges, fear not! In this ultimate guide, we will hunt through into the world of soldering, and soldering temperatures, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to tackle your soldering skill with precision. Soldering is the process of joining two or more metal components by melting a filler metal, known as solder, and allowing it to flow into the joint. This technique is widely used in electronics, from assembling circuit boards to repairing broken connections. The secret to successful soldering lies in finding the optimal temperature that ensures a strong and reliable joint without damaging the delicate electronic components. We will explore the factors that influence soldering temperature, the different types of soldering irons available, and provide essential tips for achieving excellent results. Factors Affecting Soldering Temperature Before we dive into the specifics of soldering temperature, it's important to understand the factors that determine the optimal temperature for any given soldering task. Solder Type: Different solder alloys have different melting points. The most common solder used in electronics is a tin-lead alloy, which typically melts around 183 degrees Celsius (361 degrees Fahrenheit). However, with the increasing concern over lead exposure, lead-free solders have gained popularity. Lead-free solders generally have higher melting points, requiring higher temperatures. Component Sensitivity: Electronic components vary in their tolerance to heat. Some components, such as resistors or capacitors, can withstand higher temperatures without damage. On the other hand, delicate components like integrated circuits (ICs) or transistors can be easily damaged by excessive heat. It's crucial to understand the temperature limits of the components you are working with. Soldering Iron Power: The power rating of your soldering iron is another critical factor. Higher-wattage soldering irons heat up faster and can maintain the desired temperature more effectively during soldering. However, excessive power can also lead to overheating if not handled properly. Fixed /Non-moveable solder ironing: The use of solder iron becomes a bit difficult due to the wire attached to it. Many times the solder iron tip contact with the power cable causes it to burn. All this is due to its limitless to move. EIM Technology had found a solution to this problem. EIM technology brings a portable and chargeable soldering iron kit. EIM Technology is all set to launch our very own complete Soldering kit: SparkTip! It’s one of kind a and comes with many more features. Now that we have a basic understanding of the factors that influence temperature, let's explore the different types of soldering irons available to help us achieve precise soldering results. Types of Soldering Irons and Temperature Control Not all soldering irons are created equal. There are several types of soldering irons available, each with its own temperature control mechanism. Understanding the pros and cons of each type will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs. Fixed Temperature Soldering Irons: These soldering irons are the simplest in design, offering a single fixed temperature setting. While they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, they lack versatility. Fixed-temperature soldering irons are typically suitable for projects that involve soldering components with similar temperature requirements. Variable Temperature Soldering Irons: Variable temperature soldering irons allow you to adjust the temperature based on the specific soldering task at hand. These irons offer greater flexibility and control, making them ideal for a wide range of projects. They often come with a temperature dial or digital display to set and monitor the desired temperature accurately. Temperature-controlled Soldering Stations: Soldering stations consist of a soldering iron and a separate temperature control unit. They offer precise temperature regulation and stability, making them the preferred choice for professional soldering tasks. Temperature-controlled soldering stations allow you to fine-tune the temperature based on the component and joint size, ensuring optimal soldering results. We now understand the factors and various challenges that one faces while soldering. EIM Technology is all set to launch our very own complete Soldering kit: SparkTip! It's is capable of efficiently eliminating all problems and making you a soldering pro! Our soldering learning kit – SparkTip includes portable/wireless soldering iron, a fume-suction fan, an illustrative tutorial book, practical DIY projects, a soldering iron stand, and much more. Setting up a miniature electronics workshop for a hybrid class has never been so easy. Now that we've covered the different types of soldering irons, let's discuss some tips and techniques for finding the best temperature. Tips for Achieving the Perfect Soldering Temperature Finding the best soldering temperature is a balancing act that requires practice and experimentation. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect temperature for your soldering projects: Start with the manufacturer's recommendations: Always refer to the datasheet or technical specifications of the components you are soldering. Manufacturers often provide specific temperature guidelines to prevent damage to the components. Use a temperature-controlled soldering station: Investing in a good-quality temperature-controlled soldering station is worth every penny. It provides consistent and accurate temperature control, ensuring reliable soldering results without risking damage to your components. Preheating and thermal management: For larger joints or heat-sensitive components, preheating the board or the area around the joint can help achieve better solder flow while minimizing heat stress on adjacent components. Start Low and Gradually Increase: When working on a new project or with unfamiliar components, it's always a good idea to start with a lower temperature. This allows you to observe the behavior of the solder and components without risking heat damage. If the solder doesn't melt properly or flows sluggishly, gradually increase the temperature until you achieve a satisfactory result. Use Temperature-Controlled Soldering Irons: Investing in a temperature-controlled soldering iron can significantly enhance your soldering experience. These soldering irons allow precise temperature adjustment and temperature stability, ensuring consistent soldering results. Look for soldering irons with adjustable temperature settings and digital displays for accurate temperature control. Experiment with temperatures: If you are not sure about the ideal temperature for a particular soldering task, start with a lower temperature setting and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired results. Keep a record of the temperature settings that work well for future reference. Tinning the tip: Prior to soldering, make sure to tin the soldering iron tip by coating it with a thin layer of solder. This helps improve heat transfer and ensures efficient soldering. Cleanliness is the key: Keeping your soldering iron tip clean is essential for effective heat transfer. Regularly clean the tip using a damp sponge or specialized tip cleaner to remove any oxidation or residue. Consider lead-free solder: Lead-free solder has become the industry standard due to environmental regulations. If you are using lead-free solder, be aware that it generally requires higher temperatures for proper bonding. You have now become well-versed in the essential aspects of soldering temperature. You can confidently take on your DIY electronics projects with precision and finesse. Whether you're an electronics student, hobbyist, or professional, soldering is an essential skill that paves the way for countless opportunities in the world of electronics. Try our soldering learning kit, SparkTip which is unique and one kit that solves our soldering challenges and it comes with a user-friendly guide specially designed for you. So, go ahead, fire up your soldering station, and dive into the world of precision soldering. Check our product SparkTip on Kickstarter and support us to make it successful. Keep visiting our website for more interesting blogs on electronics education. Happy soldering! FAQs Check our blogs: https://www.eimtechnology.com/blogs Related blog topic: https://www.eimtechnology.com/post/best-soldering-iron-with-diy-projects-kit-by-eim-technology EIM Technology shop (Store): https://shop.eimtechnology.com/ EIM Technology Support (Technical Features of the Products): https://support.eimtechnology.com/ EIM Technology Learning Center: https://doc.eimtechnology.com/

Transistors, one of the most important tools in electronics, are everywhere - billions of them power the computer or smartphone you’re reading this on. One of the most important inventions of the modern era, transistors give us limitless possibilities and control in building circuits and the devices they power. Take computers - the first ones we had were enormous and operated entirely by hand. Thanks to transistors, computers became magnitudes more powerful at a fraction of the size, performing incredibly complex operations by pressing just one button. Understanding "What is a transistor" is as useful as the device itself. This can get complicated quickly, so we’ll keep things simple as we explore what transistors do, the types of transistors, the components of transistors, how transistors work, which transistor is best to use, and why these tiny devices have revolutionized our world. What is a transistor? Transistors are devices with two functions: a switch that turns signals on and off and an amplifier that lets small signals control much larger ones. Switches let you control parts of a circuit, but basic switches require you to input physical force to manually operate (and be big enough to do so). It would very quickly require a lot of materials, effort, time, and space to build and operate machines with enough switches for complex operations. Transistors allow you to switch circuits on and off automatically, remotely, and with electrical inputs, letting us build them efficiently at microscopic sizes. Since the transistor controls more electrical signals than it takes to turn on, small signals to a transistor control large ones coming out. This is what we mean when we say it’s an amplifier. Sound amplifiers like microphones, take the volume of your voice and make it a lot louder. Transistors do the same thing, just with electrical signals. How many times larger the signal being controlled is than the signal controlling it is called the transistor’s gain. Parts of a transistor Transistors often look a bit like a pitchfork, with three prongs known as leads coming out of a main body. Each lead is a conductor that lets you easily connect the wires of your circuit to a particular terminal inside that body, each with its specific function. On individual transistors you get for your projects, the body will also generally have the transistor’s product number, which will help you find the important information on using that transistor, such as which lead is which, how much current can be supported, etc. Types of transistors There are different types of transistors, but the main ones we’ll discuss are BJTs (Bipolar-Junction Transistors) and MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide Field-Effect Transistors). Don’t worry, you don’t need to bother with all those big words just yet. These work differently and therefore have different applications that we’ll explore in detail in a moment. In BJTs, the terminals are called the emitter, collector, and in between, base. In MOSFETs, we call them the source, drain, and in between, gate. How do transistors work? There’s pretty complicated physics at play in transistors, so today we’ve boiled down the principles to basics. Remember that atoms want to have complete sets of electrons and how many more or less than a complete set an atom has gives it unique properties. Semiconductors’ specific numbers of electrons allow them to go between conducting and insulating electricity depending on the circumstance. When atoms of a semiconductor like silicon are next to each other, they share electrons to help each other get that perfect amount (you may recall the idea of covalent bonds from chemistry class). We can throw this sharing off by adding a bit of a different material. If we add one with fewer electrons, there won’t be enough to share evenly, so the semiconductor will want to take in more. If we add materials with more electrons, suddenly there will be “too many” electrons and it will want to give electrons away. Transistor terminals are layers of semiconductors with too many electrons next to layers with too few, letting some flow from the former to the latter. But after electrons cross over, they’ve now built up at the entrance of the other terminal. Since electrons repel each other, this buildup blocks more from coming in. Transistors use various methods to bypass this barrier and let electrons flow through. The first type, the BJT, uses a small current drawn to the base. If this current is large enough to overcome the barrier (around 0.6 - 0.9 milliamps in most silicon transistors), the barrier is pushed past and electrons flow through. This allows a small current to control currents up to or over 100x larger. The other type, MOSFET, instead has that “gate”, separated from the body by an insulator. The insulator blocks current (an important detail we’ll discuss later) even when connected to a power supply via a control circuit. But like a capacitor, opposite charges build up at either side of the insulator, in the gate and the body, which creates voltage. That charge built up in the body is designed to match the source and drain terminals, creating a bridge between them that allows current through. In a sense, BJTs use current to lower barriers, while MOSFET uses voltage to build a bridge over them. BJT vs MOSFET So BJTs and MOSFETs use different mechanisms, but which is better? Both are used in different circumstances, but the properties of MOSFETs help explain why they’re the world’s most common transistor. Understanding the differences will help you decide which you need for your circuits. BJTs are cheap and have a high power gain, but they have limitations that MOSFETs don’t. BJTs use current. Even if it’s small compared to the current it controls, it’s still drawn away from the rest of the circuit. MOSFET just uses voltage, and the insulator blocks current flow. This lets it leave as much current as possible for the main load. MOSFETs can also be made smaller than BJTs. If you’re putting billions of transistors on a chip the size of your fingernail, you’ll want each one to be as small and pull away as little current as possible. So in complex machinery and high power situations, MOSFETs are the way to go. A BJT is often a perfectly good, cheaper option for handling smaller currents and simpler circuits, such as basic hobby tinkering. How Transistors Took Over the World The transistor has a rich history and holds immense significance in modern technology. Invented in the late 1940s at Bell Labs by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley, the transistor marked a revolutionary shift in electronics. It replaced bulky and power-hungry vacuum tubes, making electronics drastically smaller, more efficient, and more reliable. The first MOSFET was made in 1959, those properties quickly made them the dominant option, minimizing concerns about size, material cost, and circuit overload. Over time the design has been refined to make MOSFETs and similar transistors incredibly small, letting us pack more into computers to give previously unimaginable processing power and speed. The basic principle of the field-effect transistor was first patented by Julius Edgar Lilienfeld in 1925 ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOSFET) Today, transistors can be created on the scale of nanometers, ten million times smaller than a centimeter! The famous Moore’s Law observes that since 1975, the amount of transistors on a semiconductor chip doubles every two years. As we approach the theoretical minimum size for transistors, this rate has probably already started to slow, but only after decades of improvements brought us near the furthest limits of what’s possible. The science is still ongoing, rewarding the world with more and more powerful, fast, and accessible devices. Your electronics journey can introduce you to a fast-paced world of incredibly exciting innovation! How to learn about transistors Understanding the basic operating principles of transistors can hopefully give you an intuitive sense of what’s going on in these powerful devices that are everywhere around you. But there’s a lot more to know in terms of how to build these circuits. It can be daunting, seemingly full of calculations and foreign concepts like bias, thermal runaway, or saturation. We try to boil these concepts down to essential, digestible information in our other posts, but the best understanding comes from playing around with them in real circuits. You can do just that with our guide to Basic Electrical Circuits that coaches you through using transistors in simple circuits, which makes it easy to understand what is transistor and how does a transistor work. The DIY learning kit Green Electricity Learning Kit has a dedicated project on building transistor circuits to operate a green-energy powered Ferris wheel.

Are you interested in fostering your child's interest in the world of technology after seeing the field's recent rapid evolution? Maybe you are thinking of ways to enhance your skillset to leverage these transformations? This post aims to shed light on why the solution to these scenarios, and similar ones, could lie in acquiring an electronic kit — an engaging tool for both you and your child to experiment with. What makes EIM Technology's kits the best electronic kits! At its core, electronic kits are self-containing projects broken down into simple parts that the end-user will assemble together to learn a bit more about not only how to create a final product that serves a specific purpose, but also to learn about what each part does, and how the product as a whole functions. Naturally, the act of creating the project is focused on the most as electronic kits often serve as tools of education, but an added plus is of course the product itself, as a symbol of your hard work! Beginners should be especially aware of the presence and benefits of electronic kits as they are generally tailored more specifically to people of all ages interested in learning more about electronics. In an industry strongly defined by its learning curve mainly taking place in hands-on endeavors instead of textbooks and tests, electronic kits feel right at home as you can get started right away at building something tangible rather than learning theory, even if you don't know very much in the beginning! Manuals are typically included and come with every single EIM Technology kit. As for specific benefits of electronic kits that highlight why they may be a more effective learning tool than other alternatives in the industry, such as reading online textbooks to understand the theory better, the first and most important point to many is its convenience in providing a full learning experience. Self-guided learning can be exceedingly difficult especially in STEM fields, whereas electronic kits are self-containing and often have a well-defined amount of time it will take to complete the project. This not only makes the learning process less stressful as everything is physically right in front of you without needing to search for external help, but also having a predetermined amount of time the project is expected to take you, can serve as a way to schedule your learning sessions a bit easier. It could also help you understand when you may want to take on more difficult projects if you are breezing through your current one. As well, it cannot be understated how much satisfaction you can get from creating something tangible that you can properly consider a work of yours; this is something that textbooks simply cannot provide alone. Finally, it can be easy to get frustrated in the middle of self-learning as there is no guidance around you to lean on. Fortunately, EIM's electronic kits, as previously mentioned, do have guides and instructions, so there is no need to worry. If you are interested in getting your hands on an electronic kit, please visit our previous article on some of our team's top choices for electronic kits (https://www.eimtechnology.com/post/best-electronic-kits-for-adults-hobbyists-and-techies)! Building up a project from scratch using electronic kits can also teach you about some of the unique uses of each component! There are many things that go into making one functional product, and common items that can be in kits include resistors, LEDs, capacitors, transistors, and more. If you would like to see what parts are specifically offered in EIM's kits, please refer again to our previous blog post that dives more into the specifics of some of our top offerings (https://www.eimtechnology.com/post/best-electronic-kits-for-adults-hobbyists-and-techies)! While it is true that anyone could go on the internet and search up the uses of each of these separate pieces, there is no better way to embed in your mind the exact function of each one and its applications of them, than to physically work with them to create a final product in a kit and reflect on why, for example, a resistor was needed in a specific place. Now, all that there's left to do is start! Hopefully, you can see now why electronic kits can be a great place to start if you want to learn a bit more about electronics, and I recommend looking through some of EIM's options, such as our Lab-on-the-go, our flagship product. Of course, as previously stated, if you want more specific reviews of our options, I strongly recommend visiting the blog post mentioned earlier in this post, and I hope you enjoy your journey learning about the vast world of electronics! ----- My 60-hour Contract for Venture for Canada @ EIM Technology Hello everyone! My name is Daniel and I am posting this brief read here partially for people interested to get a glimpse into the inner workings of EIM but also for future VFC students who may be considering a spot at EIM. As part of my 60 hour contract over 7 weeks in the July cohort, I have been involved in lead generation of electronics distributors nationwide, outreach to micro-influencers, and some SEO brainstorming as well. As a result of having numerous different roles in such a short period of time at EIM, I would love to share my experience as there is certainly a lot more going on in the background than the one word us VFC students see tied to this position: "sales". As well, right before beginning, I would like to say a huge thank you to my project manager, David Guan, who I will be referencing multiple times throughout this article. He was a reliable manager who listened to my request for work flexibility and proactively helped me find a way to get more involved in more facets of the company outside of just lead generation. To future VFC students reading this, if you get David as your manager, you are in good hands! To start, I was interested in a position in sales, as referenced by my last statement above. However, EIM was also interesting to me in the sense that it truly is a promising startup with strong product lines already on the market, and as someone with no previous experience in anything related to the electronics field, I wanted to find a way to brush shoulders with the industry. For any VFC students that may also have a similar mindset as this, I highly recommend considering EIM as a place to spend your contract in. It is also worth mentioning that I had set high expectations for areas such as job flexibility, and these goals were absolutely met throughout the experience, as I was not restricted to doing only one task (e.g. micro influencer leads) every single week of the program. Variation of tasks can naturally be a make-or-break topic in jobs, and I appreciate David's efforts to provide some of that necessary variety in my week-by-week activities. Diving straight into the work, I was initially tasked with lead generation in an area I'm most comfortable with, the place I currently live in: Toronto. Since I know the city quite well, it was a smooth and simple intro to the world of lead generation. Over time, this extended outwards across Canada, where by the end of the program I helped connect EIM to distributors from Alberta, BC, Ontario and Quebec. Being able to sample electronic distributors of each province and large population center within Canada also revealed to me some interesting observations about which regions have more well-developed business atmospheres for electronics than others. Aside from that task which was the bulk of the program, as previously stated I also worked on finding micro influencers that may be interested in working with EIM. While most people often think of the big fish when looking at the influencer side of business, in many cases grassroots starts with the more local figures. Finally, I helped with some brainstorming for SEO initiatives to get EIM's name out there on forum pages. This is a great topic to start thinking about if you would like to start your own business, as a great product will still need great marketing to begin taking off, and knowing your way around SEO will help you harness the internet to its full potential. Throughout this experience, thanks again to David, I was able to take on roles that developed my ability to quickly and effectively take data from search engines and transform it into a more readable and organized Google sheet form that can be used for quick communication with top leads. I also discovered a few things about SEO and generally learned about the way startups like EIM work. If there is one takeaway I want whoever is reading this to get from what I found out about entrepreneurial ventures, it is that at the early stages of operation, marketing is extremely important and you will have to get crafty on how to do it without many resources. We are all used to the idea of marketing being a mass volume activity where companies go to an agency to create something that will be advertised on a large medium of communication such as TV or newspapers, but for the vast majority of startups, this is simply not fiscally feasible. Working at EIM gave me insight into ways to be more creative in this early stage of marketing, and I highly recommend this spot for potential VFC students who may be interested in this sort of activity as well! So to quickly summarize, my experience at EIM Technology as a VFC student was filled with different roles and responsibilities that helped me learn about how a newer startup works, and also served as inspiration to me as to how I may decide to go about solving similar issues if I were to create something on my own as well. I would like to thank again the EIM team and especially David, and for any VFC student viewers, I hope I have convinced you to consider applying for a spot at EIM! I am sharing some links where you can check their product range - https://shop.eimtechnology.com/collections/all-products and you could follow them as they are always building innovative learning electronic kits & materials.

Setting up an electronics lab for modern school classrooms has become a necessity to provide hands-on learning experiences that help students to comprehend abstract engineering concepts. However, for many schools and small colleges, traditional electronics labs can be expensive and challenging to maintain. In this post, we will introduce an effective and affordable solution that can help you set up an electronics lab that fits your needs and budget. Equipment When setting up an electronics lab, the essential pieces of equipment needed includes a power supply, multimeter, function generator and oscilloscope. Power supply: provides stable and adjustable DC voltage to circuits Multimeter: measures parameters like voltage, current, resistance, continuity... Function generator: produces signals such as sine, square, triangle, pulse... Oscilloscope: displays the waveforms of circuits for testing and debugging Tools In addition to the essential equipment, some tools are necessary for circuiting and prototyping, such as a breadboard, wire strippers and tweezers. Breadboard provides a circuiting platform to build circuits without need for soldering Wire strippers can cut and strip the insulation from wires and making them ready to connect on breadboard Tweezers are used for precise placement of components and for adjusting small parts By having these essential tools in your electronics lab, you can build and test circuits efficiently and effectively. Components In addition to equipment and tools, you will also need electronic components to build circuits. Typical electronic components include wires, resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Wires connect components and create electrical pathways in circuits Resistors are used to limit or regulate the flow of electrical current in a circuit Capacitors store electrical energy and smooth out voltage fluctuations Diodes can control the direction of current flow in a circuit Transistors are used to amplify and switch electronic signals Integrated circuits contain several electronic components on a single chip and are used to perform complex functions. By having a range of electronic components in your electronics lab, you can build a variety of circuits and explore various electronic concepts. If your electronics workshop involves working with hazardous materials or substances, such as solder, flux, or chemicals, it may be necessary to have a wash station for students to clean their hands and tools. A wash station can help prevent the spread of potentially harmful substances and maintain a safe and clean working environment. In summary, the need for hands-on learning experiences in electronics education has become increasingly vital. Traditional electronics labs can be expensive and challenging to maintain, making it inaccessible for many schools and small colleges to offer electronics related programs. By introducing our affordable and effective portable solutions, these schools can now provide their students with a practical learning experience that fits their budget. Investing in an electronics lab can provide long-term benefits for both students and institutions, helping to prepare students for future careers in STEM fields while creating a more engaging and interactive learning environment.

In electronics education, hands-on experimentation has long been considered a crucial component for students to gain practical knowledge and experience. However, with the advent of digital simulation tools, the traditional approach to hands-on experimentation has begun to evolve. This has led to a debate over which approach is better suited to enhance the learning experience for students. In this blog post, we will explore the usability of traditional hands-on experiments and digital simulation tools in Learning Electronics. Issa & Isaias’s (2015) criteria defines usability using the principles of learnability, flexibility, robustness, efficiency, memorability, errors, and satisfaction are some key principles that support usability. These principles have significant benefits in each of the contexts of the traditional electronics lab and in the use of digital simulation tools. Learnability: In traditional lab, students are always required to have a pre-session or initial safety session. I remember my own first lab session where I learned how to set the limit on a power supply’s current. The purpose was to protect the circuit from generating or transmitting harmful effects due to a short-circuit or overload. After this first lab session, we took nearly half a semester to study all the equipment, and how to operate them in a safe manner. However, even after I had adequate training, I was still concerned about doing something wrong when performing the physical lab. For example, there are lots of buttons on a general oscilloscope, as shown in below, where a new user might be confused. On the other hand, if we apply the use of a digital simulation tool, it greatly reduces the difficulty of using the risks involved in using physical equipment. One of the most popular science simulation tools called PhET, as an example shown below, has all the labels on the device, like the voltmeter marked as “voltage”, so learners are aware that the device is being used to measure voltage, and the number showing below is its voltage reading. The oscilloscope (Figure Below, Blue device) is also drawn in a much-simplified version. It is a great starting point for new electronics learners. Flexibility: Traditional electronics experiments are usually taught in a designated laboratory. However, schools in remote areas experience issues with accessibility which make it very difficult to conduct learning activities related to electronics experiments. They may also not have specialists who teach electronic courses. A majority of simulations tools are free and open-sourced while some of them are web-based so users do not need additional software that can be costly and expensive. All you need is a digital device that can access WIFI so you can make electronics labs on-the-go. Robustness: Robustness is the level of support provided to the user in determining achievement and assessment of goals. Traditional labs are heavily dependent on a teaching assistant or instructor. Due to the traditional lab environment being limited by the time and facility, students have less opportunities to get help from their peers. On the other hand, open-source software platforms normally have a large community so there are tons of resources, discussion boards, and published projects; therefore, users can easily find solutions or receive help. Memorability: Since the physical breadboard is reusable, the circuit you build on it needs to be removed before students build the next circuit. With digital simulation tools, students can always save the circuit file in their account or download to their local computer, so they can access the built circuit and review them anytime they want. Errors: In a traditional lab setting, many types of errors may cause irreversible results which is why pre-session or safety sessions are mandatory before each experiment. Generally, the instructor will warn students to not connect a separate wire to the two terminals of a power supply, but because of their curiosity, many students want to see what will happen in such a false operation. In this case, if teachers do not pay attention, it may burn out the power and cause safety accidents. Digital simulation tools provide students with virtual components and an experimental environment where students can connect experimental devices and observe experimental phenomena according to their own interest. When the operation is an error, the virtual software will appear with a related error warning to remind that the operation will cause harm, without causing a real accident. Taking the LED chaser circuit as an example, if I accidently replace the 3V battery with an overrated 9V battery, the chip will burn out and the simulation will indicate that as well. In reality, if students made such an error or mistake, which is actually quite often, they need to find another chip to build the circuit again, and the burned chip is broken and becomes an electronics waste. Efficiency: Traditional physics experiments can be affected by objective factors such as experimental instruments and places and cause unsatisfactory experimental results. When performing traditional experiments, there is more wear and tear on equipment and safety may become an issue. Increased use and age of physical equipment can also result in inaccurate readings thus making the experimental phenomena observed and the experimental data obtained by the students unsatisfactory even in the case of error-free operation. Therefore, the phenomenon often occurs in the experiments, students are busy checking and repairing the instruments throughout the experiment in order to get more ideal results, wasting a lot of time. The use of virtual simulation experiments can provide an ideal experimental environment, so that the experimental environment does not affect the experimental apparatus. In this case, it boosts students’ efficiency and rids unnecessary distractions and glitches so they can solely focus on the experiment. Satisfaction: I want to substitute satisfaction criteria with effectiveness because satisfaction is a more subjective measurement and effectiveness should be a more valued criteria in educational measure. The question is asked whether remotely operated or simulation-based labs are as effective as the traditional hands-on lab format? According to Corter et al. (2007), results indicate that remote and simulated labs can be at least as effective as traditional hands-on labs in teaching specific course concepts. Students express a preference for traditional hands-on labs but learn the relevant concepts as well or better with newer forms of laboratories. Reference Issa, T., & Isaias, P. (2015). Usability and human computer interaction (HCI)Links to an external site. In Sustainable Design (pp. 19-35). Springer. Corter, J. E., Nickerson, J. V., Esche, S. K., Chassapis, C., Im, S., & Ma, J. (2007). Constructing reality: A study of remote, hands-on, and simulated laboratories. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI), 14(2), 7-es.