Electronics Summary Notes

Summary Notes for Electronics Types of Switches 1. SPST (Single-Pole, Single-Throw) • Symbol: • How it Works: Two contacts, either open or closed. • Application: Simple on-off switch. Can be used to switch the power supply to a circuit. • Real-World Example: Light switches in homes. 2. SPDT (Single-Pole, Double-Throw) • Symbol: • How it Works: Three contacts. Also called a changeover switch. • Application: Can operate two parts of a circuit. For example, used to switch on a red lamp in one position and a green lamp in the other position. • Real-World Example: Railway signal controls. 3. DPDT (Double-Pole, Double-Throw) • Symbol: • How it Works: Six contacts. A pair of on-on switches that operate together. • Application: Can operate two different circuits at the same time. Can be wired up as a reversing switch for a motor. • Real-World Example: Forward and reverse control in electric motors. Name of Switch Type of Switch Physical Attributes to Differentiate Real-World Applications & Examples Slide Switch SPDT or SPST SPDT has three positions, left, middle, right SPST slides between two positions only. SPDT: Used in electronic toys like remote-controlled cars. SPST: Used in simple DIY electronics projects. Rocker Switch SPST Generally only two positions: ON and OFF. Used in computer power strips and some study lamps. Toggle Switch SPDT or DPDT SPDT has three positions, left, middle, right DPDT has more and may have a locking mechanism. SPDT: Used in model airplanes for control selection. DPDT: Used in robotics projects for motor direction control.

Name of Switch Type of Switch Physical Attributes to Differentiate Real-World Applications & Examples Push- button Switch SPST or SPDT SPST usually stays in one position until pushed again. SPDT returns to the original position when released. SPST: Used in computer power buttons. SPDT: Used in arcade game machines. Press Switch SPST (Momentary) Only one position; returns to OFF when released. Used in school laboratory emergency stop buttons and computer keyboards. Micro Switch SPST or SPDT SPST usually has two terminals SPDT has three. SPST: Used in 3D printers for end- stop detection. SPDT: Used in DIY electronics projects for safety features. Reed Switch SPST Generally only two positions: ON and OFF, activated by a magnet. Used in simple magnetic door alarms.

Types of Capacitors Type of Capacitor Function Similarities Differences Real-World Applications & Examples Electrolytic Stores electric charge; higher capacitance for more charge storage. All types store electric charge. All types are measured in Farads (F), microFarads (uF), nanoFarads (nF), or picoFarads (pF). - Has polarity; must be connected correctly. - Usually has a coloured strip to indicate polarity. - The negative terminal is usually shorter. Used in DIY speaker projects to filter