Class Session

In Week 2 of PCOMP, we covered fundamental electricity and circuit concepts. The lecture differentiated between series and parallel circuits (with parallel maintaining voltage) and continuous versus momentary switches, with practical examples like doors and latching mechanisms in light switches. We discussed voltage ranges (3V, 5V, max 12V) for our projects, voltage regulation in USB (converting 5-7V to 3.3V), and the Arduino platform (specifically the nano 33 IoT). Other key topics included circuit components (power source, load, conductors), proper wire color coding (red for power, black for ground), Ohm's Law (V=IR), potentiometers for varying resistance, and circuit requirements (must have a load and be closed). We also explored energy conversion in components like LEDs and DC motors (which operate on 0-5V and can generate electricity when moved), and circuit design using Fritzing software.⁠

• Series vs Parallel circuits - parallel maintains voltage
• Continuous vs Momentary switches
  • Practical example of momentary switch - door
  • Light switches use latching mechanism
• Best practice: careful removal of USB-C cables
• Voltage ranges: 3V, 5V, max 12V for our projects
• USB contains a voltage regulator - converts 5-7V from computer to 3.3V
• V IN (voltage in) - connection point before USB where batteries can be attached
• Arduino Due has 51 pins
  • We're using the nano family - specifically the 33 IoT
• Potentiometers vary resistance
  • Check voltage rating underneath - ensure it's within appropriate range
• Standard circuit flow: from positive (+) to ground
• Omega symbol (Ω) represents resistance
• Measurement prefixes
• mega = million, giga = billion, milli = thousandth
• Wire color coding: red for power, black for ground
  • Ground (minus/negative) connects all components (black wire)
• Ohm's Law: V = IR (Voltage = Current × Resistance)
• Circuit requirements: must have a load and be closed
  • Short circuit - a circuit lacking a load
• Circuit components: power source, load, conductors
• Light bulbs convert electricity to light and heat