Wires and connections

 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component

To pass current very easily from
Wire
one part of a circuit to another.
A 'blob' should be drawn where
wires are connected (joined),
but it is sometimes omitted.
Wires joined Wires connected at 'crossroads'
should be staggered slightly to
form two T-junctions, as shown
on the right.
In complex diagrams it is often
necessary to draw wires
crossing even though they are
not connected. I prefer the
Wires not joined 'bridge' symbol shown on the
right because the simple
crossing on the left may be
misread as a join where you
have forgotten to add a 'blob'!
Power Supplies
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
Supplies electrical energy.
The larger terminal (on the left) is
positive (+).
Cell
A single cell is often called a
battery, but strictly a battery is two
or more cells joined together.
Supplies electrical energy. A
battery is more than one cell.
Battery
The larger terminal (on the left) is
positive (+).
 Supplies electrical energy.
DC supply DC = Direct Current, always
flowing in one direction.
Supplies electrical energy.
AC supply AC = Alternating Current,
continually changing direction.
A safety device which will 'blow'
(melt) if the current flowing
Fuse
through it exceeds a specified
value.
Two coils of wire linked by an iron
core. Transformers are used to step
up (increase) and step down
(decrease) AC voltages. Energy is
Transformer
transferred between the coils by
the magnetic field in the core.
There is no electrical connection
between the coils.
A connection to earth. For many
electronic circuits this is the 0V
Earth (zero volts) of the power supply,
(Ground) but for mains electricity and some
radio circuits it really means the
earth. It is also known as ground.
Output Devices: Lamps, Heater, Motor, etc.
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A transducer which converts
electrical energy to light. This
symbol is used for a lamp
Lamp (lighting)
providing illumination, for
example a car headlamp or
torch bulb.
 A transducer which converts
electrical energy to light. This
symbol is used for a lamp
Lamp (indicator)
which is an indicator, for
example a warning light on a
car dashboard.
A transducer which converts
Heater
electrical energy to heat.
A transducer which converts
Motor electrical energy to kinetic
energy (motion).

A transducer which converts

Bell
electrical energy to sound.

A transducer which converts

Buzzer
electrical energy to sound.

A coil of wire which creates a

magnetic field when current
passes through it. It may have
Inductor an iron core inside the coil. It
(Coil, Solenoid) can be used as a transducer
converting electrical energy to
mechanical energy by pulling
on something.
Switches
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A push switch allows current to
Push Switch
flow only when the button is
(push-to-
pressed. This is the switch used
make)
to operate a doorbell.
 This type of push switch is
Push-to- normally closed (on), it is open
Break Switch (off) only when the button is
pressed.
SPST = Single Pole, Single
On-Off Throw.
Switch An on-off switch allows current
(SPST) to flow only when it is in the
closed (on) position.
SPDT = Single Pole, Double
Throw.
A 2-way changeover switch
directs the flow of current to
2-way Switch
one of two routes according to
(SPDT)
its position. Some SPDT
switches have a central off
position and are described as
'on-off-on'.
DPST = Double Pole, Single
Throw.
Dual On-Off A dual on-off switch which is
Switch often used to switch mains
(DPST) electricity because it can isolate
both the live and neutral
connections.
DPDT = Double Pole, Double
Throw.
Reversing
This switch can be wired up as
Switch
a reversing switch for a motor.
(DPDT)
Some DPDT switches have a
central off position.
 An electrically operated switch,
for example a 9V battery circuit
connected to the coil can switch
Relay a 230V AC mains circuit.
NO = Normally Open,
COM = Common,
NC = Normally  Closed.
Resistors
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A resistor restricts the flow of
current, for example to limit
the current passing through an
Resistor LED. A resistor is used with a
capacitor in a timing circuit.
Some publications still use the
old resistor symbol: 
This type of variable resistor
with 2 contacts (a rheostat) is
usually used to control current.
Variable Resistor Examples include: adjusting
(Rheostat) lamp brightness, adjusting
motor speed, and adjusting the
rate of flow of charge into a
capacitor in a timing circuit.
This type of variable resistor
with 3 contacts (a
potentiometer) is usually used
Variable Resistor to control voltage. It can be
(Potentiometer) used like this as a transducer
converting position (angle of
the control spindle) to an
electrical signal.
 This type of variable resistor (a
preset) is operated with a small
screwdriver or similar tool. It is
designed to be set when the
Variable Resistor circuit is made and then left
(Preset) without further adjustment.
Presets are cheaper than normal
variable resistors so they are
often used in projects to reduce
the cost.
Capacitors
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A capacitor stores electric
charge. A capacitor is used
with a resistor in a timing
Capacitor
circuit. It can also be used as
a filter, to block DC signals
but pass AC signals.
A capacitor stores electric
charge. This type must be
connected the correct way
Capacitor, round. A capacitor is used
polarised with a resistor in a timing
circuit. It can also be used as
a filter, to block DC signals
but pass AC signals.
A variable capacitor is used
Variable Capacitor
in a radio tuner.
Trimmer This type of variable
Capacitor capacitor (a trimmer) is
operated with a small
screwdriver or similar tool. It
 is designed to be set when the
circuit is made and then left
without further adjustment.
Diodes
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A device which only
Diode allows current to flow in
one direction.
A transducer which
LED
converts electrical energy
Light Emitting Diode
to light.
A special diode which is
Zener Diode used to maintain a fixed
voltage across its terminals.

Photodiode A light-sensitive diode.

Transistors
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A transistor amplifies current. It can
be used with other components to
Transistor NPN
make an amplifier or switching
circuit.
A transistor amplifies current. It can
be used with other components to
Transistor PNP
make an amplifier or switching
circuit.

Phototransistor A light-sensitive transistor.

Audio and Radio Devices
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A transducer which converts sound
Microphone
to electrical energy.

A transducer which converts

Earphone
electrical energy to sound.

A transducer which converts

Loudspeaker
electrical energy to sound.

A transducer which converts

Piezo Transducer
electrical energy to sound.
An amplifier circuit with one input.
Amplifier Really it is a block diagram symbol
(general symbol) because it represents a circuit
rather than just one component.
A device which is designed to
Aerial
receive or transmit radio signals. It
(Antenna)
is also known as an antenna.
Meters and Oscilloscope
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A voltmeter is used to measure
voltage.
Voltmeter The proper name for voltage is
'potential difference', but most
people prefer to say voltage!
An ammeter is used to measure
Ammeter
current.
 A galvanometer is a very sensitive
Galvanometer meter which is used to measure
tiny currents, usually 1mA or less.
An ohmmeter is used to measure
Ohmmeter resistance. Most multimeters have
an ohmmeter setting.
An oscilloscope is used to display
the shape of electrical signals and
Oscilloscope
it can be used to measure their
voltage and time period.
Sensors (input devices)
 Component   Circuit Symbol  Function of Component
A transducer which converts
brightness (light) to resistance (an
LDR
electrical property).
LDR = Light Dependent Resistor
A transducer which converts
Thermistor temperature (heat) to resistance (an
electrical property).
Logic Gates

Logic gates process signals which represent true (1, high, +Vs, on) or
false (0, low, 0V, off).
For more information please see the Logic Gates page.
There are two sets of symbols: traditional and IEC (International
Electrotechnical Commission).
Traditional Function of
Gate Type IEC Symbol
Symbol Gate
NOT A NOT gate
can only
have one
 input. The 'o'
on the output
means 'not'.
The output of
a NOT gate
is the inverse
(opposite) of
its input, so
the output is
true when the
input is false.
A NOT gate
is also called
an inverter.
An AND
gate can have
two or more
inputs. The
AND output of an
AND gate is
true when all
its inputs are
true.
NAND A NAND
gate can have
two or more
inputs. The
'o' on the
output means
'not' showing
that it is a
Not AND
gate. The
output of a
 NAND gate
is true unless
all its inputs
are true.
An OR gate
can have two
or more
inputs. The
output of an
OR
OR gate is
true when at
least one of
its inputs is
true.
A NOR gate
can have two
or more
inputs. The
'o' on the
output means
'not' showing
NOR that it is a
Not OR gate.
The output of
a NOR gate
is true when
none of its
inputs are
true.
EX-OR An EX-OR
gate can only
have two
inputs. The
 output of an
EX-OR gate
is true when
its inputs are
different
(one true,
one false).
An EX-NOR
gate can only
have two
inputs. The
'o' on the
output means
'not' showing
that it is a
Not EX-OR
EX-NOR
gate. The
output of an
EX-NOR
gate is true
when its
inputs are the
same (both
true or both
false).
Symbol Component name Meaning

Wire Symbols
Conductor of
Electrical Wire electrical
current
 Connected
Connected Wires
crossing

Wires are not

Not connected Wires
connected

Switch Symbols and Relay Symbols

Disconnects
SPST Toggle Switch current when
open

Selects
SPDT Toggle Switch between two
connections

Momentary
Pushbutton Switch switch -
(N.O) normally
open

Momentary
Pushbutton Switch switch -
(N.C) normally
closed

DIP Switch DIP switch is

used for
 onboard
configuration

SPST Relay Relay open /

close
connection by
an
SPDT Relay
electromagne
t

Close
connection by
Jumper jumper
insertion on
pins.

Solder to
Solder Bridge close
connection

Ground Symbols
Earth Ground Used for zero
potential
reference and
electrical
shock
 protection.

Connected to
Chassis Ground the chassis of
the circuit

Digital / Common
 
Ground

Resistor Symbols
Resistor (IEEE) Resistor
reduces the
Resistor (IEC) current flow.

Potentiometer (IEEE) Adjustable

resistor - has
Potentiometer (IEC) 3 terminals.

Variable Resistor /
Rheostat (IEEE) Adjustable
resistor - has
Variable Resistor / 2 terminals.
Rheostat (IEC)

Capacitor Symbols
 Capacitor Capacitor is
used to store
electric
charge. It acts
as short
Capacitor circuit
with AC and
open circuit
with DC.

Electrolytic
Polarized Capacitor
capacitor

Electrolytic
Polarized Capacitor
capacitor

Adjustable
Variable Capacitor
capacitance

Inductor / Coil Symbols

Coil /
solenoid that
Inductor generates
magnetic
field
 Iron Core Inductor Includes iron

Variable Inductor  

Power Supply Symbols

Generates
Voltage Source constant
voltage

Generates
Current Source constant
current.

AC voltage
AC Voltage Source
source

Electrical
voltage is
generated by
Generator
mechanical
rotation of
the generator

Generates
Battery Cell constant
voltage
 Generates
Battery constant
voltage

Generates
voltage as a
function of
Controlled Voltage
voltage or
Source
current of
other circuit
element.

Generates
current as a
function of
Controlled Current
voltage or
Source
current of
other circuit
element.

Meter Symbols
Voltmeter Measures
voltage. Has
very high
resistance.
Connected in
 parallel.

Measures
electric
current. Has
Ammeter near zero
resistance.
Connected
serially.

Measures
Ohmmeter
resistance

Measures
Wattmeter electric
power

Lamp / Light Bulb Symbols

Lamp / light bulb
Generates
light when
Lamp / light bulb
current flows
through
Lamp / light bulb

Diode / LED Symbols

 Diode allows
current flow
Diode in one
direction only
(left to right).

Allows
current flow
in one
direction, but
also can flow
Zener Diode
in the reverse
direction
when above
breakdown
voltage

Schottky
diode is a
Schottky Diode diode with
low voltage
drop

Variable
Varactor / Varicap
capacitance
Diode
diode
 Tunnel Diode  

LED emits
Light Emitting Diode light when
(LED) current flows
through

Photodiode
allows
current flow
Photodiode
when
exposed to
light

Transistor Symbols
Allows
current flow
NPN Bipolar
when high
Transistor
potential at
base (middle)

Allows
current flow
PNP Bipolar
when low
Transistor
potential at
base (middle)
 Made from 2
bipolar
transistors.
Darlington Transistor Has total gain
of the
product of
each gain.

N-channel
JFET-N Transistor field effect
transistor

P-channel
JFET-P Transistor field effect
transistor

N-channel
NMOS Transistor MOSFET
transistor

P-channel
PMOS Transistor MOSFET
transistor

Misc. Symbols
Motor Electric motor
 Change AC
voltage from
Transformer
high to low or
low to high.

Rings when
Electric bell
activated

Produce
Buzzer buzzing
sound

Fuse The fuse

disconnects
when current
above
threshold.
Fuse Used to
protect circuit
from high
currents.

Bus Contains
several wires.
Bus Usually for
data /
Bus
address.
Optocoupler
Optocoupler / Opto- isolates
isolator onnection to
other board

Converts
electrical
Loudspeaker
signal to
sound waves

Converts
sound waves
Microphone
to electrical
signal

Operational Amplify input

Amplifier signal

Operates
with
Schmitt Trigger
hysteresis to
reduce noise.

Analog-to-digital Converts
converter (ADC) analog signal
 to digital
numbers

Converts
Digital-to-Analog digital
converter (DAC) numbers to
analog signal

Used to
generate
Crystal Oscillator precise
frequency
clock signal

Antenna Symbols
Antenna / aerial Transmits &
receives radio
Antenna / aerial waves

Two wires
Dipole Antenna simple
antenna

Logic Gates Symbols

NOT Gate (Inverter) Outputs 1
when input is
 0

Outputs 1
AND Gate when both
inputs are 1.

Outputs 0
when both
NAND Gate
inputs are 1.
(NOT + AND)

Outputs 1
OR Gate when any
input is 1.

Outputs 0
when any
NOR Gate
input is 1.
(NOT + OR)

Outputs 1
when inputs
XOR Gate
are different.
(Exclusive OR)

Stores one bit

D Flip-Flop
of data
 Multiplexer / Mux 2 Connects the
to 1 output to 
Multiplexer / Mux 4 selected
to 1 input line.

Connects
Demultiplexer / selected
Demux 1 to 4 output to the
input line.