Circuit symbols are standardized graphical representations of electrical and electronic components used in circuit diagrams (schematics). They help engineers, electricians, and technicians understand how components are connected in a circuit without using lengthy descriptions.
Here are some common circuit symbols and what they represent:
Battery: A pair of lines (one longer than the other) indicating positive and negative terminals.
Resistor: A zigzag or rectangle shape.
Capacitor: Two parallel lines (for a non-polarized capacitor) or one straight and one curved line (for a polarized capacitor).
Inductor: A series of loops or a coiled symbol.
Switch: A break in a line with a lever-like symbol.
Diode: A triangle pointing to a line.
Light-emitting diode (LED): A diode symbol with arrows pointing outward.
Transistor: Complex symbols involving lines and arrows (different for NPN and PNP types).
Ground: A set of three lines decreasing in size.
These symbols make it easy to draw, read, and share circuit designs.