P. R.GOVT.

COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), KAKINADA

SYLLABUS PAPER (W.E.F 2016-2017)
I BVOC-Web Technology and Multimedia
SEMESTER-I
COURSE: BASIC ELECTRONICS-I

2 Hours/Week
Total hours: 30 Hrs
Module-I

(6

Hrs)

Electricity:
a. Putting Electricity to Work, Back to Basics
b. Static Electricity, Electrical Current, Direct Current Electricity, Alternating Current
Electricity
c. Measuring AC and DC, Electrical Circuits, Pulses waves signals and Noise.
Module- II

(6Hrs)

Electronics Components:
a. Wire and Cables, Switches, Relays, Moving Coil Meters
b. Microphones and Speakers, Resistors, Capacitors
c. Resistors & Capacitor Applications, Coils, Transformers
Module- III

(9Hrs)

Semiconductors
a. Silicon, The Diode
b. The Transistor-Bi-polar transistor, Field-Effect Transistor
c. The Uni junction Transistor, the thyristor- Silicon controlled rectifiers, triacs.
Module-IV

(9Hrs)

Photonic Semiconductors
a. Light, Optical Components, How convex lenses are used
b. Semiconductor light sources-light emitting diodes
c. Semiconductor light detectors-photo resistive light detectors, pin junction light detectorsphoto diodes, photo transistors,
d. photothyristers, solar cells
Text Books:

Getting Started in Electronics Paperback February, 2003-by Forrest M. Mims III

P. R.GOVT. COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), KAKINADA

I BVOC-Web Technology and Multimedia
SEMESTER-I
COURSE: BASIC ELECTRONICS-I

Question Bank
Essay Questions:
1. Explain about Direct Current, Alternating Current. Compare AC and DC Current.
A. Electricity flows in two ways: either in an alternating current (AC) or in a direct
current (DC). Electricity or "current" is nothing but the movement of electrons
through a conductor, like a wire. The difference between AC and DC lies in the
direction in which the electrons flow. In DC, the electrons flow steadily in a single
direction, or "forward." In AC, electrons keep switching directions, sometimes going
"forward" and then going "backward."
Alternating current is the best way to transmit electricity over large distances.

Comparison chart
Alternating Current versus Direct Current comparison chart

Alternating Current

Direct Current

Amount of energy Safe to transfer over longer city

that can be carried distances and can provide more
power.

Voltage of DC cannot travel

very far until it begins to
lose energy.

Cause of the Rotating magnet along the wire.

direction of flow of
electrons

Steady magnetism along

the wire.

Frequency The frequency of alternating current

is 50Hz or 60Hz depending upon
the country.
Direction It reverses its direction while flowing
in a circuit.
Current It is the current of magnitude
varying with time
Flow of Electrons Electrons keep switching directions

The frequency of direct

current is zero.
It flows in one direction in
the circuit.
It is the current of constant
magnitude.
Electrons move steadily in

Alternating Current versus Direct Current comparison chart

Alternating Current

Direct Current

- forward and backward.

one direction or 'forward'.

Obtained from A.C Generator and mains.

Passive Parameters Impedance.
Power Factor Lies between 0 & 1.
Types Sinusoidal, Trapezoidal, Triangular,
Square.

Cell or Battery.
Resistance only
it is always 1.
Pure and pulsating.

2. Explain Electronic Circuits in Detail.

A. An electronic circuit is a complete course of conductors through which current can travel.
Circuits provide a path for current to flow. To be a circuit, this path must start and end at the
same point. In other words, a circuit must form a loop. An electronic circuit and an electrical
circuit has the same definition, but electronic circuits tend to be low voltage circuits.
For example, a simple circuit may include two components: a battery and a lamp. The
circuit allows current to flow from the battery to the lamp, through the lamp, then back to the
battery. Thus, the circuit forms a complete loop.

Of course, circuits can be more complex. However, all circuits can be distilled down to three
basic elements:

Voltage source: A voltage source causes current to flow like a battery, for instance.

Load: The load consumes power; it represents the actual work done by the circuit.
Without the load, theres not much point in having a circuit.

The load can be as simple as a single light bulb. In complex circuits, the load is a
combination of components, such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and so on.

Conductive path: The conductive path provides a route through which current flows.
This route begins at the voltage source, travels through the load, and then returns to the
voltage source. This path must form a loop from the negative side of the voltage source to
the positive side of the voltage source.

The following paragraphs describe a few additional interesting points to keep in mind as you
ponder the nature of basic circuits:

When a circuit is complete and forms a loop that allows current to flow, the circuit is
called a closed circuit. If any part of the circuit is disconnected or disrupted so that a loop
is not formed, current cannot flow. In that case, the circuit is called an open circuit.

Short circuit refers to a circuit that does not have a load. For example, if the lamp is
connected to the circuit but a direct connection is present between the batterys negative
terminal and its positive terminal, too.

Current flows everywhere it can. If your circuit has two pathways through which current
can flow, the current doesnt choose one over the other; it chooses both. However, not all
paths are equal, so current doesnt flow equally through all paths.

For example, current will flow much more easily through the short circuit than it will
through the lamp. Thus, the lamp will not glow because nearly all of the current will
bypass the lamp in favor of the easier route through the short circuit. Even so, a small
amount of current will flow through the lamp.

3. What are Resistors and Capacitors? Give the Applications for Resistors and
Capacitors.
A. Resistors :
A resistor represents a given amount of resistance in a circuit. Resistance is a measure of
how the flow of electric current is opposed or "resisted." It is defined by Ohm's law
which says the resistance equals the voltage divided by the current.
Resistance = voltage/current
or R = V/I

Resistance is measured in Ohms. The Ohm is often represented by the omega symbol: .
The symbol for resistance is a zigzag line as shown below. The letter "R" is used in
equations.

Capacitors:
A capacitor represents the amount of capacitance in a circuit. The capacitance is the
ability of a component to store an electrical charge. You can think of it as the "capacity"
to store a charge. The capacitance is defined by the equation.

In a DC circuit, a capacitor becomes an open circuit blocking any DC current from

passing the capacitor. Only AC current will pass through a capacitor. Capacitance is
measured in Farads. The symbol for capacitance is two parallel lines. Sometimes one of
the lines is curved as shown below. The letter "C" is used in equations.

4. Explain about Coils and Transformers.

A. An electromagnetic coil is an electrical conductor such as a wire in the shape of
a coil, spiral or helix. Electromagnetic coils are used in electrical engineering, in
applications where electric currents interact with magnetic fields, in devices such
as inductors, electromagnets, transformers, and sensor coils. Either an electric current is
passed through the wire of the coil to generate a magnetic field, or conversely an
external time-varying magnetic field through the interior of the coil generates
an EMF (voltage) in the conductor.
A current through any conductor creates a circular magnetic field around the conductor
due to Ampere's law. The advantage of using the coil shape is that it increases the
strength of magnetic field produced by a given current. The magnetic fields generated by
the separate turns of wire all pass through the center of the coil and add (superpose) to
produce a strong field there. The more turns of wire, the stronger the field produced.
Conversely, a changing external magnetic flux induces a voltage in a conductor such as a

wire, due to Faraday's law of induction. The induced voltage can be increased by winding
the wire into a coil, because the field lines intersect the circuit multiple times.
The direction of the magnetic field produced by a coil can be determined by the right
hand grip rule. If the fingers of the right hand are wrapped around the magnetic core of a
coil in the direction of conventional current through the wire, the thumb will point in the
direction the magnetic field lines pass through the coil. The end of a magnetic core from
which the field lines emerge is defined to be the North Pole.
Transformers:
A transformer can be defined as a static device which helps in the transformation of
electric power in one circuit to electric power of the same frequency in another circuit.
The voltage can be raised or lowered in a circuit, but with a proportional increase or
decrease in the current ratings.
The main principle of operation of a transformer is mutual inductance between two
circuits which is linked by a common magnetic flux. A basic transformer consists of two
coils that are electrically separate and inductive, but are magnetically linked through a
path of reluctance. The working principle of the transformer can be understood from the
figure below.

Transformer Working
As shown above the transformer has primary and secondary windings. The core
laminations are joined in the form of strips in between the strips you can see that there are
some narrow gaps right through the cross-section of the core. These staggered joints are
said to be imbricated. Both the coils have high mutual inductance. A mutual electromotive force is induced in the transformer from the alternating flux that is set up in the
laminated core, due to the coil that is connected to a source of alternating voltage. Most
of the alternating flux developed by this coil is linked with the other coil and thus
produces the mutual induced electro-motive force. The so produced electro-motive force
can be explained with the help of Faradays laws of Electromagnetic Induction as
e=M*dI/dt

If the second coil circuit is closed, a current flow in it and thus electrical energy is
transferred magnetically from the first to the second coil.
The alternating current supply is given to the first coil and hence it can be called as the
primary winding. The energy is drawn out from the second coil and thus can be called as
the secondary winding.
5. Explain about the Transistor and its types.
A. A semiconductor device with three connections, capable of amplification in addition to
rectification is called Transistor.

Types of Transistors
There are a varieties and different types of transistors available in today's market
including Bipolar, Darlington, IGBT, and MOSFET Transistors.
Bipolar Transistor - A Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) is a three-terminal electronic
device made of doped semiconductor material and may be used in amplifying or
switching applications. Bipolar transistors are so named because their operation involves
both electrons and holes. A bipolar transistor will have terminals that are labeled: emitter,
collector, base. A small current at the base terminal (passing from the base to the emitter)
can modify or switch a much larger current between the collector and emitter terminals.
Darlington Transistor - The Darlington Transistor is actually two bipolar transistors,
connected in such a way that the current amplified by the first transistor is amplified even
further by the second one. This model offers a higher common-emitter current gain than
if both types of transistors are separated and can even take up less space because both
transistors can share a collector.
IGBT Transistor - An Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) is a three-terminal
power semiconductor device typically used as an electronic switch. IGBT's are types of
transistors that are capable of switching electric power in many modern appliances such
as electric cars, trains, variable speed refrigerators, air-conditioners and even stereo
systems with switching amplifiers.
MOSFET Transistor - A Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOFET)
is used in integrated circuits to control the conductivity of a channel. MOSFETs are
highly dependent on negative and positive charges. They have many purposes, including
limiting a device's power levels, storing data, and being used as a switch for a wide
variety of electronic devices.
6. Explain about Field Effect Transistor and Unijunction Transistor.
A. Field Effect Transistors
Field Effect Transistors are transistors which are made up of 3 regions, a gate, a source,
and a drain. Unlike bipolar transistors, FETs are voltage-controlled devices. A voltage
placed at the gate controls current flow from the source to the drain of the
transistor.
Field Effect transistors have very high input impedance, from several megohms
(M) of resistance to much, much larger values. This high input impedance
causes them to have very little current run through them. (According to ohm's
law, current is inversely affected by the value of the impedance of the circuit. If
the impedance is high, the current is very low.) So FETs both draw very little
current from a circuit's power source. Thus, this is ideal because they don't

disturb the original circuit's power elements to which they are connected to. They won't
cause the power source to be loaded down. The drawback of FETs is that they won't
provide the same amplification that could be gotten from bipolar transistors. Bipolar
transistors are superior in the fact that they provide greater amplification, even though
FETs are better in that they cause less loading, are cheaper, and easier to manufacture.
Field Effect Transistors come in 2 main types: JFETs and MOSFETs. JFETs and
MOSFETs are very similar but MOSFETs have even higher input impedance values than
JFETs. This causes even less loading in a circuit.
Unijunction Transistors
Unijunction transistors are three-lead transistors that act exclusively as electrically
controlled switches; they are not used as amplifiers.
This differs from other transistors in that general transistors usually provide the ability to
act as a switch and also as a an amplifier. But a unijunction transistor does not provide
any decent type of amplification because of the way it is constructed. It's simply not
designed to provide a sufficient voltage or current boost.
The three leads of a unijunction transistor are B1, B2, and an emitter lead, which is the
lead which receives the input current. The basic operation of a UJT is relatively simple.
When no potential difference (voltage) exists between its emitter and either of its base
leads (B1 or B2), only a very small current flows from B2 to B1. However, if a
sufficiently large positive trigger voltage- relative to its base leads- is applied to the
emitter, a larger current flows from the emitter and combines with the small B2-to-B1
current, thus giving rise to large B1 output current. Unlike other transistors- where the
control leads provide little additional current- the UJT is just the opposite. Its emitter
current is the primary source of current for the transistor. The B2 to B1 current is only a
very small amount of the total combined current. This means that unijunction transistors
are not suitable for amplification
purposes, but only for switching.

7. What are the Semiconductor

Light Detectors? Explain.
A. No Answer
8. Explain the working of Solar Cells.
A. Solar (or photovoltaic) cells convert the suns energy into electricity. Whether theyre
adorning your calculator or orbiting our planet on satellites, they rely on the the
photoelectric effect: the ability of matter to emit electrons when a light is shone on it.
Silicon is what is known as a semi-conductor, meaning that it shares some of the
properties of metals and some of those of an electrical insulator, making it a key
ingredient in solar cells. Lets take a closer look at what happens when the sun shines
onto a solar cell.

Sunlight is composed of miniscule particles called photons, which radiate from the sun.
As these hit the silicon atoms of the solar cell, they transfer their energy to loose
electrons, knocking them clean off the atoms. The photons could be compared to the
white ball in a game of pool, which passes on its energy to the coloured balls it strikes.
Freeing up electrons is however only half the work of a solar cell: it then needs to herd
these stray electrons into an electric current. This involves creating an electrical
imbalance within the cell, which acts a bit like a slope down which the electrons will
flow in the same direction.
Creating this imbalance is made possible by the internal organisation of silicon. Silicon
atoms are arranged together in a tightly bound structure. By squeezing small quantities of
other elements into this structure, two different types of silicon are created: n-type, which
has spare electrons, and p-type, which is missing electrons, leaving holes in their place.
When these two materials are placed side by side inside a solar cell, the n-type silicons
spare electrons jump over to fill the gaps in the p-type silicon. This means that the n-type
silicon becomes positively charged, and the p-type silicon is negatively charged, creating
an electric field across the cell. Because silicon is a semi-conductor, it can act like an
insulator, maintaining this imbalance.
As the photons smash the electrons off the silicon atoms, this field drives them along in
an orderly manner, providing the electric current to power calculators, satellites and
everything in between.

Short Questions
1. Explain Static Electricity.

A. Electricity is a series of phenomena connected to the flow of electric charges, especially

electrons.
The "type" of electricity which powers motors and many other devices, can travel in
power lines or in small wires around the home is what is usually classified as "Normal"
electricity.
However there is another "type" which is known as static electricity. They are both
electricity, because they are about the same thing: movements of electrons.

When electricity is at rest, it is called static electricity. It refers to the electric

charges that build up on the surface of materials or substances. These so-called static
charges remain until they are grounded, or discharged.
Static electricity is generated by friction, or sudden contact for instance, rubbing
two materials against each other. Ordinarily, atoms are uncharged. These are considered
neutral substances, but they can lose or gain electrons through friction.
The rubbing procedure can cause the atoms of particular substances to lose their
electrons. This loss of electrons will make the substance or material become positively
charged. The excess protons caused the substance have a positive charge. Conversely, the
substance that gains the electrons is said to be negatively charged.
Certain atoms readily lose electrons, and it goes the same way with particular
atoms which have the tendency to accept them. When these two substances are rubbed
together, the potential of generating static electricity is great. Basically, the phenomenon
of static electricity is achieved when there is a separation of positive and negative
charges.
Static electricity
Involves very high voltages and very low currents.

Doesn't usually travel inside wires.

2. Explain electrical circuits.

A. An electric circuit is a path in which electrons from a voltage or current source flow. The
point where those electrons enter an electrical circuit is called the "source" of electrons.
The point where the electrons leave an electrical circuit is called the "return" or "earth
ground". The exit point is called the "return" because electrons always end up at the
source when they complete the path of an electrical circuit.
The part of an electrical circuit that is between the electrons' starting point and the
point where they return to the source is called an electrical circuit's "load". The load of an
electrical circuit may be as simple as those that power electrical appliances
like refrigerators, televisions, or lamps or more complicated, such as the load on the
output of a hydroelectric power.
Circuits use two forms of electrical power: alternating current (AC) and direct
current (DC). AC often powers large appliances and motors and is generated by power
stations. DC powers battery operated vehicles and other machines and electronics.
Converters can change AC to DC and vice versa. High-voltage direct
current transmission uses very big converters.

3. Explain Pulse Waves, Signals to Noise.

A. A pulse wave or pulse train is a kind of non-sinusoidal waveform that is similar to
a square wave, but does not have the symmetrical shape associated with a perfect square
wave. It is a term common to synthesizer programming, and is a typical waveform
available on many synthesizers. The exact shape of the wave is determined by the duty
cycle of the oscillator. In many synthesizers, the duty cycle can be modulated (sometimes
called pulse-width modulation) for a more dynamic timbre. The pulse wave is also known
as the rectangular wave, the periodic version of the rectangular function.

Signal-to-noise ratio is a measure used in science and engineering that compares

the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. It is defined as the ratio of
signal power to the noise power, often expressed in decibels. A ratio higher than 1:1

(greater than 0 dB) indicates more signal than noise. While SNR is commonly quoted for
electrical signals, it can be applied to any form of signal (such as isotope levels in an ice
core or biochemical signaling between cells).
The signal-to-noise ratio, the bandwidth, and the channel capacity of
a communication channel are connected by the ShannonHartley theorem(tells the
maximum rate at which information can be transmitted over a communications channel
of a specified bandwidth in the presence of noise).
Signal-to-noise ratio is sometimes used informally to refer to the ratio of
useful information to false or irrelevant data in a conversation or exchange. For example,
in online discussion forums and other online communities, off-topic posts and spam are
regarded as "noise" that interferes with the "signal" of appropriate discussion.

4. Define Switches, Wires and Cables.

A. An electrical switch is any device used to interrupt the flow of electrons in a circuit.
Switches are essentially binary devices: they are either completely on (closed) or
completely off (open). The simplest type of switch is one where two electrical
conductors are brought in contact with each other by the motion of an actuating
mechanism. Other switches are more complex, containing electronic circuits able to turn
on or off depending on some physical stimulus (such as light or magnetic field) sensed. In
any case, the final output of any switch will be (at least) a pair of wire-connection
terminals that will either be connected together by the switchs internal contact
mechanism (closed), or not connected together (open).

Types of Wires There are mainly 5 types of wire: .

Triplex wires
Main feeder wires
Panel feeder wires
Non Metallic sheeted wires
Single Strand wires
Color Codes Different color wires serve different purposes, like:.
Black: Hot wire, for switches or outlets.
Red: Hot wire, for switch legs. Also for connecting wire between 2 hardwired smoke
detectors.
Blue and Yellow: Hot wires, pulled in conduit. Blue for 3-4 way switch application, and
yellow for switch legs to control fan, lights etc.
White: Always neutral.
Green and Bare Copper: Only for grounding.
Types of Electrical Cables There are more than 20 different types of cables available
today, designed for applications ranging from transmission to heavy industrial use. Some of
the most commonly-used ones include:.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable
Underground Feeder Cable
Metallic Sheathed Cable
Multi-Conductor Cable
Coaxial Cable
Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable
Ribbon Cable
Direct-Buried Cable

 Twin-Lead Cable
Twin axial Cable
Paired Cable
Twisted Pair
Cable Color Code Color coding of cable insulation is done to determine active, neutral
and earth conductors. The NEC has not prescribed any color for phase/active conductors.
Different countries/regions have different cable color coding, and it is essential to know what
is applicable in your region. However, active conductors cannot be green/yellow, green,
yellow, light blue or black.

5. Discuss Microphones and Speakers.

A. Microphones, speakers and headphones are components commonly used as the input and
output devices of many circuits. A microphone converts sound waves into electrical
signals that closely follow the waveform of the sound being received. This signal is then
amplified by the circuit and transformed into a sound by a speaker or headphone. The
symbols for these components are shown

The microphone (mic) is a ubiquitous piece of equipment. Found in everything from

telephones to computers to recording studios, microphones are part of our daily life.

6. Describe transistor in Electronics.

Refer Essay Question

7. Explain about the Diode.

A Diode is the simplest two-terminal unilateral semiconductor device. It allows current to
flow only in one direction and blocks the current that flows in the opposite direction. The two
terminals of the diode are called as anode and cathode. The symbol of diode is as shown in
the figure below.

Working of Diode:

The diode operates when a voltage signal is applied across its terminals. The application of a
DC voltage to make the diode operate in a circuit is called as Biasing. As already
mentioned above the diode resembles to that of a one way switch so it can either be in a state
of conduction or in a state of non conduction. The ON state of a diode is achieved by
Forward biasing which means that positive or higher potential is applied to the anode and
negative or lower potential is applied at the cathode of the diode. In other words, the ON
state of diode has the applied current in the same direction of the arrow head. The OFF state
of a diode is achieved by Reverse biasing which means that positive or higher potential is
applied to the cathode and negative or lower potential is applied at the anode of the diode. In
other words, the OFF state of diode has the applied current in the opposite direction of the
arrow head.
During ON state, the practical diode offers a resistance called as the Forward resistance.
The diode requires a forward bias voltage to switch to the ON condition which is called
Cut-in-voltage. The diode starts conducting in reverse biased mode when the reverse bias
voltage exceeds its limit which is called as the Breakdown voltage. The diode remains in
OFF state when no voltage is applied across it.

A simple p-n junction diode is fabricated by doping p and n type layers on a silicon or
germanium wafer. The germanium and silicon materials are preferred for diode fabrication
because:
They are available in high purity.
Slight doping like one atom per ten million atoms of a desired impurity can change
the conductivity to a considerable level.
The properties of these materials change on applying heat and light and hence it is
important in the development of heat and light sensitive devices.

8. What are the Semiconductor Light Sources?

No Answer