This module is designed to cover the fundamentals of series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. A discussion of positive ground and negative ground is presented, as well as the effects of connecting voltage sources in parallel. The theoretical and practical aspects of basic circuit calculations using Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws are also presented using a combination of video, animation, and laboratory projects using CircuitLogix simulation software. In addition, this module introduces the fundamentals of alternating voltages and currents. The phase relationships between alternating current and voltage are also described for both single- and three-phase circuits. The principles of transformers and transformer polarity are presented as well as the effects of inductive and capacitive reactance on AC circuits.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
- Describe how voltages are distributed in a series circuit
- Define Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law and Current Law
- Determine the polarity of emfs and voltage drops
- Use the voltage divider and current divider rule
- Describe the effect of connecting voltages sources in parallel
- Define positive ground and negative ground
- Determine the total resistance in a series-parallel circuit
- Calculate voltage drops and power
- Explain the purpose of loaded voltage dividers
- Explain the instantaneous value of a sine wave
- Determine the average and RMS values of a sine wave
- Explain the effects of inductive and capacitive reactance on AC circuits
- Discuss power in AC circuits
- Describe the basic operating principle of transformers