DE: Activity 1.1.5.c Circuit Theory Breadboarding

DE: Activity 1.1.5.c Circuit Theory Breadboarding

Breadboarding is an essential skill for anyone who plans to design analog and/or digital circuits.

In this activity, you will gain experience using a breadboard to build and test simple analog circuits. In future activities, we will breadboard digital circuits as well.

The circuits you analyze in this activity are some of the same circuits that you analyzed by hand in Activity 1.1.5.a and simulated in Activity 1.1.5.b. This will allow you to compare the theoretical, simulated, and measured values.

Open Ended

Using a breadboard and variable power supply, construct the circuit shown. Use a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure I_T, V_R1, V_R2, and V_R3.

Remember, unlike measuring voltage, current measurement is an intrusive measurement. This means that you must temporarily modify the circuit. Redirect the current through the DMM and then direct it back to the circuit.

You analyzed this circuit by hand in Activity 1.1.5.a and simulated it in Activity 1.1.5.b. How do these measured values compare to the previously calculated and simulated values? If they do not match, review your circuit, your calculations, and make any necessary corrections.

Open Ended

Using a breadboard and variable power supply, construct the circuit shown. Use a DMM to measure I_T, V_R1, V_R2, V_R3, and V_R4.

Open Ended

Using a breadboard and variable power supply, construct the circuit shown. Use a DMM to measure I_T, I_R1, I_R2, and I_R3.

Open Ended

Using a breadboard and variable power supply, construct the circuit shown. Use a DMM to measure I_T, I_R1, I_R2, I_R3, and I_R4.

Open Ended

Using a breadboard and variable power supply, construct the circuit shown. Use a DMM to measure R_T and I_T.

Open Ended

You have now analyzed the same circuits three times:

By hand in Activity 1.1.5.a

By simulation in Activity 1.1.5.b

By breadboarding in this activity 1.1.5.c

How did these values compare, and what might account for any differences?

Open Ended

How does the technique for measuring current with a DMM differ from measuring voltage?

Open Ended

What is the origin of the name “breadboard”?