Basictronics: Electronic Components

Showing posts with label Electronic Components. Show all posts

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Rheostat

A rheostat is a two-terminal variable resistor. Often these are designed to handle much higher voltage and current. Typically these are constructed as a resistive wire wrapped to form a toroid coil with the wiper moving over the upper surface of the toroid, sliding from one turn of the wire to the next. Sometimes a rheostat is made from resistance wire wound on a heat resisting cylinder with the slider made from a number of metal fingers that grip lightly onto a small portion of the turns of resistance wire. The 'fingers' can be moved along the coil of resistance wire by a sliding knob thus changing the 'tapping' point. They are usually used as variable resistors rather than variable potential dividers.

Any three-terminal potentiometer can be used as a two-terminal variable resistor, by not connecting to the 3rd terminal. It is common practice to connect the wiper terminal to the unused end of the resistance track to reduce the amount of resistance variation caused by dirt on the track.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Other Components

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

circuit symbol

Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)

An LDR is an input transducer (sensor) which converts brightness (light) to resistance. It is made from cadmium sulphide (CdS) and the resistance decreases as the brightness of light falling on the LDR increases.

A multimeter can be used to find the resistance in darkness and bright light, these are the typical results for a standard LDR:

Darkness: maximum resistance, about 1M.
Very bright light: minimum resistance, about 100.

For many years the standard LDR has been the ORP12, now the NORPS12, which is about 13mm diameter. Miniature LDRs are also available and their diameter is about 5mm.

An LDR may be connected either way round and no special precautions are required when soldering.

Thermistor


Photograph © Rapid Electronics

circuit symbol

A thermistor is an input transducer (sensor) which converts temperature (heat) to resistance. Almost all thermistors have a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) which means their resistance decreases as their temperature increases. It is possible to make thermistors with a positive temperature coefficient (resistance increases as temperature increases) but these are rarely used. Always assume NTC if no information is given.

A multimeter can be used to find the resistance at various temperatures, these are some typical readings for example:

Icy water 0°C: high resistance, about 12k.
Room temperature 25°C: medium resistance, about 5k.
Boiling water 100°C: low resistance, about 400.

Suppliers usually specify thermistors by their resistance at 25°C (room temperature). Thermistors take several seconds to respond to a sudden temperature change, small thermistors respond more rapidly.

A thermistor may be connected either way round and no special precautions are required when soldering. If it is going to be immersed in water the thermistor and its connections should be insulated because water is a weak conductor; for example they could be coated with polyurethane varnish.

Piezo transducer

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

circuit symbol

Piezo transducers are output transducers which convert an electrical signal to sound. They require a driver circuit (such as a 555 astable) to provide a signal and if this is near their natural (resonant) frequency of about 3kHz they will produce a particularly loud sound.

Piezo transducers require a small current, usually less than 10mA, so they can be connected directly to the outputs of most ICs. They are ideal for buzzes and beeps, but are not suitable for speech or music because they distort the sound. They are sometimes supplied with red and black leads, but they may be connected either way round. PCB-mounting versions are also available.

Piezo transducers can also be used as input transducers for detecting sudden loud noises or impacts, effectively behaving as a crude microphone.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

capacitor in series to block DC

circuit symbol

Loudspeaker

Loudspeakers are output transducers which convert an electrical signal to sound. Usually they are called 'speakers'. They require a driver circuit, such as a 555 astable or an audio amplifier, to provide a signal. There is a wide range available, but for many electronics projects a 300mW miniature loudspeaker is ideal. This type is about 70mm diameter and it is usually available with resistances of 8

and 64

. If a project specifies a 64

speaker you must use this higher resistance to prevent damage to the driving circuit.

Most circuits used to drive loudspeakers produce an audio (AC) signal which is combined with a constant DC signal. The DC will make a large current flow through the speaker due to its low resistance, possibly damaging both the speaker and the driving circuit. To prevent this happening a large value electrolytic capacitor is connected in series with the speaker, this blocks DC but passes audio (AC) signals. See capacitor coupling.

Loudspeakers may be connected either way round except in stereo circuits when the + and - markings on their terminals must be observed to ensure the two speakers are in phase.

Correct polarity must always be observed for large speakers in cabinets because the cabinet may contain a small circuit (a 'crossover network') which diverts the high frequency signals to a small speaker (a 'tweeter') because the large main speaker is poor at reproducing them.

Miniature loudspeakers can also be used as a microphone and they work surprisingly well, certainly good enough for speech in an intercom system for example.


Buzzer (about 400Hz)	Bleeper (about 3kHz)
Photographs © Rapid Electronics
circuit symbol

Buzzer and Bleeper

These devices are output transducers converting electrical energy to sound. They contain an internal oscillator to produce the sound which is set at about 400Hz for buzzers and about 3kHz for bleepers.

Buzzers have a voltage rating but it is only approximate, for example 6V and 12V buzzers can be used with a 9V supply. Their typical current is about 25mA.

Bleepers have wide voltage ranges, such as 3-30V, and they pass a low current of about 10mA.

Buzzers and bleepers must be connected the right way round, their red lead is positive (+).

Inductor (miniature)

Ferrite rod
Photographs © Rapid Electronics

circuit symbol

Inductor (coil)

An inductor is a coil of wire which may have a core of air, iron or ferrite (a brittle material made from iron). Its electrical property is called inductance and the unit for this is the henry, symbol H. 1H is very large so mH and µH are used, 1000µH = 1mH and 1000mH = 1H. Iron and ferrite cores increase the inductance. Inductors are mainly used in tuned circuits and to block high frequency AC signals (they are sometimes called chokes). They pass DC easily, but block AC signals, this is the opposite of capacitors.

Inductors are rarely found in simple projects, but one exception is the tuning coil of a radio receiver. This is an inductor which you may have to make yourself by neatly winding enamelled copper wire around a ferrite rod. Enamelled copper wire has very thin insulation, allowing the turns of the coil to be close together, but this makes it impossible to strip in the usual way - the best method is to gently pull the ends of the wire through folded emery paper.
Warning: a ferrite rod is brittle so treat it like glass, not iron!

An inductor may be connected either way round and no special precautions are required when soldering.

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Variable Resistors

Construction | LIN & LOG | Rheostat | Potentiometer | Presets

Construction

Standard Variable Resistor
Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Variable resistors consist of a resistance track with connections at both ends and a wiper which moves along the track as you turn the spindle. The track may be made from carbon, cermet (ceramic and metal mixture) or a coil of wire (for low resistances). The track is usually rotary but straight track versions, usually called sliders, are also available.

Variable resistors may be used as a rheostat with two connections (the wiper and just one end of the track) or as a potentiometer with all three connections in use. Miniature versions called presets are made for setting up circuits which will not require further adjustment.

Variable resistors are often called potentiometers in books and catalogues. They are specified by their maximum resistance, linear or logarithmic track, and their physical size. The standard spindle diameter is 6mm.

The resistance and type of track are marked on the body:
4K7 LIN means 4.7 k linear track.
1M LOG means 1 M logarithmic track.

Some variable resistors are designed to be mounted directly on the circuit board, but most are for mounting through a hole drilled in the case containing the circuit with stranded wire connecting their terminals to the circuit board.

Linear (LIN) and Logarithmic (LOG) tracks

Linear (LIN) track means that the resistance changes at a constant rate as you move the wiper. This is the standard arrangement and you should assume this type is required if a project does not specify the type of track. Presets always have linear tracks.

Logarithmic (LOG) track means that the resistance changes slowly at one end of the track and rapidly at the other end, so halfway along the track is not half the total resistance! This arrangement is used for volume (loudness) controls because the human ear has a logarithmic response to loudness so fine control (slow change) is required at low volumes and coarser control (rapid change) at high volumes. It is important to connect the ends of the track the correct way round, if you find that turning the spindle increases the volume rapidly followed by little further change you should swap the connections to the ends of the track.

Rheostat

Rheostat Symbol

This is the simplest way of using a variable resistor. Two terminals are used: one connected to an end of the track, the other to the moveable wiper. Turning the spindle changes the resistance between the two terminals from zero up to the maximum resistance.

Rheostats are often used to vary current, for example to control the brightness of a lamp or the rate at which a capacitor charges.

If the rheostat is mounted on a printed circuit board you may find that all three terminals are connected! However, one of them will be linked to the wiper terminal. This improves the mechanical strength of the mounting but it serves no function electrically.

Potentiometer

Potentiometer Symbol

Variable resistors used as potentiometers have all three terminals connected.

This arrangement is normally used to vary voltage, for example to set the switching point of a circuit with a sensor, or control the volume (loudness) in an amplifier circuit. If the terminals at the ends of the track are connected across the power supply then the wiper terminal will provide a voltage which can be varied from zero up to the maximum of the supply.

Presets

Preset Symbol

These are miniature versions of the standard variable resistor. They are designed to be mounted directly onto the circuit board and adjusted only when the circuit is built. For example to set the frequency of an alarm tone or the sensitivity of a light-sensitive circuit. A small screwdriver or similar tool is required to adjust presets.

Presets are much cheaper than standard variable resistors so they are sometimes used in projects where a standard variable resistor would normally be used.

Multiturn presets are used where very precise adjustments must be made. The screw must be turned many times (10+) to move the slider from one end of the track to the other, giving very fine control.


Preset (open style)	Presets (closed style)	Multiturn preset
Photographs © Rapid Electronics

Heat sinks for transistors

Heat sinks are needed for transistors passing large currents.

Why is a heat sink needed?

Heat sink

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Waste heat is produced in transistors due to the current flowing through them. If you find that a transistor is becoming too hot to touch it certainly needs a heat sink! The heat sink helps to dissipate (remove) the heat by transferring it to the surrounding air.

The rate of producing waste heat is called the thermal power, P. Usually the base current I_B is too small to contribute much heat, so the thermal power is determined by the collector current I_C and the voltage V_CE across the transistor:

P = I_C × V_CE (see diagram below)

Insulation kit

Heat-conducting paste

Photographs © Rapid Electronics

The heat is not a problem if I_C is small or if the transistor is used as a switch because when 'full on' V_CE is almost zero. However, power transistors used in circuits such as an audio amplifier or a motor speed controller will be partly on most of the time and V_CE may be about half the supply voltage. These power transistors will almost certainly need a heat sink to prevent them overheating.

Power transistors usually have bolt holes for attaching heat sinks, but clip-on heat sinks are also available. Make sure you use the right type for your transistor. Many transistors have metal cases which are connected to one of their leads so it may be necessary to insulate the heat sink from the transistor. Insulating kits are available with a mica sheet and a plastic sleeve for the bolt. Heat-conducting paste can be used to improve heat flow from the transistor to the heat sink, this is especially important if an insulation kit is used.

Heat sink ratings

Heat sinks are rated by their thermal resistance (Rth) in °C/W. For example 2°C/W means the heat sink (and therefore the component attached to it) will be 2°C hotter than the surrounding air for every 1W of heat it is dissipating. Note that a lower thermal resistance means a better heat sink.

This is how you work out the required heat sink rating: NPN transistor with load

Work out thermal power to be dissipated, P = I_C × V_CE
If in doubt use the largest likely value for I_C and assume that V_CE is half the supply voltage.
For example if a power transistor is passing 1A and connected to a 12V supply, the power P is about 1 × ½ × 12 = 6W.
Find the maximum operating temperature (Tmax) for the transistor if you can, otherwise assume Tmax = 100°C.
Estimate the maximum ambient (surrounding air) temperature (Tair). If the heat sink is going to be outside the case Tair = 25°C is reasonable, but inside it will be higher (perhaps 40°C) allowing for everything to warm up in operation.
Work out the maximum thermal resistance (Rth) for the heat sink using: Rth = (Tmax - Tair) / P
With the example values given above: Rth = (100-25)/6 = 12.5°C/W.
Choose a heat sink with a thermal resistance which is less than the value calculated above (remember lower value means better heat sinking!) for example 5°C/W would be a sensible choice to allow a safety margin. A 5°C/W heat sink dissipating 6W will have a temperature difference of 5 × 6 = 30°C so the transistor temperature will rise to 25 + 30 = 55°C (safely less than the 100°C maximum).
All the above assumes the transistor is at the same temperature as the heat sink. This is a reasonable assumption if they are firmly bolted or clipped together. However, you may have to put a mica sheet or similar between them to provide electrical insulation, then the transistor will be hotter than the heat sink and the calculation becomes more difficult. For typical mica sheets you should subtract 2°C/W from the thermal resistance (Rth) value calculated in step 4 above.

If this all seems too complex you can try attaching a moderately large heat sink and hope for the best. Cautiously monitor the transistor temperature with your finger, if it becomes painfully hot switch off immediately and use a larger heat sink!

Why thermal resistance?

The term 'thermal resistance' is used because it is analagous to electrical resistance:

The temperature difference across the heat sink (between the transistor and air) is like voltage (potential difference) across a resistor.
The thermal power (rate of heat) flowing through the heat sink from transistor to air is like current flowing through a resistor.
So R = V/I becomes Rth = (Tmax - Tair)/P
Just as you need a voltage difference to make current flow, you need a temperature difference to make heat flow.

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Transistors

This page covers practical matters such as precautions when soldering and identifying leads. The operation and use of transistors is covered by the Transistor Circuits page.

Also see: Heat sinks | Transistor Circuits

Function

Transistors amplify current, for example they can be used to amplify the small output current from a logic IC so that it can operate a lamp, relay or other high current device. In many circuits a resistor is used to convert the changing current to a changing voltage, so the transistor is being used to amplify voltage.

A transistor may be used as a switch (either fully on with maximum current, or fully off with no current) and as an amplifier (always partly on).

The amount of current amplification is called the current gain, symbol h_FE.
For further information please see the Transistor Circuits page.

Types of transistor


Transistor circuit symbols

There are two types of standard transistors, NPN and PNP, with different circuit symbols. The letters refer to the layers of semiconductor material used to make the transistor. Most transistors used today are NPN because this is the easiest type to make from silicon. If you are new to electronics it is best to start by learning how to use NPN transistors.

The leads are labelled base (B), collector (C) and emitter (E).
These terms refer to the internal operation of a transistor but they are not much help in understanding how a transistor is used, so just treat them as labels!

A Darlington pair is two transistors connected together to give a very high current gain.

In addition to standard (bipolar junction) transistors, there are field-effect transistors which are usually referred to as FETs. They have different circuit symbols and properties and they are not (yet) covered by this page.

Transistor leads for some common case styles.

Connecting

Transistors have three leads which must be connected the correct way round. Please take care with this because a wrongly connected transistor may be damaged instantly when you switch on.

If you are lucky the orientation of the transistor will be clear from the PCB or stripboard layout diagram, otherwise you will need to refer to a supplier's catalogue to identify the leads.

The drawings on the right show the leads for some of the most common case styles.

Please note that transistor lead diagrams show the view from below with the leads towards you. This is the opposite of IC (chip) pin diagrams which show the view from above.

Please see below for a table showing the case styles of some common transistors.

Soldering

Transistors can be damaged by heat when soldering so if you are not an expert it is wise to use a heat sink clipped to the lead between the joint and the transistor body. A standard crocodile clip can be used as a heat sink.

Do not confuse this temporary heat sink with the permanent heat sink (described below) which may be required for a power transistor to prevent it overheating during operation.

Heat sink

Heat sinks

Waste heat is produced in transistors due to the current flowing through them. Heat sinks are needed for power transistors because they pass large currents. If you find that a transistor is becoming too hot to touch it certainly needs a heat sink! The heat sink helps to dissipate (remove) the heat by transferring it to the surrounding air.

For further information please see the Heat sinks page.

Testing a transistor

Transistors can be damaged by heat when soldering or by misuse in a circuit. If you suspect that a transistor may be damaged there are two easy ways to test it:

Testing an NPN transistor

1. Testing with a multimeter

Use a multimeter or a simple tester (battery, resistor and LED) to check each pair of leads for conduction. Set a digital multimeter to diode test and an analogue multimeter to a low resistance range.

Test each pair of leads both ways (six tests in total):

The base-emitter (BE) junction should behave like a diode and conduct one way only.
The base-collector (BC) junction should behave like a diode and conduct one way only.
The collector-emitter (CE) should not conduct either way.

The diagram shows how the junctions behave in an NPN transistor. The diodes are reversed in a PNP transistor but the same test procedure can be used.

A simple switching circuit
to test an NPN transistor

2. Testing in a simple switching circuit

Connect the transistor into the circuit shown on the right which uses the transistor as a switch. The supply voltage is not critical, anything between 5 and 12V is suitable. This circuit can be quickly built on breadboard for example. Take care to include the 10k

resistor in the base connection or you will destroy the transistor as you test it!

If the transistor is OK the LED should light when the switch is pressed and not light when the switch is released.

To test a PNP transistor use the same circuit but reverse the LED and the supply voltage.

Some multimeters have a 'transistor test' function which provides a known base current and measures the collector current so as to display the transistor's DC current gain h_FE.

Transistor codes

There are three main series of transistor codes used in the UK:

Codes beginning with B (or A), for example BC108, BC478
The first letter B is for silicon, A is for germanium (rarely used now). The second letter indicates the type; for example C means low power audio frequency; D means high power audio frequency; F means low power high frequency. The rest of the code identifies the particular transistor. There is no obvious logic to the numbering system. Sometimes a letter is added to the end (eg BC108C) to identify a special version of the main type, for example a higher current gain or a different case style. If a project specifies a higher gain version (BC108C) it must be used, but if the general code is given (BC108) any transistor with that code is suitable.
Codes beginning with TIP, for example TIP31A
TIP refers to the manufacturer: Texas Instruments Power transistor. The letter at the end identifies versions with different voltage ratings.
Codes beginning with 2N, for example 2N3053
The initial '2N' identifies the part as a transistor and the rest of the code identifies the particular transistor. There is no obvious logic to the numbering system.

Choosing a transistor

Most projects will specify a particular transistor, but if necessary you can usually substitute an equivalent transistor from the wide range available. The most important properties to look for are the maximum collector current I_C and the current gain h_FE. To make selection easier most suppliers group their transistors in categories determined either by their typical use or maximum power rating.

To make a final choice you will need to consult the tables of technical data which are normally provided in catalogues. They contain a great deal of useful information but they can be difficult to understand if you are not familiar with the abbreviations used. The table below shows the most important technical data for some popular transistors, tables in catalogues and reference books will usually show additional information but this is unlikely to be useful unless you are experienced. The quantities shown in the table are explained below.

NPN transistors
Code	Structure	Case style	I_C max.	V_CE max.	h_FE min.	P_tot max.	Category (typical use)	Possible substitutes
BC107	NPN	TO18	100mA	45V	110	300mW	Audio, low power	BC182 BC547
BC108	NPN	TO18	100mA	20V	110	300mW	General purpose, low power	BC108C BC183 BC548
BC108C	NPN	TO18	100mA	20V	420	600mW	General purpose, low power
BC109	NPN	TO18	200mA	20V	200	300mW	Audio (low noise), low power	BC184 BC549
BC182	NPN	TO92C	100mA	50V	100	350mW	General purpose, low power	BC107 BC182L
BC182L	NPN	TO92A	100mA	50V	100	350mW	General purpose, low power	BC107 BC182
BC547B	NPN	TO92C	100mA	45V	200	500mW	Audio, low power	BC107B
BC548B	NPN	TO92C	100mA	30V	220	500mW	General purpose, low power	BC108B
BC549B	NPN	TO92C	100mA	30V	240	625mW	Audio (low noise), low power	BC109
2N3053	NPN	TO39	700mA	40V	50	500mW	General purpose, low power	BFY51
BFY51	NPN	TO39	1A	30V	40	800mW	General purpose, medium power	BC639
BC639	NPN	TO92A	1A	80V	40	800mW	General purpose, medium power	BFY51
TIP29A	NPN	TO220	1A	60V	40	30W	General purpose, high power
TIP31A	NPN	TO220	3A	60V	10	40W	General purpose, high power	TIP31C TIP41A
TIP31C	NPN	TO220	3A	100V	10	40W	General purpose, high power	TIP31A TIP41A
TIP41A	NPN	TO220	6A	60V	15	65W	General purpose, high power
2N3055	NPN	TO3	15A	60V	20	117W	General purpose, high power
Please note: the data in this table was compiled from several sources which are not entirely consistent! Most of the discrepancies are minor, but please consult information from your supplier if you require precise data.
PNP transistors
Code	Structure	Case style	I_C max.	V_CE max.	h_FE min.	P_tot max.	Category (typical use)	Possible substitutes
BC177	PNP	TO18	100mA	45V	125	300mW	Audio, low power	BC477
BC178	PNP	TO18	200mA	25V	120	600mW	General purpose, low power	BC478
BC179	PNP	TO18	200mA	20V	180	600mW	Audio (low noise), low power
BC477	PNP	TO18	150mA	80V	125	360mW	Audio, low power	BC177
BC478	PNP	TO18	150mA	40V	125	360mW	General purpose, low power	BC178
TIP32A	PNP	TO220	3A	60V	25	40W	General purpose, high power	TIP32C
TIP32C	PNP	TO220	3A	100V	10	40W	General purpose, high power	TIP32A
Please note: the data in this table was compiled from several sources which are not entirely consistent! Most of the discrepancies are minor, but please consult information from your supplier if you require precise data.

Structure	This shows the type of transistor, NPN or PNP. The polarities of the two types are different, so if you are looking for a substitute it must be the same type.
Case style	There is a diagram showing the leads for some of the most common case styles in the Connecting section above. This information is also available in suppliers' catalogues.
I_C max.	Maximum collector current.
V_CE max.	Maximum voltage across the collector-emitter junction. You can ignore this rating in low voltage circuits.
h_FE	This is the current gain (strictly the DC current gain). The guaranteed minimum value is given because the actual value varies from transistor to transistor - even for those of the same type! Note that current gain is just a number so it has no units. The gain is often quoted at a particular collector current I_C which is usually in the middle of the transistor's range, for example '100@20mA' means the gain is at least 100 at 20mA. Sometimes minimum and maximum values are given. Since the gain is roughly constant for various currents but it varies from transistor to transistor this detail is only really of interest to experts. Why h_FE? It is one of a whole series of parameters for transistors, each with their own symbol. There are too many to explain here.
P_tot max.	Maximum total power which can be developed in the transistor, note that a heat sink will be required to achieve the maximum rating. This rating is important for transistors operating as amplifiers, the power is roughly I_C × V_CE. For transistors operating as switches the maximum collector current (I_C max.) is more important.
Category	This shows the typical use for the transistor, it is a good starting point when looking for a substitute. Catalogues may have separate tables for different categories.
Possible substitutes	These are transistors with similar electrical properties which will be suitable substitutes in most circuits. However, they may have a different case style so you will need to take care when placing them on the circuit board.

Darlington pair

This is two transistors connected together so that the amplified current from the first is amplified further by the second transistor. This gives the Darlington pair a very high current gain such as 10000. Darlington pairs are sold as complete packages containing the two transistors. They have three leads (B, C and E) which are equivalent to the leads of a standard individual transistor.

You can make up your own Darlington pair from two transistors.
For example:

For TR1 use BC548B with h_FE1 = 220.
For TR2 use BC639 with h_FE2 = 40.

The overall gain of this pair is h_FE1 × h_FE2 = 220 × 40 = 8800.
The pair's maximum collector current I_C(max) is the same as TR2.

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Switches

Switch Contacts - pole, throw etc.
Standard Switches - SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT.
Special Switches - multiway, key, tilt, reed etc.

Also see: Relays | Series and Parallel Connections - Switches

Circuit symbol for a
simple on-off switch

Selecting a Switch

There are three important features to consider when selecting a switch:

Contacts (e.g. single pole, double throw)
Ratings (maximum voltage and current)
Method of Operation (toggle, slide, key etc.)

Switch Contacts

Several terms are used to describe switch contacts:

Pole - number of switch contact sets.
Throw - number of conducting positions, single or double.
Way - number of conducting positions, three or more.
Momentary - switch returns to its normal position when released.
Open - off position, contacts not conducting.
Closed - on position, contacts conducting, there may be several on positions.

For example: the simplest on-off switch has one set of contacts (single pole) and one switching position which conducts (single throw). The switch mechanism has two positions: open (off) and closed (on), but it is called 'single throw' because only one position conducts.

Switch Contact Ratings

Switch contacts are rated with a maximum voltage and current, and there may be different ratings for AC and DC. The AC values are higher because the current falls to zero many times each second and an arc is less likely to form across the switch contacts.

For low voltage electronics projects the voltage rating will not matter, but you may need to check the current rating. The maximum current is less for inductive loads (coils and motors) because they cause more sparking at the contacts when switched off.

Standard Switches

Type of Switch	Circuit Symbol	Example
ON-OFF Single Pole, Single Throw = SPST A simple on-off switch. This type can be used to switch the power supply to a circuit. When used with mains electricity this type of switch must be in the live wire, but it is better to use a DPST switch to isolate both live and neutral. Photograph © Rapid Electronics		SPST toggle switch
(ON)-OFF Push-to-make = SPST Momentary A push-to-make switch returns to its normally open (off) position when you release the button, this is shown by the brackets around ON. This is the standard doorbell switch. Photograph © Rapid Electronics		Push-to-make switch
ON-(OFF) Push-to-break = SPST Momentary A push-to-break switch returns to its normally closed (on) position when you release the button. Photograph © Rapid Electronics		Push-to-break switch
ON-ON Single Pole, Double Throw = SPDT This switch can be on in both positions, switching on a separate device in each case. It is often called a changeover switch. For example, a SPDT switch can be used to switch on a red lamp in one position and a green lamp in the other position. A SPDT toggle switch may be used as a simple on-off switch by connecting to COM and one of the A or B terminals shown in the diagram. A and B are interchangeable so switches are usually not labelled. ON-OFF-ON SPDT Centre Off A special version of the standard SPDT switch. It has a third switching position in the centre which is off. Momentary (ON)-OFF-(ON) versions are also available where the switch returns to the central off position when released. Photographs © Rapid Electronics		SPDT toggle switch SPDT slide switch (PCB mounting) SPDT rocker switch
Dual ON-OFF Double Pole, Single Throw = DPST A pair of on-off switches which operate together (shown by the dotted line in the circuit symbol). A DPST switch is often used to switch mains electricity because it can isolate both the live and neutral connections. Photograph © Rapid Electronics		DPST rocker switch
Dual ON-ON Double Pole, Double Throw = DPDT A pair of on-on switches which operate together (shown by the dotted line in the circuit symbol). A DPDT switch can be wired up as a reversing switch for a motor as shown in the diagram. ON-OFF-ON DPDT Centre Off A special version of the standard SPDT switch. It has a third switching position in the centre which is off. This can be very useful for motor control because you have forward, off and reverse positions. Momentary (ON)-OFF-(ON) versions are also available where the switch returns to the central off position when released. Photograph © Rapid Electronics		DPDT slide switch Wiring for Reversing Switch
Rapid Electronics stock a wide range of switches and they have kindly allowed me to use their photographs on this page. The photographs are from their Image Gallery CD-ROM.

Special Switches

Type of Switch	Example
Push-Push Switch (e.g. SPST = ON-OFF) This looks like a momentary action push switch but it is a standard on-off switch: push once to switch on, push again to switch off. This is called a latching action. Photograph © Rapid Electronics
Microswitch (usually SPDT = ON-ON) Microswitches are designed to switch fully open or closed in response to small movements. They are available with levers and rollers attached. Photograph © Rapid Electronics
Keyswitch A key operated switch. The example shown is SPST. Photograph © Rapid Electronics
Tilt Switch (SPST) Tilt switches contain a conductive liquid and when tilted this bridges the contacts inside, closing the switch. They can be used as a sensor to detect the position of an object. Some tilt switches contain mercury which is poisonous. Photograph © Rapid Electronics
Reed Switch (usually SPST) The contacts of a reed switch are closed by bringing a small magnet near the switch. They are used in security circuits, for example to check that doors are closed. Standard reed switches are SPST (simple on-off) but SPDT (changeover) versions are also available. Warning: reed switches have a glass body which is easily broken! For advice on handling please see the Electronics in Meccano website. Photograph © Rapid Electronics
DIP Switch (DIP = Dual In-line Parallel) This is a set of miniature SPST on-off switches, the example shown has 8 switches. The package is the same size as a standard DIL (Dual In-Line) integrated circuit. This type of switch is used to set up circuits, e.g. setting the code of a remote control. Photograph © Rapid Electronics
Multi-pole Switch The picture shows a 6-pole double throw switch, also known as a 6-pole changeover switch. It can be set to have momentary or latching action. Latching action means it behaves as a push-push switch, push once for the first position, push again for the second position etc. Photograph © Rapid Electronics
Multi-way Switch Multi-way switches have 3 or more conducting positions. They may have several poles (contact sets). A popular type has a rotary action and it is available with a range of contact arrangements from 1-pole 12-way to 4-pole 3 way. The number of ways (switch positions) may be reduced by adjusting a stop under the fixing nut. For example if you need a 2-pole 5-way switch you can buy the 2-pole 6-way version and adjust the stop. Contrast this multi-way switch (many switch positions) with the multi-pole switch (many contact sets) described above. Photograph © Rapid Electronics	Multi-way rotary switch 1-pole 4-way switch symbol