Basic Electronics For TVET
Syllabus
Topic 1: UNIT 10.1.01 – INTRODUCTION
TO ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
1. What is an Electrical Circuit?
Definition
An electrical circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows from a source,
through components, and back to the source.
Basic Requirement of a Circuit
For current to flow, a circuit must have:
1. Source of energy (battery, generator)
2. Conducting path (wires)
3. Load (lamp, resistor, motor)
4. Switch or control device (optional)
Key Point
If the path is broken, the circuit is open → no current flows
If the path is complete, the circuit is closed → current flows
Examples
1. A torch lighting when switched ON
2. A fan running when power is supplied
3. A phone charging circuit
4. A bulb glowing in a laboratory setup
5. A doorbell ringing when pressed
2. Basic Electrical Quantities
2.1 Electric Charge (Q)
Definition
Electric charge is the quantity of electricity possessed by a body.
Unit
Coulomb (C)
Formula
Q=I * t
Where:
Q = charge (C)
I = current (A)
t = time (seconds)
Examples
1. If 2 A flows for 5 s,
Q=2×5=10C
2. A current of 1 A for 10 s gives
Q=10C
3. 0.5 A for 20 s
Q=10C
4. 4 A for 2 s
Q=8C
5. 3 A flowing for 1 s
Q=3C
2.2 Electric Current (I)
Definition
Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge.
Unit
Ampere (A)
Formula
I=Q/t
Key Note
Conventional current flows from positive to negative
Electron flow is negative to positive
Examples
1. 10 C in 5 s
I=2A
2. 20 C in 10 s
I=2A
3. 15 C in 3 s
I=5A
4. 6 C in 2 s
I=3A
5. 50 C in 25 s
I=2A
2.3 Voltage / Potential Difference (V)
Definition
Voltage is the electrical pressure that pushes current through a circuit.
Unit
Volt (V)
Formula
V=W/Q
Where:
W = work done (Joules)
Q = charge (C)
Examples
1. 10 J for 2 C
V=5V
2. 20 J for 5 C
V=4V
3. 12 J for 3 C
V=4V
4. 9 J for 3 C
V=3V
5. 100 J for 20 C
V=5V
2.4 Resistance (R)
Definition
Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current.
Unit
Ohm (Ω)
Factors Affecting Resistance
1. Length of conductor
2. Cross-sectional area
3. Material
4. Temperature
Formula (Ohm’s Law)
R=V/I
Where:
V-Volt (V)
I-Electric current (A)
Examples
1. 10 V, 2 A
R=5Ω
2. 12 V, 3 A
R=4Ω
3. 20 V, 4 A
R=5Ω
4. 9 V, 3 A
R=3Ω
5. 100 V, 10 A
R=10Ω
3. Types of Electrical Circuits
3.1 Open Circuit
Definition
An open circuit has a break in the path, so no current flows.
Examples
1. Switch OFF lamp
2. Broken wire
3. Blown fuse
4. Open doorbell switch
5. Disconnected battery terminal
3.2 Closed Circuit
Definition
A closed circuit has a complete path, allowing current to flow.
Examples
1. Switch ON lamp
2. Operating fan
3. Working torch
4. Running motor
5. TV turned ON
3.3 Short Circuit
Definition
A short circuit occurs when current takes an unintended low-resistance path, causing very
high current.
Danger
Causes overheating
Can damage equipment
Fire hazard
Examples
1. Live wire touching neutral
2. Damaged insulation
3. Water entering sockets
4. Faulty extension cord
5. Metal object across terminals
4. Circuit Symbols (Basic)
Component Symbol Use
Cell Source of voltage
Battery Multiple cells
Switch Control current
Resistor Limit current
Lamp Light output
Wire Conducting path
(Students should practice drawing these symbols)
5. Importance of Electrical Circuits
Why Electrical Circuits Are Important
1. Power household appliances
2. Enable communication systems
3. Used in industrial machines
4. Essential in electronics
5. Basis of all electrical systems
Examples
1. Lighting systems
2. Mobile phone circuits
3. Television circuits
4. Computer motherboards
5. Industrial control panels
EXAM TIPS (TVET Focus)
✔ Know definitions and units
✔ Practice numerical problems
✔ Understand real-life applications
✔ Draw neat circuit diagrams
✔ Memorize basic formulas
UNIT 10.1.02 – SIMPLE A.C. CIRCUITS
1. Introduction to A.C. Circuits
What is an A.C. Circuit?
An Alternating Current (A.C.) circuit is an electrical circuit in which the current and voltage
change magnitude and direction periodically with time.
📌 Most household and industrial supplies are A.C. (e.g., 230 V, 50 Hz).
Basic A.C. Terms
Term Symbol Unit
Alternating voltage V Volt (V)
Alternating current I Ampere (A)
Frequency f Hertz (Hz)
Time period T Second (s)
Angular frequency ω = 2πf rad/s
RMS value Vrms, Irms V, A
RMS Value
RMS (Root Mean Square) value is the effective value of A.C. that produces the same heating
effect as D.C.
2. Pure Resistive A.C. Circuit (R-Circuit)
Definition
A circuit containing only resistance connected to an A.C. supply.
Effect of Resistance in A.C. Circuit
Current and voltage are in phase
Power is consumed
No energy storage
Key Formulae
Ohm’s law (A.C.):
Power:
Power factor:
Phasor Diagram (Text Representation)
Phasor diagram are a graphical way of representing the magnitude and
directional relationship between two or more alternating quantities
V →→→
I →→→ (Same direction)
5 Solved Numerical Examples (R-Circuit)
Example 1
R = 20 Ω, V = 200 V
Example 2
R = 10 Ω, I = 5 A
Example 3
I = 4 A, R = 15 Ω
Example 4
V = 100 V, I = 2 A
Example 5
R = 25 Ω, V = 250 V
5 Assignments (R-Circuit)
1. Calculate current when R = 40 Ω and V = 240 V
2. Find power if I = 3 A and R = 20 Ω
3. Determine resistance for V = 120 V and I = 6 A
4. An A.C. circuit consumes 500 W at 10 A. Find R
5. Draw phasor diagram for pure resistive circuit
Phase (in AC circuits):
Phase refers to the relative position of a waveform (voltage or current) in time with respect to another waveform
or a reference.
It is usually measured as an angle (in degrees or radians) and tells us whether one quantity leads or lags another.
Phasor diagram for a pure resistive circuit
In a pure resistive circuit:
Voltage and current are in phase
Phase angle ϕ=00
There is no lead or lag
Reason:
For a resistor, V=IR, so current changes instantly with voltage.
Phasor Diagram (Pure Resistance)
I, V
──────────────►
Or more clearly:
I
─────►
V
Both current (I) and voltage (V) phasors lie on the same line, pointing in the same direction.
3. Pure Inductive A.C. Circuit (L-Circuit)
Definition
A circuit containing only inductance connected to A.C. supply.
Inductance (in A.C. circuits) is the property of a coil or conductor by which it opposes any
change in alternating current flowing through it by inducing an emf (voltage) in itself.
Effect of Inductance
Current lags voltage by 90°
No power consumed (ideal)
Energy stored in magnetic field
Inductive Reactance
Current Equation
Power
Phasor Diagram
V ↑
I →
(Current lags voltage)
Phasor diagram are a graphical way of representing the magnitude and
directional relationship between two or more alternating quantities
5 Solved Numerical Examples (L-Circuit)
Example 1
L = 0.2 H, f = 50 Hz
Example 2
V = 230 V, XL = 46 Ω
I=5A
Example 3
L = 0.1 H, f = 60 Hz
XL=37.7Ω
Example 4
V = 120 V, XL = 30 Ω
I=4A
Example 5
Given pure inductive circuit
P=0W
5 Assignments (L-Circuit)
1. Find XL for L = 0.4 H at 50 Hz
2. Calculate current for V = 200 V and XL = 40 Ω
3. Determine frequency if XL = 62.8 Ω and L = 0.2 H
4. Why does inductive circuit consume no power?
5. Draw phasor diagram of pure inductive circuit
4. Pure Capacitive A.C. Circuit (C-Circuit)
Definition
A circuit containing only capacitance connected to A.C. supply.
Effect of Capacitance
Current leads voltage by 90°
Energy stored in electric field
No real power consumed
Capacitive Reactance
Current Equation
Phasor Diagram
I ↑
V →
(Current leads voltage)
5 Solved Numerical Examples (C-Circuit)
Example 1
C = 100 µF, f = 50 Hz
XC=31.8Ω
Explained: unit calculation-capacitance must be in farads(F):
100µF=100x10 -6F
Example 2
V = 230 V, XC = 46 Ω
I=5A
Example 3
C = 50 µF, f = 60 Hz
Xc=53Ω
Example 4
XC = 25 Ω, V = 100 V
I=4A
Example 5
Pure capacitive circuit
P=0W
5 Assignments (C-Circuit)
1. Calculate XC for C = 200 µF at 50 Hz
2. Find current when V = 120 V and XC = 30 Ω
3. Determine capacitance if XC = 63 Ω at 50 Hz
4. Explain why power is zero in capacitive circuit
5. Draw phasor diagram of pure capacitive circuit
5. Comparison of R, L, and C Circuits
Feature R L C
Phase relation In I lags I leads
phase
Power Yes No No
consumed
Energy storage No Magnetic Electric
Exam Tips (TVET Focus)
✔ Learn phasor diagrams
✔ Practice numerical problems
✔ Remember phase angles
✔ Write units correctly
✔ Show formula → substitution → answer
Topic 3:
INTRODUCTION TO SIMPLE D.C. CIRCUITS
1.1 What is a D.C. Circuit?
A direct current (d.c.) circuit is an electrical circuit in which electric current flows in one
direction only from the positive terminal of a source to the negative terminal.
Main parts of a d.c. circuit:
D.C. source (battery, cell, DC power supply)
Conducting path (wires)
Load (resistor, lamp, motor)
Switch (control device)
1.2 Simple D.C. Circuit Diagram
+ ──| |───────/ ───────[ R ]─────── -
Battery Switch Resistor
2. BASIC ELECTRICAL QUANTITIES IN D.C.
CIRCUITS
2.1 Electric Current (I)
Current is the rate of flow of electric charge.
Symbol: I
Unit: Ampere (A)
2.2 Voltage (V)
Voltage is the electrical pressure that causes current to flow.
Symbol: V
Unit: Volt (V)
2.3 Resistance (R)
Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current.
Symbol: R
Unit: Ohm (Ω)
Factors affecting resistance:
Length of conductor
Cross-sectional area
Material
Temperature
3. OHM’S LAW
3.1 Statement of Ohm’s Law
At constant temperature, the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage
across it.
V=IR
3.2 Calculated Examples (Ohm’s Law)
Example 1
A resistor of 10 Ω is connected to 20 V. Find the current.
Example 2
Find the voltage across a 5 Ω resistor carrying 3 A.
V=IR=3×5=15V
Example 3
A current of 0.5 A flows when 6 V is applied. Find R.
Example 4
What current flows through 8 Ω connected to 24 V?
I=24÷8=3A
Example 5
A 9 V battery causes 0.3 A current. Calculate resistance.
R=9÷0.3=30Ω
4. RESISTORS IN SERIES CIRCUITS
4.1 Series Circuit Characteristics
Same current flows through all components
Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances
4.2 Series Circuit Diagram
+ ──| |──[R1]──[R2]──[R3]── -
4.3 Calculated Examples (Series Circuits)
Example 1
Find total resistance of 2 Ω, 4 Ω, and 6 Ω.
RT=2+4+6=12Ω
Example 2
If 12 V is applied to total resistance of 6 Ω, find current.
I=12÷6=2A
Example 3
Three resistors of 5 Ω, 10 Ω, 15 Ω are in series. Find R_T.
RT=30Ω
Example 4
Calculate voltage across a 4 Ω resistor if I = 2 A.
V=IR=2×4=8V
Example 5
A 9 V supply feeds 3 Ω and 6 Ω in series. Find current.
RT=9Ω, I=9÷9=1A
5. RESISTORS IN PARALLEL CIRCUITS
5.1 Parallel Circuit Characteristics
Same voltage across each branch
Current divides among branches
5.2 Parallel Circuit Diagram
┌──[R1]──┐
+ ────┤ ├─── -
└──[R2]──┘
5.3 Calculated Examples (Parallel Circuits)
Example 1
Find equivalent resistance of 6 Ω and 3 Ω in parallel.
Example 2
Two 4 Ω resistors in parallel. Find R_T.
RT=2Ω
Example 3
If 12 V is applied to 3 Ω || 6 Ω, find total current.
RT=2Ω, I=12÷2=6A
Example 4
Find current in 6 Ω branch when V = 12 V.
I=12÷6=2A
Example 5
A parallel circuit draws 10 A at 20 V. Find R_T.
RT=20÷10=2Ω
6. ELECTRICAL POWER IN D.C. CIRCUITS
6.1 Power Formulae
Unit: Watt (W)
6.2 Calculated Examples (Power)
Example 1
Find power if V = 12 V and I = 2 A.
P=12×2=24W
Example 2
A 10 Ω resistor carries 3 A. Find power.
P=I2R =9×10=90W
Example 3
Find power when V = 20 V and R = 5 Ω.
P=V2÷R =400÷5=80W
Example 4
A lamp draws 0.5 A at 6 V. Find power.
P=3W
Example 5
Find current if a 24 W device operates at 12 V.
I=24÷12=2A
7. KEY EXAM POINTS
Ohm’s law applies only at constant temperature
Series circuits have same current
Parallel circuits have same voltage
Power rating of resistors must not be exceeded
End of Simple D.C. Circuits Notes
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Clear explanations of all core concepts (Ohm’s law, series & parallel circuits, power,
basics of current/voltage/resistance)
Neat circuit diagrams (text-based, exam-friendly)
5 fully worked numerical examples per concept (step-by-step, using TVET-style
values)
Language and structure suitable for teaching, self-study, and exam revision
Electronic Components (TVET Basic
Electronics)
These notes are written to be simple, precise, exam-oriented, and practical, while still being
in-depth for strong understanding. Each component includes clear explanations, formulas,
applications, and 5 fully calculated examples.
1. Resistors
Definition
A resistor is an electronic component that opposes the flow of electric current. It is used to
control current and divide voltage in a circuit.
Unit
Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).
Symbol
Zig-zag or rectangular symbol.
Types of Resistors
Fixed resistors
Variable resistors (rheostat, potentiometer)
Special resistors (LDR, thermistor)
Ohm’s Law
V=IR Where:
V = Voltage (V)
I = Current (A)
R = Resistance (Ω)
Applications
Current limiting
Voltage division
Heat generation
Calculated Examples
Example 1
A resistor of 10 Ω is connected to 5 V. Find the current.
I=V/R=5/10=0.5A
Example 2
Find the voltage across a 20 Ω resistor carrying 2 A.
V=IR=2×20=40V
Example 3
A circuit has 12 V and current of 0.5 A. Find resistance.
R=V/I=12/0.5=24Ω
Example 4
Calculate power dissipated if 3 A flows through 4 Ω resistor.
P=I2R=32×4=36W
Example 5
A 100 Ω resistor is connected to 10 V. Find power.
P=V2/R=102/100=1W
2. Capacitors
Definition
A capacitor stores electrical energy in the form of an electric field between two plates.
Unit
Capacitance is measured in farads (F).
Types
Ceramic
Electrolytic
Tantalum
Variable capacitor
Capacitance Formula
C=Q/V Where:
C = Capacitance (F)
Q = Charge (Coulombs)
V = Voltage (V)
Applications
Energy storage
Filtering
Timing circuits
Calculated Examples
Example 1
A capacitor stores 10 C at 5 V. Find capacitance.
C=Q/V=10/5=2F
Example 2
Find charge stored in 4 F capacitor at 12 V.
Q=CV=4×12=48C
Example 3
A 100 µF capacitor is connected to 10 V. Find charge.
Q=100×10-6×10=0.001C
Example 4
Find energy stored in 2 F capacitor at 5 V.
E=½CV2=0.5×2×25=25J
Example 5
A 470 µF capacitor is charged with 20 V. Find energy.
E=½×470×10−6×202=0.094J
3. Diodes
Definition
A diode allows current to flow in one direction only.
Types
PN junction diode
Zener diode
LED
Forward Voltage Drop
Silicon diode ≈ 0.7 V
Germanium diode ≈ 0.3 V
Applications
Rectification
Voltage regulation
Light emission
Calculated Examples
Example 1
A silicon diode has 5 V supply. Find output voltage.
Vo=5−0.7=4.3V
Example 2
Find power dissipated if diode carries 0.2 A at 0.7 V.
P=VI=0.7×0.2=0.14W
Example 3
A diode passes 100 mA. Find power loss.
P=0.7×0.1=0.07W
Example 4
Zener diode maintains 6 V. Find drop across resistor if supply is 12 V.
VR=12−6=6V
Example 5
LED forward voltage is 2 V with 20 mA current. Find power.
P=2×0.02=0.04W
TRANSISTORS – Comprehensive Simplified Notes (TVET
Level)
1. Introduction to Transistors
A transistor is a semiconductor electronic component used to:
Amplify signals
Act as a switch
Control current flow
Transistors are widely used in radios, TVs, computers, amplifiers, and control circuits.
They are made from semiconductor materials such as silicon.
2. History of the Transistor
The first transistor was invented in 1947 at Bell Labs by:
John Bardeen
Walter Brattain
William Shockley
This invention replaced bulky vacuum tubes.
3. Types of Transistors
(A) Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
A BJT has three layers and three terminals.
Types:
1. NPN transistor
2. PNP transistor
Terminals:
Emitter (E) – Emits charge carriers
Base (B) – Controls current
Collector (C) – Collects charge carriers
Symbol difference:
NPN → Arrow points out
PNP → Arrow points in
(B) Field Effect Transistor (FET)
A FET is voltage-controlled.
Common type:
MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET)
Terminals:
Gate (G)
Drain (D)
Source (S)
4. Structure of a BJT (Example: NPN)
It consists of:
N-type material
P-type material
N-type material
The base is very thin compared to emitter and collector.
5. Working Principle of a BJT (NPN)
For proper operation:
Base-Emitter junction → Forward biased
Collector-Base junction → Reverse biased
Small current at the base controls large current from collector to emitter.
Formula:
IC=βIBI_C = \beta I_BIC=βIB
Where:
ICI_CIC = Collector current
IBI_BIB = Base current
β\betaβ = Current gain
6. Operating Regions of a Transistor
1. Cut-off Region
o Transistor OFF
o No collector current
2. Active Region
o Used for amplification
o IC=βIBI_C = \beta I_BIC=βIB
3. Saturation Region
o Transistor fully ON
o Used as a switch
7. Transistor as a Switch
When:
No base current → OFF
Base current applied → ON
Used in:
Relay control
LED control
Motor switching
8. Transistor as an Amplifier
A small AC signal at the base produces a larger signal at the collector.
Used in:
Audio amplifiers
Radio circuits
Microphone circuits
9. Advantages of Transistors
Small size
Low power consumption
High efficiency
Long lifespan
Low cost
WORKED EXAMPLES (Step-by-Step)
Example 1: Calculating Collector Current
A transistor has:
β=100
Base current IB=20μA
Find collector current.
Solution:
IC= βIB
IC=100×20μA
IC=2000μA
IC = 2mA
Answer: Collector current = 2 mA
Example 2: Transistor as LED Switch
Given:
Supply voltage = 9V
LED voltage drop = 2V
LED current = 20mA
Transistor gain β=100\beta = 100β=100
Step 1: Find collector current
IC=20mAI_C = 20mAIC=20mA
Step 2: Find base current
IB=ICβI_B = \frac{I_C}{\beta}IB=βIC IB=20mA100I_B = \frac{20mA}{100}IB=10020mA
IB=0.2mAI_B = 0.2mAIB=0.2mA
Answer: Required base current = 0.2 mA
Example 3: Determine Operating Region
Given:
IB=0I_B = 0IB=0
Since base current is zero:
IC=β×0=0I_C = \beta \times 0 = 0IC=β×0=0
Transistor is in Cut-off region (OFF).
Example 4: Base Resistor Calculation
Given:
Supply voltage = 12V
Base-Emitter voltage = 0.7V
Required base current = 0.5mA
Find base resistor.
RB=Vsupply−VBEIBR_B = \frac{V_{supply} - V_{BE}}{I_B}RB=IBVsupply−VBE
RB=12−0.70.0005R_B = \frac{12 - 0.7}{0.0005}RB=0.000512−0.7 RB=11.30.0005R_B = \
frac{11.3}{0.0005}RB=0.000511.3 RB=22,600ΩR_B = 22,600 \OmegaRB=22,600Ω
Answer: Base resistor ≈ 22.6 kΩ
Example 5: Power Dissipation
Given:
Collector voltage = 10V
Collector current = 50mA
Power:
P=VIP = VIP=VI P=10×0.05P = 10 \times 0.05P=10×0.05 P=0.5WP = 0.5WP=0.5W
Answer: Transistor dissipates 0.5 Watts
Summary
A transistor:
Has 3 terminals
Can amplify signals
Can act as a switch
Operates in cut-off, active, or saturation regions
Uses small base current to control large collector current
Transistors are fundamental components in modern electronics and are used in nearly all
electronic systems.
4. Transistors
Definition
A transistor is a semiconductor device used for amplification and switching.
Types
NPN
PNP
Current Relation
IE=IB+IC
Current Gain
β=IC/IB
Applications
Signal amplification
Switching circuits
Calculated Examples
Example 1
Base current is 50 µA and β = 100. Find collector current.
IC=βIB=100×50×10−6=5mAI_C = βI_B = 100 × 50×10^{-6} = 5 mAIC=βIB
=100×50×10−6=5mA
Example 2
Collector current is 10 mA and base current is 100 µA. Find β.
β=10/0.1=100β = 10 / 0.1 = 100β=10/0.1=100
Example 3
Emitter current is 6 mA and base current is 0.1 mA. Find collector current.
IC=6−0.1=5.9mAI_C = 6 − 0.1 = 5.9 mAIC=6−0.1=5.9mA
Example 4
Find power dissipated if VCE = 5 V and IC = 2 mA.
P=VI=5×0.002=0.01WP = VI = 5 × 0.002 = 0.01 WP=VI=5×0.002=0.01W
Example 5
Base current is 20 µA, β = 150. Find collector current.
IC=150×20×10−6=3mAI_C = 150 × 20×10^{-6} = 3 mAIC=150×20×10−6=3mA
5. Inductors
Definition
An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it.
Unit
Henry (H)
Energy Stored
E=½LI2E = ½LI^2E=½LI2
Applications
Filters
Chokes
Transformers
Calculated Examples
Example 1
Find energy stored in 2 H inductor carrying 3 A.
E=½×2×9=9JE = ½ × 2 × 9 = 9 JE=½×2×9=9J
Example 2
An inductor stores 4 J at 2 A. Find inductance.
L=2E/I2=8/4=2HL = 2E / I^2 = 8 / 4 = 2 HL=2E/I2=8/4=2H
Example 3
Current is 5 A, inductance is 1 H. Find energy.
E=½×1×25=12.5JE = ½ × 1 × 25 = 12.5 JE=½×1×25=12.5J
Example 4
Find energy in 0.5 H inductor with 4 A.
E=0.5×0.5×16=4JE = 0.5 × 0.5 × 16 = 4 JE=0.5×0.5×16=4J
Example 5
An inductor has 10 J energy at 5 A. Find L.
L=2×10/25=0.8HL = 2 × 10 / 25 = 0.8 HL=2×10/25=0.8H
END OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS NOTES
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Covered components
Resistors
Capacitors
Diodes (including Zener & LED)
Transistors (NPN/PNP)
Inductors
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