Electronics Part Guide¶
The following may help you navigate the most common electronics parts we use from the lab supply.
Microcontrollers¶
![../../_images/Pico1.jpg](../../_images/Pico1.jpg)
The Raspberry Pi Pico is a new low-cost microcontroller board from the Raspberry Pi Foundation which we will be using for the course. It supports programming in CircuitPython, MicroPython, and C++. Please note this device uses 3.3V logic (not 5V) so not all Arduino circuit examples are compatible. More details: Raspberry Pi Pico datasheet
![../../_images/EDArduino-UNO-Arduino-Compatible-400x400.jpg](../../_images/EDArduino-UNO-Arduino-Compatible-400x400.jpg)
The Arduino UNO has been a workhorse for physical computing teaching for years. More details: Arduino Language Reference, Arduino Uno circuit diagram, Arduino Uno Hole Dimensions Drawing
Breadboarding and Wiring¶
![../../_images/breadboard-small.jpg](../../_images/breadboard-small.jpg)
This small breadboard is sometimes useful for mounting an individual sensor circuit. The grid has 17 rows with no power busses.
![../../_images/breadboard-medium.jpg](../../_images/breadboard-medium.jpg)
This medium breadboard is a convenient size for a Pico plus a small external circuit. The main grid has 30 rows, the Pico uses 20.
![../../_images/breadboard-large.jpg](../../_images/breadboard-large.jpg)
N.B. in some versions of this large breadboard the power busses have a break in the center.
![../../_images/jumper-wires.png](../../_images/jumper-wires.png)
![../../_images/power-supply-5V-3A.jpg](../../_images/power-supply-5V-3A.jpg)
This power supply is useful for powering small gearmotors or large hobby servos. N.B. the barrel jacks have oversize holes and don’t mate reliably to adapters (part 788); a quick fix is to slightly bend the adapter pin off center.
![../../_images/barrel-jack-female-screw-terminals.jpg](../../_images/barrel-jack-female-screw-terminals.jpg)
Barrel jack to screw terminal adapter intended for connecting the 5V power supply to wire leads.
Sensors and Switches¶
![../../_images/optical-proximity-sensor.jpg](../../_images/optical-proximity-sensor.jpg)
This active sensor emits invisible infrared light and detects when a nearby object reflects it back in the phototransistor sensor. It requires two external resistors to operate. The response time is fast, this can be used for non-contact motion sensing in conjunction with a slotted disc.
![../../_images/miniature-limit-switch.jpg](../../_images/miniature-limit-switch.jpg)
![../../_images/ADXL335-with-pins.jpg](../../_images/ADXL335-with-pins.jpg)
![../../_images/photocell1-400x400.jpg](../../_images/photocell1-400x400.jpg)
This sensor has resistance which decreases in bright light. The response time is relatively slow, it is intended for light-level measurement, not motion sensing.
![../../_images/HC-SR04-Ultrasonic-Proximity-sensor-350x350.jpg](../../_images/HC-SR04-Ultrasonic-Proximity-sensor-350x350.jpg)
This active sensor emits inaudible ultrasonic sound pulses and detects the returned echoes.
Motor and Power Drivers¶
![../../_images/Pololu-DRV8833-labeled.png](../../_images/Pololu-DRV8833-labeled.png)
This driver can control two small motors bidirectionally using a pair of PWM and direction signals for each motor.
![../../_images/IRLB8721PbF.jpg](../../_images/IRLB8721PbF.jpg)
This is a MOSFET power transistor which can switch large currents using a logic-level control input. This particular part has a gate threshold low enough to work from 3.3V logic like the Raspberry Pi Pico. Typically these operate as high-speed ON/OFF switches with variable output produced using PWM.
![../../_images/generic-DIP-18.jpg](../../_images/generic-DIP-18.jpg)
![../../_images/generic-DO-41.jpg](../../_images/generic-DO-41.jpg)
Typical rectifier diode used as flyback diode in transistor driver circuits to absorb inductive voltages.
Resistors¶
The lab stocks carbon-composition resistors with 1/4 Watt rating and 5% tolerance in a wide range of values.
![../../_images/resistor-270.png](../../_images/resistor-270.png)
![../../_images/resistor-5.6K1.png](../../_images/resistor-5.6K1.png)
Misc. Components¶
![../../_images/laser-diode.jpg](../../_images/laser-diode.jpg)
Laser diode, 5 milliwatt, 5 Volt, 650 nm (red). Draws a visible dot. Intended for long-distance through-beam sensing or laser show displays.
Other Resources¶
The Physical Computing Lab Inventory has the full listing of available parts.
The 99-355 Intro to Arduino micro-course has a related visual parts guide.
Page generated on 2021-11-04.