Using Breadboard to Make Circuits
Using Breadboard To Make Circuits
Find out how a breadboard is used to design prototype electronic circuits
electronics | education
A
Breadboard is very useful for trying out new
electronic circuits and for experimentation. Electronic components and
intergrated circuit (IC) chips can be plugged into the small holes and connected into temporary circuits. There is no need to
solder anything, and the components can be moved around and the circuit modified thousands of times without damaging parts.
There are many basic circuits which are very useful even in simple
renewable energy
systems - for example
Using an LM317T to provide a fixed current for LED bulbs. While testing such circuits a
breadboard should be used while you ensure that everything works as it should before you go ahead and start (permanently) soldering anything.
How Does a Breadboard Work
Hidden inside a
breadboard are many connections. Looking at the photograph above, the top row is linked horizontally (for the positive of the power supply) and the bottom row is also linked horizontally (for the negative of the power supply). The remaining holes on the breadboard are connected vertically in columns of five holes with
no link across the gap across the horizontal centre of the breadboard.
When connecting components which do not have leads of their own, you must solder suitable leads on yourself. Ideally use a
single core rather than multi-stranded wire, but if you only have multi-stranded wire then a small amount of solder will keep the strands together. Standard
0.6mm (18 or 20 gauge) diameter single-core insulated wire is ideal.
In order to electrically connect components together,
jumper links are used (as pictured above). While it is possible to make your own links from wire, it is best to use commercial jumper link since they are relatively cheap, flexible, sturdy, and available in a range of different lengths and colours - particularly useful when putting together
complicated circuits.
Buying Breadboards and Accessories
We have top quality great value
400-tie Protobloc prototyping breadboards for sale in the
REUK Shop together with mixed bundles of 60 multi-coloured
Protobloc jumper links of 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, and 250mm length - perfect to get you started on your first circuits.
A wide range of
breadboards and
jumper links are also available from
eBay UK (typically despatched directly from China). Click here to see the latest listings for
Breadboard and Jumper Links.
Article Last Modified: 12:52, 11th Apr 2009Comment on this Article
If you have any comments on this article, please email them to
neil@reuk.co.uk.
Recommended Related Articles
People who read this article also enjoyed the following articles:
PVC Wind Turbine BladesLearn how to make your own PVC wind turbine blades
Article Last Modified: 15:16, 19th Aug 2008windDC Voltage Multiplier Circuit PlansBuild a circuit to boost the voltage of a DC power source using a MAX756
IC Chip
Article Last Modified: 09:06, 10th Jul 2008electric circuit | electronics | educationStepper Motor BasicsLearn more about stepper motors and their use in RE electricity generation
Article Last Modified: 09:54, 4th Apr 2007wind | educationWhat is a TransistorA basic introduction to bipolar junction transistors
Article Last Modified: 11:15, 23rd Apr 2007electronics | educationExample Transistor Circuit with LEDsPut together a very simple circuit which uses LEDs to show how transistors work
Article Last Modified: 11:12, 23rd Apr 2007electronics | educationMaking a Bridge RectifierFind out how to make a bridge rectifier for your wind turbine
Article Last Modified: 16:17, 22nd Mar 2007electronics | windUsing The LM317T With LED LightingUse an LM317T to regulate the current in LED lighting projects
Article Last Modified: 12:47, 12th Mar 2008lighting | electric circuitElectricity with Stepper MotorsFind out the basics of generating electricity with stepper motors
Article Last Modified: 17:07, 10th Jun 2008windMake A Bridge Rectifier From DiodesMake your own single or multi phase bridge rectifier from diodes
Article Last Modified: 15:33, 2nd Feb 2007wind | electric circuitDIY 2kW Wind TurbineRead about a home built 2kW wind turbine constructed from scrap
Article Last Modified: 08:46, 4th Oct 2007wind | recycling
|
|
|
