02-01 Introduction to DC, Direct Current

#DC

Direct Current, DC

A general DC circuit consists of a voltage source + a load.
DC Circuit 1.png

Common DC voltage sources:
- Batteries
- USB chargers
- LED drivers

Common DC voltage loads:
- Lightbulbs
- LEDs
- Fans
- Toys
- Clocks
- Electronics like beepers, remote controllers, mobile phones, security cameras, TnG SmartTag, home theatre systems, etc.

Control the circuit with a switch:
DC Circuit with Switch.png

A typical torchlight:
Torchlight.png

A Brief Digression into AC

AC (Alternating Current) can, for our purposes, be treated in much the same way as DC (Direct Current)
AC & DC bulbs.png

Key differences that will be discussed later:

DC AC
Voltage Typically <48V Typically 230V, 400V
Power Typically low High or low, depending on device
Current Typically low High or low, depending on device
Source Typically batteries, DC power supplies Typically from mains
Components Typically Passive components Passive & Active components
Protection Typically none Protective Earth, or Double Insulation

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