Download Robo bug Components

Robobug Components
Resistor
Resistors determine the flow of
current in an electrical circuit.
Where there is high resistance in a
circuit the flow of current is small,
where the resistance is low the
flow of current is large.
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
A photoresistor or lightdependent resistor (LDR)
or photocell is a lightcontrolled variable resistor.
The resistance of a
photoresistor decreases
with increasing incident
light intensity; in other
words, it exhibits
photoconductivity.
Transistor
Transistors are an essential
component in a sensor circuit.
Usually transistors are arranged as
a pair, known as a ‘DARLINGTON
PAIR’. It is very important that you
can identify this arrangement of
transistors and state clearly why
they are used.
A darlington pair is used to
amplify weak signals so that they
can be clearly detected by another
circuit or a
computer/microprocessor.
Variable Resistor (Trim Pot)
Potentiometers are used in
circuits, when it is necessary to
alter the resistance. Dark/light and
temperature sensors usually have
these components, as the
potentiometer / variable resistor
allows the circuit to be made more
or less sensitive (they can be
turned up or down - reducing or
increasing resistance).
Diode
A diode allows electricity to flow
in one direction only and blocks
the flow in the opposite direction.
They may be regarded as one-way
valves and they are used in various
circuits, usually as a form of
protection. There are different
types of diode but their basic
functions are the same. These are
noted below along with examples
of diodes in use.
Switch
Can be stiff to operate and does
not operate smoothly. Available in
a range of sizes.
PCB
A printed circuit board
(PCB) mechanically
supports and electrically
connects electronic
components using
conductive tracks, pads and
other features etched from
copper sheets laminated
onto a non-conductive
substrate.
Motor
A machine, especially one
powered by electricity or internal
combustion, that supplies motive
power for a vehicle or for another
device with moving parts.
Capacitor
A capacitor (originally
known as a condenser) is a
passive two-terminal
electrical component used
to store electrical energy
temporarily in an electric
field.
Integrated Ciruit (IC)
Another name for a chip, an
integrated circuit (IC) is a
small electronic device
made out of a
semiconductor material. The
first integrated circuit was
developed in the 1950s by
Jack Kilby of Texas
Instrumentsand Robert
Noyce of Fairchild
Semiconductor.