Basic Electronics From Scratch

Analyzing circuits when the input has phased offsets; handling parallel complex impedances requires conversions from both polar-to-rectangular, as well as rectangular-to-polar.

Inductors, the complex compliment of capacitors, are introduced to the game.

When combined, the reactive impedances of capacitors and inductors can together present either zero or infinite impedance.

Transformers operate on ratios of both voltage and current, and this lecture explains how.

Resistors and capacitors are manufactured in standardized packages, and this lecture explains the details.

This is a continuation of the previous lecture.

Diodes and transistors are the key building blocks of active circuitry, and this lecture is the introduction.

Manufacturer's operating curves are used to create circuit load lines; NPN transistors are used as switches.

NPN transistors are used to create a simple audio amplifier stage.

We learn how to bias an NPN transistor for small-signal amplification, and are introduced to the idea of negative feedback.

We see how PNP transistors are the compliment of NPNs, and how they are used.  We also look at class C-type amplifiers.

Like an NPN bipolar transistor, a JFET can amplify signals, but its strength arises from its high input impedance.

We progress from JFETs to the digitally-useful MOSFET, and explore the various flavors of specialized diodes.

We see how power control is achieved with thyristor devices, and how light is harnessed at a semiconductor level.

We finish the course by looking at the powerful circuit building block, the op amp.

This lecture explains the basic principles of vacuum tube operation.  The student will learn how tubes are used in an amplifier, and why some guitar players prefer them over transistor amplifiers.