Electronic symbol
An electronic symbol is a pictogram used to represent various electrical and electronic devices or functions, such as wires, batteries, resistors, and transistors, in a schematic diagram of an electrical or electronic circuit. These symbols are largely standardized internationally today, but may vary from country to country, or engineering discipline, based on traditional conventions.
Standards for symbols
The graphic symbols used for electrical components in circuit diagrams are covered by national and international standards, in particular:
- IEC 60617 (also known as British Standard BS 3939).
- ANSI Y32.2-1975 (also known as IEEE Std 315-1975 or CSA Z99-1975)
- IEEE Std 91/91a: graphic symbols for logic functions (used in digital electronics). It is referenced in ANSI Y32.2/IEEE Std 315.
- Australian Standard AS 1102. (Withdrawn without replacement)
Symbols usage is sometimes unique to engineering disciplines and national or local variations to international standards exist. For example, lighting and power symbols used as part of architectural drawings may be different from symbols for devices used in electronics.
Gallery of common electronic symbols
Symbols shown are typical examples, not a complete list.[1][2]
Traces
- IEC-style trace junction
- Trace crossing
Circuit return
- Signal/Low noise ground (GND) symbol
- IEC-style chassis-ground symbol
Sources
Resistors
- (a) resistor, (b) rheostat (variable resistor), and (c) potentiometer (All of them are American style symbols)
- (a) resistor, (b) rheostat (variable resistor), and (c) potentiometer (All of them are IEC style symbols)
Capacitors
Inductors
- Inductor with magnetic core (IEEE Std 315)
Transistors
Unipolar
Bipolar
- NPN darlington
- PNP darlington
Diodes
Antennas
- Loop antenna (IEEE Std 315)
Vacuum tubes
Switches
Relays
- American-style relays, SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT
- IEC relay symbol, SPDT
Lamps
- Indicating lamp (IEEE Std 315-1975)
- Incandescent light bulb (as an indicator)
- Light bulb
Current limiters
- Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)
Transformers
- Transformer with center tap
- Transformer with two secondary windings
- Current Transformer
- Zero-Sequence Current Transformer (ZSCT) (also known as a window-type current transformer)
- Bushing-Type Current Transformer
- Voltage Transformer
Electro-acoustic devices
- IEC-style microphone
- Microphone (IEEE Std 315)
- Loudspeaker (IEEE Std 315)
Miscellaneous devices
- Ferrite bead ring (IEEE Std 315)
Gallery of historical electronic symbols
The shape of electronic symbols have changed over time. Some symbols were more prevalent in some countries. The following are historic electronic symbols that might be found in old electronic books and schematics.
Capacitors (historical)
See also
References
- ↑ Circuit Symbols for all Electronic Components. Talking Electronics, 2013. Retrieved 01 Apr 2015.
- ↑ Electrical Symbols & Electronic Symbols. RapidTables, 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Electrical symbols. |
- IEEE Standard American National Standard Canadian Standard Graphic Symbols for Electrical and Electronics Diagrams (Including Reference Designation Letters)
- International standard IEC 60617 DB Graphical symbols for diagrams
- Electrical Schematic Symbols
- Collection of Open Source Electrical, Pneumatic, Hydraulic and Electronic Symbols
- Circuit Symbols of Electronic Components
- Electrical & Electronic Drawing Symbols
- Collection of Electrical and Electronic Symbols
- Circuit Schematic Symbols
- Collection of Electrical and Electronic Schematic Symbols