Robotics & AI: Reading Material on Tinkercad

1. Introduction to Electronics

I. Voltage
Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit, driving the flow of current.
It is like the "pressure" that pushes electric charges through a circuit, similar to how water pressure
pushes water through a hose. Higher voltage means more "pressure," which can cause more current to
flow if the resistance remains constant.

II. Current
Current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire. It is analogous to the flow of
water in a river, where the amount of water flowing through a point is like the electric current. Current
is measured in amperes (A) and is essential for powering electronic devices.

III. AC (Alternating Current)

AC is a type of electrical current that periodically reverses direction. It is commonly used in homes and
businesses for powering large appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and lights. AC can be easily
transmitted over long distances, which is why it is used in the power grid.

IV. DC (Direct Current)

DC is a type of electrical current that flows in one direction. It is commonly used in batteries, small
electronic devices, and robotics because it provides a stable and continuous flow of electricity. Most
small devices and circuits, such as those in toys and robots, operate on DC power.
 V. Unipolar vs. Bipolar Characteristics:
 Unipolar LEDs: Operate with a single positive and negative terminal (forward and reverse
bias) for current flow.
 Bipolar Lamps: Typically incandescent, current can flow in either direction without
affecting operation.

VI. Introduction to Circuits

 What are Electrical Circuits?

Electrical circuits are pathways for the flow of electricity. They consist of various components,
including power sources (like batteries), conductive paths (wires), and loads (devices that consume
electricity, like bulbs or motors).

 Open and Closed Circuits:

o Open Circuit: When the switch is in the off position, electricity cannot flow, and the
circuit is "open."
o Closed Circuit: When the switch is in position, electricity flows, and the circuit is
"closed."

VII. Connections:
Series Connection: Components are connected end-to-end, and the current flows through all
components sequentially. If one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted.

Parallel Connection: Components are connected across the same voltage source, allowing current to
flow independently through each component. If one component fails, the rest continue to operate.
VIII. Understanding Switches
 Types of Switches:
o Push Button: A push button is a momentary switch that allows current to flow while
pressed. It is used in applications where temporary operation is needed, such as
doorbells or reset buttons on devices.
o Slide Switch: A slide switch is a switch that maintains its position (on or off) until
manually changed. It is often used in toys and small electronics for stable and
maintained connections.
o Magnetic Switch (Reed Switch): A reed switch operates using a magnetic field. When
a magnet is brought near the switch, the reed contacts close and allow current to flow.
It is commonly used in security systems to detect when doors or windows are opened
or closed.

IX. LED (Light Emitting Diode)

An LED is a unipolar device that emits light when an electric current flows through it in one direction.
LEDs are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and are used in many applications, including indicator
lights, digital displays, and lighting. They require a resistor to limit the current and prevent them from
burning out.

X. Lamp
A lamp is a bipolar device that emits light through the heating of a filament (in incandescent bulbs) or
gas discharge (in fluorescent bulbs). Unlike LEDs, lamps often consume more power and have shorter
lifespans. They are still widely used in traditional lighting applications.

XI. LEDs vs. Lamps

 LEDs vs. Traditional Lamps:
o Function: LEDs emit light when electricity flows through them, while lamps (like
incandescent bulbs) produce light by heating a filament.
 o Efficiency: LEDs are more energy-efficient, converting more electricity into light and
less into heat, unlike traditional lamps.
o Applications: LEDs are used in electronic displays, indicators, and lighting; traditional
lamps are commonly found in older households and street lighting.

2. Introduction to Tinkercad

I. Why We Need Tinkercad

 Importance in Learning and Designing:
o Tinkercad helps visualize and simulate 3D models and electronic circuits, making it
easier to understand complex concepts.
o It is an accessible tool for beginners to learn basic electronics and 3D design.
 Applications in Education and Engineering Projects:
o Used in schools to teach STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
concepts.
o Useful for engineers to create prototypes and models without expensive software.

II. What is Tinkercad

 Overview of Tinkercad:
o Tinkercad is an online platform that provides tools for 3D modeling, electronics design,
and coding. It allows users to create and simulate circuits virtually and design objects
in 3D.
 Main Features and Capabilities:
o Easy-to-use interface for beginners.
o Tools for building and simulating electronic circuits.
o 3D modeling tools for designing printable objects.
o Arduino integration for programming and controlling electronic projects.

III. How It Works

 Basic Navigation and User Interface:
o A straightforward drag-and-drop interface for placing components and shapes.
o Work plane for arranging 3D objects or circuit elements.
 Step-by-Step Guide for Creating 3D Models and Circuits:
o Select components from the toolbar.
o Arrange and connect components on the workspace.
o Use coding blocks or text editor for Arduino programming.
 Examples of Simple Projects:
o Creating a basic LED circuit Projects
 3. Projects

I. Building Basic Circuits with LED, Lamp, and Switches

 Objective:
 To learn how to construct simple circuits using LEDs, lamps, and switches.
 Understanding Circuit Elements:
o LEDs: Learn to connect LEDs in a circuit, including polarity considerations.
o Lamps: Understand how to connect traditional lamps and compare them with LEDs.
o Switches: Different types of switches are used to control the flow of electricity.

II. Building and Simulating an LED Blinking Circuit in Tinkercad

 Objective:
 To create an LED glowing circuit using Tinkercad's virtual components.
 Step-by-step explanations with graphical user interface: <https://www.tinkercad.com/>
2. Series Connection in Tinkercad
What is a Series Connection?
In a series connection, components are connected one after another in a single path, and the same
current flows through each component.
Key Features:
 Single path for electricity to flow.
 Voltage is divided among all components.
 If one component stops working, the whole circuit stops.
Example in Tinkercad:
Components Needed:
 1 Battery (9V or 2 x AA)
 3 LEDs
 1 Resistor (220Ω)
 Breadboard
 Jumper Wires
Steps:
1. Place the battery and connect it to the breadboard.
2. Place 3 LEDs in a straight line, connecting: Anode (long leg) of LED1 →
Cathode of LED1 to Anode of LED2 → Cathode of LED2 to Anode of
LED3.
3. Add a resistor after the LEDs.
4. Connect everything back to the battery.
Observation:
Both LEDs glow less brightly because the voltage is shared between them.

3. Parallel Connection in Tinkercad

What is a Parallel Connection?
In a parallel connection, components are connected in multiple paths.
Each component gets the full voltage from the source.
Key Features:
 Multiple paths for electricity.
 Same voltage across all components.
 If one branch stops working, others keep working.
Example in Tinkercad:
Components Needed:
 1 Battery (9V or 2 x AA)
 3 LEDs
 3 Resistors (220Ω each)
 Breadboard
 Jumper Wires
Steps:
 1. Connect the battery to the breadboard.
2. Place each LED on its own row.
3. Attach a resistor to each LED.
4. Connect both LEDs to the battery’s positive and negative rails (in parallel).
Observation:
All the LEDs glow brightly because each gets the full voltage.

4. Small Motor Project in Tinkercad

Build a Simple Motor Fan
Let’s create a basic circuit to turn on a motor with a switch, like a mini
fan!
Components Needed:
 1 DC Motor
 1 Battery (9V)
 1 Slide Switch or Push Button
 1 Resistor (optional, for speed control)
 Breadboard
 Jumper Wires
Steps:
1. Connect the motor’s positive terminal to one side of the switch.
2. Connect the other side of the switch to the battery’s positive terminal.
3. Connect the negative terminal of the motor directly to the negative of the
battery.
4. Optionally, place a resistor in the circuit to reduce motor speed.
5. Flip the switch to turn the motor ON or OFF.