Lesson 3: Basics of Electronics

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Learning Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Identify and describe basic electronic components used in IoT devices.

  • Explain the difference between sensors and actuators.

  • Understand how electricity flows through a circuit.

  • Build and simulate a simple LED blinking circuit in Tinkercad.


Why Learn Electronics for IoT?

The Internet of Things is all about smart devices — but behind every smart device is a combination of electronics, sensors, and actuators that make it work.
Knowing the basics of electronics will help you understand how IoT devices sense their environment, process information, and respond.

1. Sensors and Actuators

IoT devices work like a team:

  • Sensors: These are the “sense organs” of a device. They detect and measure changes in the environment.

  • Actuators: These are the “muscles” of a device. They take action based on instructions.

Sensors Examples:

  • Light Sensor (LDR) – Detects brightness, used in automatic street lights.

  • Temperature Sensor (DHT11, LM35) – Measures heat or cold, used in smart thermostats.

  • Motion Sensor (PIR) – Detects movement, used in security alarms.

Actuators Examples:

  • LED (Light-Emitting Diode) – Produces light for signals or indicators.

  • Buzzer – Creates sound alerts for alarms or notifications.

  • Motor – Moves mechanical parts, used in fans, robots, and automated doors.

How They Work Together in IoT:
Example – In a smart fan:

  1. The temperature sensor detects a high temperature.

  2. The microcontroller processes the reading.

  3. The motor (actuator) turns on the fan to cool the room.

2. Basic Electronic Components

Let’s look at some simple yet important parts you’ll use in IoT projects:

  • LED (Light-Emitting Diode)

    • A small light that turns on when electricity passes through.

    • Used as indicators in devices like Wi-Fi routers, smart appliances, and alarms.

  • Buzzer

    • Produces sound when powered.

    • Common in alarms, timers, and notification systems.

  • Push Button (Switch)

    • A simple input device that lets you control when electricity flows.

    • Used in doorbells, vending machines, and reset buttons.

  • Temperature Sensor

    • Detects heat levels and converts them into data for devices to use.

    • Used in air conditioners, weather stations, and refrigerators.

3. How Electricity Flows (Basic Concept)

Electricity flows in a loop called a circuit.

  • Power Source – Battery, USB power, or adapter.

  • Conductors – Wires or metal tracks that carry electricity.

  • Load – The component that uses electricity (e.g., LED, motor).

  • Path Back to Source – The return route to complete the circuit.

Simple Example:
Battery → Wire → LED → Wire → Back to Battery.
When the loop is complete, electricity flows, and the LED lights up. If the loop is broken, the LED stays off.

Important Terms:

  • Voltage (V) – The “push” that moves electricity.

  • Current (A) – The amount of electricity flowing.

  • Resistance (Ω) – Slows down electricity to protect components (resistors do this).

4. Activity: Tinkercad LED Blinking Simulation

Now it’s time to practice!
You’ll create a virtual LED blinking circuit in Tinkercad, a free online electronics simulator.

Steps:

  1. Open Tinkercad and create a new circuit project.

  2. Drag an Arduino board onto the workspace.

  3. Add an LED and a resistor to protect it.

  4. Connect the LED to pin 13 and ground (GND).

  5. Use Tinkercad code blocks or text coding to make the LED blink every second.

  6. Click Start Simulation to see it work.

Learning Outcome:
You will see how a digital pin can control an LED, giving you your first hands-on experience with electronics and coding.

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