Automotive Electrical Circuits: Voltage, Current, and Components

Automotive Electrical Circuit Fundamentals

2. Car Battery Connections

The electronic circuit in a car is connected to the negative mass plate, which is screwed to the positive terminal, distributing power to consumers and ground connections.

3. Short Circuit Definition

A short circuit occurs when a direct connection is made between the positive and negative terminals.

4. Measuring Current Intensity

Current intensity, or amperage, is the flow of electricity through a circuit and is measured using an ammeter.

5. Measuring Voltage

The electrical tension (voltage) within a circuit is measured using a voltmeter.

6. Series Circuit Characteristics

In a series circuit:

• The intensity is equal across all resistances.
• Total resistance equals the sum of individual resistances.
• Total voltage equals the sum of the voltages across the resistances.

7. Parallel Circuit Characteristics

In a parallel circuit:

• Total intensity equals the sum of the intensities of each branch.
• Total voltage is equal across all resistances.
• Total resistance is calculated based on the sum of the resistances.

8. Electrical Circuit Protection

To protect consumers, a fuse is installed. It contains a filament that melts when the current intensity exceeds a specific limit, cutting off the power to prevent damage.

10. Dependent or Special Resistors

Dependent resistors change their properties based on external factors, specifically: temperature, pressure, and light.

12. Function of the Photodiode

The photodiode functions to discharge voltage peaks generated in the coil when the switch is opened.