Fundamentals of electrics/electronics

Electronic circuits are part and parcel of every modern vehicle. A general understanding of automotive electrics therefore requires a basic knowledge of both the electrical and the electronic system. Only then can faults be quickly localised and rectified.

This understanding is also important given the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles. In this context, sensors, actuators, drives, lighting units, data transfer systems, etc. are the important components examined for their basic functionality using this equipment.

This group of components covers the following areas of the electrical/electronic systems in a vehicle:

• the electrical circuit
• the ohmic resistor
• current and voltage sources 
• the capacitor
• the coil
• the transformer
• the relay
• special resistors such as NTC, PTC or LDR 
• the diode
• the Zener diode
• LEDs
• the transistor and
• the thyristor.

The circuits used in automotive electronics are then set up and tested, e.g.:

• an electronic rev counter 
• an electronic voltage regulator for three-phase alternators or
• a transistor control device for contact-controlled ignition systems.