Types of circuits

An electric circuit is a closed loop network that offers a way for the flow of current to return to its source. A circuit, on the other hand, is a closed conducting path through which current can travel. Electric circuits are sometimes referred to as electrical networks or electrical circuits in some circles.

When different active and passive components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors are combined to form an electrical network, this is known as an electrical circuit. During the operation of a closed-loop circuit, electric current flows from the source (such as a battery) through the conducting material (for example, wires and cables) to the load (for example, a light bulb) and then back to the source again.

Electric Circuits Come in a Variety of Forms

There are six major types of electric circuits, which are as follows:

1.Linear Circuits 

A linear circuit is an electric circuit in which the circuit parameters, such as resistance, inductance, capacitance, waveform, and frequency, remain constant over the circuit’s lifetime. In other words, a linear circuit is one in which the parameters do not change as a function of the current and voltage applied to it.

2. Nonlinear Circuit 

A non-linear circuit is one in which the parameters change in response to changes in current and voltage levels. In other words, a nonlinear circuit is one in which the circuit characteristics (resistance, inductance, capacitance, waveform, frequency, and so on) do not remain constant throughout the circuit’s operation. 

3. Short-circuit 

When the positive and negative terminals of a voltage source in a circuit get connected to each other for some reason, this is referred to as a Short Circuit. When this occurs, the maximum amount of current begins to flow. A short circuit occurs when the conducting electrical wires become twisted together or out of alignment as a result of a short in the load.

4. Circuit in Series

When two or more loads (e.g., bulbs, CFLs, LEDs, fans, etc.) are linked in series with one another, this is referred to as a Series Circuit. In a series circuit, if one load or bulb fails due to a blown fuse, the remainder of the bulbs will not receive power and will not light up at all.

In a circuit, all of the electrical components (voltage or current sources, inductors, capacitors, resistors, and so on) are connected in series, which implies that there is only one path for electricity to travel through and no additional branch paths. In a series circuit, there are many resistances that are connected one after the other in a chain of connection. This form of connection is referred to as an end-to-end or cascade connection in other contexts. The flow of current is restricted to a single path.

5. Parallel Circuits 

Parallel circuits are created when two or more loads (such as bulbs, CFLs, LEDs, fans, and so on) are connected to each other in a parallel configuration. The voltage capacity of all loads in this type of circuit must be equal to the voltage capacity of the input supply. The “load” can have a varied amount of power. In a parallel circuit, if one load or bulb fails, the remainder of the bulbs will continue to receive electricity and will shine as if nothing happened.  

In a parallel circuit there are several channels for electricity to travel down in this circuit because all of the electrical parts (voltage or current sources, inductors, capacitors, resistors, and so on) are connected in parallel, and the circuit’s minimum branches are just two. It is possible to construct a parallel circuit by connecting multiple resistances in series with one another in such a way that one terminal of each resistance is connected to form a junction point, and the remaining end of each resistance is also connected to produce another point.

5. Circuits with a single axis of rotation

When the supply voltage or current switches direction, the function of the circuit changes. This is known as unilateral circuitry. To put it another way, a unilateral circuit only allows the current to flow in one direction at a given time. Diode rectifiers are the best examples of unilateral circuits since they do not require rectification to be performed in both supply directions.

6. Circuits with bi-lateral connections

When a circuit is constructed in bi-lateral form, the property of the circuit remains unchanged as the supply voltage or current changes direction. In other words, bi-lateral circuits allow current to flow in both directions at the same time. A transmission line is the ideal depiction of a bi-lateral circuit since the circuit parameters remain constant regardless of which direction the supply is coming from.

Conclusion

An electric circuit, also known as an electric current channel, is a conductive path that allows current or electricity to flow. To make a connection between the voltage source and the load, a conductive wire is employed. In addition, an on/off switch and a fuse are employed in the circuit between the source and the load.

There are many different types of circuits, but in our houses, we use parallel circuits the most.

When multiple appliances are connected in parallel, there is no split of voltage between them. The potential difference across each appliance is the same as the voltage that is being supplied. By connecting electrical equipment in series with one another, the overall effective resistance of the circuit can be decreased.