Schematics: Drawing ICs and Voltage Regulators.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around creating schematics for integrated circuits (ICs) and voltage regulators (VRs) in the context of an electronics project. Participants share insights on how to represent these components effectively in schematic diagrams, addressing both technical symbols and best practices for clarity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests drawing a box for ICs and labeling the pins, as the symbols can vary by manufacturer.
  • Another participant recommends using the manufacturer's symbol for the specific part being used.
  • Some participants propose creating a custom part in a library, emphasizing the importance of labeling and minimizing clutter for readability.
  • It is mentioned that logic gates and op-amps have specific symbols, but generic ICs can be represented as labeled boxes.
  • For voltage regulators, one participant advises treating them similarly to ICs, suggesting a layout with input and output terminals clearly indicated.
  • Another participant notes that datasheets for voltage regulators often include application circuits that can guide the schematic representation.
  • A participant shares basic rules for schematic design, such as the orientation of ground and power symbols, and the importance of pin numbers and proximity of supporting components.
  • One participant acknowledges mistakes in their schematic but expresses a desire for effectiveness over perfection, valuing the learning process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of clarity and proper labeling in schematics, but there are varying opinions on the best practices for representing ICs and VRs, indicating that multiple approaches exist without a consensus on a single method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for adherence to specific conventions in schematic design, such as the orientation of symbols and the inclusion of feedback circuitry for certain components, which may depend on the specific application or component used.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for electronics students, hobbyists, or anyone involved in creating schematics for projects involving integrated circuits and voltage regulators.

TylerH
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I'm working with an instructor at the local community college to fix a bug in my first project, but he asked me to give him a schematic to look over before we meet in person. I know what resistors and the other simple stuff looks like, but I don't know the symbol for ICs and VRs.

Since the symbol for ICs are dependent to each individual IC, do I just draw a box and label the pins I'm using? That seems the most intuitive, to me.

I have no idea what to do for the VR. Can someone upload a pic or something? It would be immensely appreciated.
 
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Use WWW.
Locate the manufacture of the part you are using and use the same symbol the manufacture uses.
 
I usually just create my own part in a custom library--just use a box with connections. For instance:
http://proteanlogic.com/tickit/t74IC_HTML_Cutsheet.htm

They made the fancy DIP package and followed the pinout, but this is not necessary. For instance:
http://www.josef-k.net/mim/Circuit.html

Make sure you use the IC number, and some annotation (e.g. voltage regulator, shift register) frequently goes a long way towards making your schematic readable. Speaking of readability, try to minimize clutter, and keep things neat!
 
Logic gates (OR, AND, NOT, etc) and op amps have their own symbols, but for a generic IC you just draw a box with the pis labelled.

Kind of like this page: http://datasheetoo.com/datasheet-application/ede1204-bi-polar-stepper-motor-ic-connection-via-l293-h-bridge-ic-schematic.html
 
Okay, I get how to label an IC, but what about the VR? Is there a symbol for it, or for I just label it with a VR and label the pins?

Thanks for all the help about the ICs.
 
Just treat it the same way as your ICs.

Generally, I make it so the input and output are left and right (you can usually mirror to invert directions), and then a ground terminal pointing downwards. Assuming this is a three-terminal voltage regulator. If you need feedback (e.g. for an LM1084-ADJ), you just put your feedback circuitry around it.
 
TylerH said:
Okay, I get how to label an IC, but what about the VR? Is there a symbol for it, or for I just label it with a VR and label the pins?

Thanks for all the help about the ICs.

Usually in the datasheet for the voltage regulator, they will show some application circuits at the end. You can just use the same symbol that they use in their application circuits.
 
Okay, that makes sense. I'm going to draw it on a piece of paper. I'll post a pic when I'm done.

Thanks again.
 
How's this? Can you read it?
 

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  • #10
I've been on the sending and receiving end of schematics, and there are a few basic rules that I find helpful (almost essential at my age). They are:

Ground symbols and negative power supplies point downwards
Positive power supply terminals point upwards
Incoming signals flow in from the left and have a destination note if leaving the page
Outgoing signals exit to the right and have a destination note if leaving the page
Simple devices, like regulators, are best presented simular to the actual pin orientations.
Pin numbers are essential
Complex devices or devices that tend to get lost in circuitry are better drawn with an extra "gate" that represents where they are connected to power pins. Which devices? logic gates, op amps, large chips.
Finally, Some devices require power supply "maintenance" close to the chip or module. This is typically in the form of capacitors, but may include ferrite beads, resistors, or inductors. Keep these items close to the associated component such that their function is more apparent.

Best Wishes,

Mike
 
  • #11
Agree with your comments, Mike in plano :)

whereever possible ALWAYS point GND (grounds) down

here's the standard for a 3 term regulator you put in the appropriate part # in the box :)

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=38680&stc=1&d=1315548858


cheers
Dave
 

Attachments

  • #12
Okay, I messed up the ground symbols and the positive charge isn't pointing up, but other than that, do I effectively get my idea across. I'm okay with seeming novice; I am novice. :) I'm only worried about effectiveness. The rest will come with experience and education, should I decide to pursue a career or hobby in EE.

Thanks for the invaluable tips, Mike. There's a lot to be learned from experienced people like yourself, that can't be learned from reading datasheets and tutorials. That's one of the reasons I reached out the local CC professor; I happen to know, from meeting him, that he's a very experienced and knowledgeable person.
 

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