Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
CIRCUITS AND MACHINES
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CIRCUITS AND MACHINES
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Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 13
Grade code: 2.2.1.LI.3
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.2.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.2.1.LI.3
Theme: ENERGY SYSTEMS
Subtheme: CIRCUITS AND MACHINES
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In today's world, from the mobile phone in your pocket to the traffic lights in Accra or Kumasi, electronic circuits are everywhere. Before these complex devices are built, they are first designed and tested in a virtual environment using computers. This process is called Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Learning to use CAD for electronics is like being an architect who can build and test a whole skyscraper on a computer before laying a single brick. It saves time, money, and prevents costly or dangerous mistakes. For us in Ghana, this skill is vital for innovation in areas like renewable energy, agricultural technology, and even in our local electronics repair shops.
Concept 1: What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Electronics?
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) simply means using computers to help create, modify, analyse, or optimise a design. When we talk about electronics, CAD software allows us to: Draw circuit diagrams (schematics) neatly and professionally. Simulate the circuit's behaviour without needing any physical components. This is the most powerful feature. It’s like having a virtual laboratory on your computer.
Popular CAD tools for electronics include Proteus, Multisim, LTspice, and the simpler, web-based Tinkercad Circuits. Today, we will focus on the principles that apply to most of these, using Proteus as our main example. Concept 2: Why Do Engineers Use CAD for Circuit Design?
Imagine you want to build a simple charger for your phone. You buy components from a shop at Circle, Accra. You connect them, but you made a mistake. *Poof!* A component burns out. You have wasted money and time. CAD helps us avoid this.