/ˈsɜːrkɪt dɪˈzaɪn/
noun … “Planning and creating electrical circuits.”
Circuit Design is the process of defining the components, connections, and layout of an electrical or electronic circuit to achieve a specific function. It involves selecting resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, integrated circuits, and other elements, arranging them logically, and ensuring proper operation under desired electrical conditions. Circuit design can be analog, digital, or mixed-signal and is central to developing devices ranging from microprocessors to power systems.
Key characteristics of Circuit Design include:
- Functional specification: defining the desired behavior of the circuit.
- Component selection: choosing suitable resistors, capacitors, ICs, and other elements.
- Topology and layout: arranging components and connections efficiently and safely.
- Simulation and verification: testing circuit behavior before physical implementation.
- Optimization: improving performance, reducing cost, size, or power consumption.
Applications of Circuit Design include designing CPUs, memory modules, power supplies, analog filters, communication devices, and embedded systems.
Workflow example: Designing a simple LED circuit:
voltage_source = 5 -- volts
led = LED(forward_voltage=2)
resistor = Resistor(value=(voltage_source - led.forward_voltage)/0.02)
circuit.connect(voltage_source, led, resistor)
Here, circuit design determines the resistor value to safely operate the LED at 20 mA.
Conceptually, Circuit Design is like drawing a roadmap for electricity: it defines paths, intersections, and rules so that current flows correctly and performs the intended function.
See Resistor, Capacitor, Inductor, Transistor, Power Supply, Signal Processing.