Block Diagram

1. WHAT IS A BLOCK DIAGRAM?

2. BLOCK DIAGRAM TYPES
3. HOW TO MAKE A BLOCK DIAGRAM
4. BLOCK DIAGRAM SYMBOLS
5. BLOCK DIAGRAM BEST PRACTICES
6. BLOCK DIAGRAM EXAMPLES

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What is a Block Diagram?
A block diagram is a specialized, high-level flowchart used in engineering. It is used to design
new systems or to describe and improve existing ones. Its structure provides a high-level
overview of major system components, key process participants, and important working
relationships.

Types and Uses of Block Diagrams

A block diagram provides a quick, high-level view of a system to rapidly identify points of interest
or trouble spots. Because of its high-level perspective, it may not offer the level of detail
required for more comprehensive planning or implementation. A block diagram will not show
every wire and switch in detail, that's the job of a circuit diagram.

A block diagram is especially focused on the input and output of a system. It cares less about
what happens getting from input to output. This principle is referred to as black box in
engineering. Either the parts that get us from input to output are not known or they are not
important.

How to Make a Block Diagram

Block diagrams are made similar to flowcharts. You will want to create blocks, often represented
by rectangular shapes, that represent important points of interest in the system from input to
output. Lines connecting the blocks will show the relationship between these components.
In SmartDraw, you'll want to start with a block diagram template that already has the relevant
library of block diagram shapes docked. Adding, moving, and deleting shapes is easy in just a
few key strokes or drag-and-drop. SmartDraw's block diagram tool will help build your diagram
automatically.

Two ways to get started

Use the online edition of SmartDraw on any computer or tablet
Start Now

Download the Windows desktop edition of SmartDraw

Download

Symbols Used in Block Diagrams

Block diagrams use very basic geometric shapes: boxes and circles. The principal parts and
functions are represented by blocks connected by straight and segmented lines illustrating
relationships.

When block diagrams are used in electrical engineering, the arrows connecting components
represent the direction of signal flow through the system.

Whatever any specific block represents should be written on the inside of that block.

A block diagram can also be drawn in increasing detail if analysis requires it. Feel free to add as
little or as much detail as you want using more specific electrical schematic symbols.

Block Diagram: Best Practices

 Identify the system. Determine the system to be illustrated. Define components, inputs,
and outputs.
 Create and label the diagram. Add a symbol for each component of the system,
connecting them with arrows to indicate flow. Also, label each block so that it is easily
identified.
 Indicate input and output. Label the input that activates a block, and label that output
that ends the block.
 Verify accuracy. Consult with all stakeholders to verify accuracy.

Block Diagram Examples

The best way to understand block diagrams is to look at some examples of block diagrams.

Click on any of these block diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them:
 Block Diagram - Scoreboard

Block Diagram - Chemical Facility

What is a Block Diagram?

A block diagram is a graphical representation of a system – it provides a functional view of a system. Block
diagrams give us a better understanding of a system’s functions and help create interconnections within it.
Block diagrams derive their name from the rectangular elements found in this type of diagram. They are used to
describe hardware and software systems as well as to represent processes. Block diagrams are described and
defined according to their function and structure as well as their relationship with other blocks.

What is a Block?
Blocks or system building blocks are modular structures within SysML (Systems Modeling Language) that
represent statistical concepts and objects in the system. In the world of software development, for example,
blocks describe data elements and operators or control flow elements. A block in a block diagram describes
many identifiable properties that, taken together, define the block in question. Blocks describe a system as a
collection of parts that play a particular role in a specific context.

Why are block diagrams important?

A block diagram is an essential method used to develop and describe hardware or software systems as well as
represent their workflows and processes. Block diagrams are used in electronics to represent systems and their
shifting e.g. mechatronic systems in the trucking industry.

Block diagrams are generally used when the visualization of information or control flows is important – or
when processes are involved. In this way we can represent complex algorithms or flows of information or
communication among individual components within a large system as with, for example, in a facility designed
for mass production. A graphical representation is often easier to understand than a textual representation.

A block diagram allows us to make detailed descriptions

of systems,
their interfaces and other aspects of the system structure.
Blocks and Their Properties
Block diagrams describe different hierarchies and connections between individual building blocks within a system. These
elements are represented as blocks. Dependent relationships among properties, their values, their constellations and their
behavior are described. Block diagrams are suited particularly well to providing simplified representations of functional
processes and of relationships between individual building blocks in a system. The way in which properties and parts of the
blocks are integrated can be described in another kind of diagram – the internal block diagram.

Internal Block Diagrams

The structure and flows within system blocks are described using OMG SysML™ (Systems Modeling Language)  in internal
block diagrams. Internal block diagrams give us a simple overview of how parts of blocks relate to each other and what kind of
data, information, signals or material flow between elements, and in which direction.

Elements in Block Diagrams

Block: logical and physical system components.
Part: all aspects modelled using aggregation and association.
Reference: all parts that have been modelled using aggregation and association. 
Standard-Port: Point of interaction between a system block and its environment.
Flow-Port: Point of interaction through which or out of which a block could emerge.

Relationships within Block Diagrams

The association describes the communication among blocks.
An aggregation how a whole is comprised of parts.
A composition is a strict form of aggregation in which the existence of an object that is part of the whole is dependent on the
existence of the whole.
A generalization is a directed relationship between blocks in which a special block has all the properties of the general block.
 BLOCK DIAGRAM: Definition, Application and
Benefits

A brief introduction to block diagrams, including the definition, application

and benefits. Some free editable block diagram examples are available.

Definition of Block Diagram

A block diagram is a chart or diagram using labeled blocks connected by lines or arrows to

represent the relationship of parts or phases, as the steps in a data-processing application.

From the geology perspective, it is a perspective representation of the geology of an area

showing surface contours and generally including two vertical cross sections. In this article,

we focus on the first definition.

Application of Block Diagram

 Software programmers apply it to communicate ideas and simplify complicated concepts.

 Project managers can illustrate how project tasks fit together visually.

 Sales and marketing professionals can attach block diagrams in presentations, proposals, and

reports, making them more pictorial.

Benefits of Block Diagram

Doubtlessly, it enhances understanding of the process by showing all involved parts and how

they are interconnected in an easy to follow format. A block diagram is a useful tool both in

designing new processes and in improving existing processes. In both cases the block

diagram provides a quick, visually clear view of the work and may rapidly lead to process

points of interest.
Block Diagram Templates

Here are some well-formatted vector templates of block diagrams. Click the thumbnail to

view large version. They are created by Edraw within a few minutes. See a simple introduction

to Edraw block diagram maker in the next section

Block Diagram Software

Edraw provides a super easy solution to draw block diagrams. It's undemanding to create

professional-looking block diagrams with its inbuilt 2D and 3D shapes and ready-to-use

templates. In the basic diagram category, you can double click the Block 2D or Block

3D template thumbnail. Then the relative block diagram drawing shapes will be opened in

the symbol panel.

See its user-friendly interface below.

 Electronics Drafting--BLOCK, FLOW,
AND SINGLE LINE DIAGRAMS
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After studying this Section, you will be able to:

 Draw a block diagram, flow diagram, and a single line diagram.
 List the rules for a correctly drawn block, flow, and single line diagram.

Electronics systems are created from ideas. To advance these ideas,

we must look at them on paper. Putting our thoughts on paper will
help us organize ideas and check if our ideas are workable.
The arrangement of our ideas on paper is called a diagram. You are
going to study three different types of diagrams in this Section.
BLOCK DIAGRAMS
Block diagrams are the most elementary of all the electronic
drawings. These diagrams show only the essential units of the
system. The units are normally represented by rectangular blocks.
See . FIG. 1.
FIG. 1. An elementary block diagram of a basic color television
receiver. Note: all the units are shown as rectangles except for the
speaker and picture tube which are shown by symbol.
The blocks are tied together with lines. The path of the signal or
energy may be shown by the lines or by arrows. Arrows show its
direction. Block diagrams are used by computer programmers to aid
in program development. This diagram will not show graphical
symbols or reference designations.
A simplified block diagram of a television receiver would look like FIG.
2. Take a look at what the diagram accomplishes.
The engineer will sketch a block diagram of the television system.
Using this diagram he/she will help decide what each of the units is
supposed to do. The engineer established the following requirements:
(As you look at FIG. 2, match each number with its unit.)
1. Low voltage power supply. This unit will convert the 120
volt alternating current to the appropriate direct current voltage levels.
2. An RF tuner. The radio-frequency (RE) tuner will need to select the
desired channel and reject all others. It will be designed so that the
signal will also be amplified.
3. An IF amplifier. The intermediate-frequency (IF) amplifier will
provide additional amplification for the video and sound signals.
4. A video detector and amplifier. This section will set up the picture
and demodulate (decode) the IF signal.
5. A sound section. This is where the audio amplification and power
output takes place.
6. Synchronization section. This section will separate the horizontal
and vertical pulses and route them to their respective deflection
sections. It must keep the pulses synchronized as it transmits them.
7. Deflection section. The horizontal and vertical movement of the
electron beam is provided by this unit.
8. High-voltage section. This section will set up the 1 5-20KV source
which is necessary to develop a sharp, bright picture.
When the engineer has the basics for the television set figured out,
he/she will assign the project to the drafter.
Block diagrams are used in sales literature, ser vice manuals,
electronics catalogs, and operator manuals. Compared to
other diagram types, the block diagram is understood better by
persons un familiar with electronics. It shows the functional
relationship of each stage in the simplest way.

FIG. 2. A typical block diagram for a simple television receiver.

Numbers in the blocks will correspond to written explanation in the
paragraph on block diagrams.
RULES FOR DRAFTING BLOCK DIAGRAMS:
1. Blocks within a diagram should normally be the same size, FIG. 3.
2. The block containing the most information will establish the block
size for the drawing, as shown in FIG. 3.
3. Inputs to the rectangles should come in the left side or top of the
block. See FIGs. 4 and 5.
4. Outputs should go out the right side or bottom of the block, FIGs. 4
and 5.
5. Interconnection lines must run horizontally or vertically with all
corners at 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 6.
6. Lines running parallel to each other should be grouped with a
larger space between every third line. This helps the reader’s eye
follow each line. See FIG. 7.
7. Minimize crossed lines, FIG. 8.
8. Minimize jogged lines, FIG. 8.
9. If symbols are used, they should be from ANSI Y32-2, FIG. 9.
10. Lettering between elements of the system should either be done
above, above and below, below, or in the line, FIG. 10.
Block diagrams and flow diagrams use basically the same rules. Let’s
look at flow diagrams to see their similarities and differences.

FIG. 3. One of eight examples of block diagrams and design rules.

This demonstrates rule 1 and 2.
FIG. 4. An example of rule 3 and 4.

FIG. 5. An example of rule 3 and 4 when paper size dictates layout.

FIG. 6. An example of rule 5.

FIG. 7. An example of rule 6.
FIG. 8. An example of rule 7 and 8.
FIG. 9. An example of rule 9.
Flow diagrams are sometimes called flowcharts.
Flow diagrams show the sequence of events in a process or
operation. The sequence will normally start at the top of the sheet
and go down, FIG. 11. Sometimes the block diagram will go left to
right horizontally. The logical steps of a computer program can be
neatly shown by the flow diagram, FIG. 12. A program is coded by
writing down the successive instructions that will cause the computer
to perform logical operations.
RULES FOR DRAFTING FLOW DIAGRAMS
1. Sequence is from top to bottom.
2. Draw all boxes same width.
3. Box height can vary.
4. Use thick lines on boxes, medium lines on arrows.
5. For arrows going back to earlier steps, make side spacing at least
114 the width of a box.
6. Use hand lettering within guidelines.

FIG. 10. An example of rule 10.

FIG. 11. A typical flow diagram has operation sequence from top to
bottom of page.
FIG. 12. A flow diagram of a for-next computer program.
SINGLE LINE DIAGRAMS
The next step following a block diagram, may be a single
line diagram. See FIG. 13. This diagram is a form of schematic, which
uses a single line to show component interconnections. The single
line may represent many lines in the actual circuit. It will omit the
detailed information shown on schematics or connection diagrams.
Single line diagrams will show:
1. The relationships between circuits.
2. Meters, instruments, switches, relays, and other power circuit
devices.
3. Ratings of circuits which are essential to the overall
understanding. Generator ratings for example; include: kilowatt
capacity, power factors, voltage, cycles, revolutions per minute, and
number of windings.
4. Neutral and ground connections.
5. Feeder circuits.
6. The gene layout of the circuit.
The layout will show only the information needed for clarity.
RULES FOR DRAFTING SINGLE LINE DIAGRAMS:
FIG. 13. A typical single line diagram.
1. Line thickness may vary, FIG. 13. Thick lines indicate primary
information lines, medium lines indicate connection to power source.
2. Circles are used to portray meters, motors, instruments, and other
rotary equipment.
3. Rectangles depict resistors, switches, components, and other
major equipment parts.
The single line diagram is the closest drawing to
the schematic. Schematic drawings will be covered in Section five.
Section four will cover the individual electronic symbols and reference
designations. We must have an understanding of the components,
their symbols, and references before continuing our study.
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1. What does a block diagram show?
2. How can we show the path and direction of the signal or energy?
3. List the major differences between a block and flow diagram.
4. List what a single line diagram shows.
5. Flow diagrams may also be called ______
6. Why is it important to put our ideas on paper?
7. List where block diagrams are used.
8. What does a flow diagram show?
9. What is the closest diagram to the schematic?
10. Why do we group lines with a larger space be tween every third
line when they are running parallel?
11. The type of diagram least understood by those untrained in
electronics is the:
a. Flow diagram.
b. Single line diagram.
c. Block diagram.
12. If arrows in a flow diagram go back to previous steps, make the
spacing at the side of the chart at least _____ the width of a box.
13. Draw boxes in a flowchart with ___ (thicker, thinner) lines than for
arrow lines.
PROBLEMS:
PROB. 1. Draw a block diagram from information given in FIG. 14.
Follow the rules for a properly drawn block diagram.
PROB. 2. Draw a block diagram of FIG. 15. Follow the 10 rules.
PROB. 3. Draw a single line diagram of FIG. 16.
PROB. 4. Draw a flow diagram of FIG. 17.
FIG. 14. Redraw this color television block diagram.

FIG. 15. Draw a block diagram from this sketch of a stereo system.

FIG. 16. Draw a single line diagram of this television amplifier system.
FIG. 17. Draw a flow diagram of a printed circuit board development.
block diagram

Posted by: Margaret Rouse

WhatIs.com
  

Contributor(s): Matthew Haughn

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A block diagram is a visual representation of a system that uses simple, labeled blocks
that represent single or multiple items, entities or concepts, connected by lines to show
relationships between them. An entity relationship diagram (ERD), one example of a block
diagram, represents an information system by showing the relationships between people,
objects, places, concepts or events within that system. (See an image on the ERD
definition page.)

Block diagrams are used heavily in engineering and design of diagrams for electronics,
hardware, software and processes. Most commonly, they represent concepts and systems
in a higher level, less detailed overview. The diagrams are useful
for troubleshooting technical issues. 

Block diagrams are a generalized representation of a concept and are not intended to
display complete information in regards to design or manufacture. Unlike schematics,
blueprints and layout diagrams, block diagrams do not portray the necessary detail for
physical construction. Block diagrams are made simple so as not to cloud concepts. 

The simplification in block diagrams can also be useful when demonstrating an idea, but
concealing the inner workings of potentially secret intellectual property (IP). Top-down
design in electrical engineering often progresses through increasingly detailed block
diagrams. After enough detail is added through iterations, the block diagram becomes a
schematic. Block diagrams in process control show the functions of operations but not the
components that perform them. The functions of block diagrams may then be
implemented with programmable logic controllers (PLC).

Block diagrams are also used in a scientific context. In the study of biology, for example,
block diagrams are used to display biological functions and interrelations.

Example 1. Block Diagrams Library Design Elements

Thus, the so called Block Diagrams Solution contains 5 stencil libraries offering a variety of pre-designed stencils
and so enabling all ConceptDraw DIAGRAM users to make their own smart looking as well as professionally looking
block diagrams. Having this solution, you can simply create any block diagram, including any Functional Block
Diagram of any complexity within only a few hours, sometimes even minutes, depending on how familiar you are
with the mentioned software and so the application.
The mentioned libraries are Block Diagrams Library, Raised Blocks Library, Blocks with Perspective Library,
Connectors Library and Callouts Library. All together the mentioned 5 libraries contain 190 vector stencils and to get
them you have to simply download the “Block Diagrams solution” both from the ConceptDraw STORE application
after downloading ConceptDraw DIAGRAM unless you have this great and very useful software already.
The “Block diagrams library” includes such stencil elements, as Square, Rectangle, Rounded rectangle, Circle,
Ellipse, Filleted rectangle, Curved Rectangle, Diamond, Hexagon, Octagon, Round Starburst, Sharp starburst,
Starburst, Blunt starburst, File, Tag, Table, Cloud, Document, Brackets and parentheses, Partial layers, Add-on step
block, Concentric layers, Auto-height textboxes, bars, etc.
The “Blocks with Perspective” stencil library includes the following design symbols: Down arrow, Up arrow, Right
arrow, Left arrow, Left/Right arrow, Horizontal bar, open left end, Horizontal bar, closed both ends, Horizontal bar,
open both ends, Horizontal bar, open right end, Vertical bar, close both ends, Vertical bar, open top end, Vertical
bar, open both ends, Vertical bar, open bottom end, Up arrow, open, Down arrow, open, Right arrow, open, Left
arrow, open, Up/Down arrow, Elbow block, Square block, Circle block, Frame block and other.
The “Callouts” one can be useful for representing what exactly some people think (or talk) about, as well as for
some other purposes. There’re the objects, such as “Side line callout”, “Centre text callout”, “Side line elbow”,
“Annotation”, “Bend callout”, “Braces with text”, “Callout”, “Balloon (Rounded rectangle)”, “Balloon (Ellipse callout)”,
 “Balloon (Cloud)”, “Balloon (Ellipse)”, “2-D word balloon”, “Balloon horizontal”, “Yellow note”, “Balloon vertical”,
“Rounded stamp”, “Angled stamp”, etc.

The concepts discussed in the previous chapter are helpful for reducing (simplifying) the block
diagrams.

Block Diagram Reduction Rules

Follow these rules for simplifying (reducing) the block diagram, which is having many blocks,
summing points and take-off points.
 Rule 1 − Check for the blocks connected in series and simplify.
 Rule 2 − Check for the blocks connected in parallel and simplify.
 Rule 3 − Check for the blocks connected in feedback loop and simplify.
 Rule 4 − If there is difficulty with take-off point while simplifying, shift it towards right.
 Rule 5 − If there is difficulty with summing point while simplifying, shift it towards left.
 Rule 6 − Repeat the above steps till you get the simplified form, i.e., single block.
Note − The transfer function present in this single block is the transfer function of the overall block
diagram.
Example
Consider the block diagram shown in the following figure. Let us simplify (reduce) this block diagram
using the block diagram reduction rules.

5.4 DEFINITION OF BASIC ELEMENTS OF BLOCK DIAGRAM

o Block Diagram: The shorthand pictorial representation of the cause and effect relationship between the input and
output of a physical system is known as block diagram. Figure 5.2 shows the representation of a block diagram

 
Fig. 5.2 Block diagram

o Output: The value of input multiplied by the block gain is is known as output.

From Fig. 5.2(b)

 
 C(s) = G(s) R(s)       (5.5)

o Summing Point: At summing point two or more signals can be added or subtracted.

Fig. 5.3 shows a summing point.

 
Fig. 5.3 Summing point

Block diagrams consist of a single block or a combination of blocks. These are used to represent the
control systems in pictorial form.

Basic Elements of Block Diagram

The basic elements of a block diagram are a block, the summing point and the take-off point. Let us
consider the block diagram of a closed loop control system as shown in the following figure to
identify these elements.

The above block diagram consists of two blocks having transfer functions G(s) and H(s). It is also
having one summing point and one take-off point. Arrows indicate the direction of the flow of signals.
Let us now discuss these elements one by one.
Block
The transfer function of a component is represented by a block. Block has single input and single
output.
The following figure shows a block having input X(s), output Y(s) and the transfer function G(s).

Transfer Function,G(s)=Y(s)X(s)G(s)=Y(s)X(s)
 ⇒Y(s)=G(s)X(s)⇒Y(s)=G(s)X(s)

Output of the block is obtained by multiplying transfer function of the block with input.
Summing Point
The summing point is represented with a circle having cross (X) inside it. It has two or more inputs
and single output. It produces the algebraic sum of the inputs. It also performs the summation or
subtraction or combination of summation and subtraction of the inputs based on the polarity of the
inputs. Let us see these three operations one by one.
The following figure shows the summing point with two inputs (A, B) and one output (Y). Here, the
inputs A and B have a positive sign. So, the summing point produces the output, Y as sum of A and
B.
i.e.,Y = A + B.

The following figure shows the summing point with two inputs (A, B) and one output (Y). Here, the
inputs A and B are having opposite signs, i.e., A is having positive sign and B is having negative
sign. So, the summing point produces the output Y as the difference of A and B.
Y = A + (-B) = A - B.

The following figure shows the summing point with three inputs (A, B, C) and one output (Y). Here,
the inputs A and B are having positive signs and C is having a negative sign. So, the summing point
produces the output Y as
Y = A + B + (−C) = A + B − C.
Take-off Point
The take-off point is a point from which the same input signal can be passed through more than one
branch. That means with the help of take-off point, we can apply the same input to one or more
blocks, summing points.
In the following figure, the take-off point is used to connect the same input, R(s) to two more blocks.

In the following figure, the take-off point is used to connect the output C(s), as one of the inputs to
the summing point.

Block Diagram Representation of Electrical Systems

In this section, let us represent an electrical system with a block diagram. Electrical systems contain
mainly three basic elements — resistor, inductor and capacitor.
Consider a series of RLC circuit as shown in the following figure. Where, V i(t) and Vo(t) are the input
and output voltages. Let i(t) be the current passing through the circuit. This circuit is in time domain.
By applying the Laplace transform to this circuit, will get the circuit in s-domain. The circuit is as
shown in the following figure.

From the above circuit, we can write

I(s)=Vi(s)−Vo(s)R+sLI(s)=Vi(s)−Vo(s)R+sL

⇒I(s)={1R+sL}{Vi(s)−Vo(s)}⇒I(s)={1R+sL}{Vi(s)−Vo(s)} (Equation 1)

Vo(s)=(1sC)I(s)Vo(s)=(1sC)I(s) (Equation 2)

Let us now draw the block diagrams for these two equations individually. And then combine those
block diagrams properly in order to get the overall block diagram of series of RLC Circuit (s-domain).
Equation 1 can be implemented with a block having the transfer function, 1R+sL1R+sL. The input and
output of this block are {Vi(s)−Vo(s)}{Vi(s)−Vo(s)} and I(s)I(s). We require a summing point to
get {Vi(s)−Vo(s)}{Vi(s)−Vo(s)}. The block diagram of Equation 1 is shown in the following figure.

Equation 2 can be implemented with a block having transfer function, 1sC1sC. The input and output of
this block are I(s)I(s) and Vo(s)Vo(s). The block diagram of Equation 2 is shown in the following
figure.
The overall block diagram of the series of RLC Circuit (s-domain) is shown in the following figure.

Similarly, you can draw the block diagram of any electrical circuit or system just by following this
simple procedure.
 Convert the time domain electrical circuit into an s-domain electrical circuit by applying Laplace transform.
 Write down the equations for the current passing through all series branch elements and voltage across all
shunt branches.
 Draw the block diagrams for all the above equations individually.
 Combine all these block diagrams properly in order to get the overall block diagram of the electrical circuit
(s-domain).