Definition It is defined as The device which controls the flow of electrons for

the device performing the particular task is known as the

which uses the electronics devices.
electrical
energy for
performing the
work.
Material Used Metals like Semiconductor material like silicon, germanium
copper and etc.
aluminum are
used for the
conduction of
current.
Operating Principle Convert the Uses the electrical energy for performing the
electrical particular task.
energy into
other forms of
energy.
Current Alternating Direct Current
Current
Voltage Works on high Works on low voltage
voltage.
Power consumption More Less
Manipulation Do not It manipulates the data.
manipulate the
data
Response Time Fast Slow
Required Space More Less
Safe Less More
Uses For doing For amplifying the weak signal or for coding and
mechanical decoding the information.
work.
Examples Transformer, Transistor, diode, microprocessor, flip-flop,
motor, amplifier, etc.
generator etc.
Basis for Electrical Energy Electrical Power
Comparison
Basic It represents the Power defines the
overall work done work done per
on an electrical unit time in an
circuit. electrical circuit.
Denoted as E P
Given as E = VI*t ( or P*t) P = V*I
SI unit Joule Watt
 ACTIVE PASSIVE
BASIS
COMPONENTS COMPONENT
Nature of source Active Passive elements
components utilizes power or
deliver power or energy in the
energy to the circuit.
circuit.

Examples Diodes, Resistor,

Transistors, SCR, Capacitor,
Integrated circuits Inductor etc.
etc.
Function of the Devices which Devices which
component produce energy in stores energy in
the form of the form of
voltage or voltage or
current. current.
Power Gain They are capable They are
of providing incapable of
power gain. providing power
gain.
Flow of current Active Passive
components can components
control the flow cannot control
of current. the flow of the
current.

Requirement of They require an They do not

external source external source require any
for the external source
operations. for the
operations.
Nature of energy Active Passive
components are components are
energy donor. energy acceptor.
Basis for Active Power Reactive Power
Comparison
Definition The active power The power which
is the real power moves back and
which is froth between the
dissipated in the load and source
circuit. such type of
power is known
as the reactive
power
Formula
Measuring Unit Watts VAR
Represented By P Q
Causes Produces heat in Measures the
heater, light in power factor of
lamps and torque the circuit.
in motor.

Measuring Wattmeter VAR Meter

Instrument
 2
Parameter Resistance Reactance
Basic It is the It is the opposition
obstruction by to the varying
resistor to the current in a circuit
flow of current. by inductor or
capacitor.

Symbolic
representation

Denoted by R X
Given by
Type of circuit Both AC and DC Specifically AC
circuit. circuit.

Circuit element Pure resistor Ideal inductor or

capacitor.

Nature of value Real part of Imaginary part of

impedance. impedance.

Depends on Dimensions, Frequency of

resistivity and alternating
temperature of current.
conductor.

Phase difference V and I are in There exist a

between V and I same phase. Thus phase difference
phase difference is of 90 degrees
0 degree. between V and I.

Electric power The overall power A part of supplied

gets dissipated in power gets stored.
the form of heat.
Basis for Series Circuit Parallel Circuit
Comparison
Component The components Here the
Orientation are connected in components are
one after the connected in
other manner. head to head and
tail to tail manner.

Current Same current Different current

flows through all flows through
the components each component
in the circuit. in the circuit.

Voltage Different The potential

potential difference
difference (voltage) existing
(voltage) exist across the various
across each component in the
component. circuit is same.

Number of paths Single Multiple (depends

on number of
components).

Fault Fault in one of the Fault in a single

circuit component does
components not hinder the
causes hindrance operation of rest
in operation of of the circuit.
complete circuit.

Troubleshooting Difficult. Quite easy.

Equivalent The equivalent The equivalent
resistance resistance is resistance always
always more than has a less value
highest value of than any of the
resistance in the single resistors
series connection. connected
parallely.
Basis for
Comparison Microprocessor Microcontroller

Functional Units ALU, registers, ALU, register, CU,

CU. IO ports, RAM,
ROM, ADC, DAC,
timer and
counters.

Data transfer It has large Comparitively

instructions number of data less number of
transfer such instructions.
instructions.

Cost High Comparatively

low.
Size of PCB Large Small in
comparison to
microprocessor.
Weight Bulky Less bulky
Processing speed 1 GHz 8 to 50 MHz.
Uses Finds its use in Used in systems
general purpose that are
computing manufactured for
systems. specific
application.

Efficiency Less efficient More efficient

Power High Low in
consumption comparison to
microcontroller
Reliability Less reliable More reliable
Example 8085, 8086 etc 8051, 8951 etc.
Basis for
Comparison Potentiometer Rheostat

Instrument Type Sensor Variable resistor

Symbol
Number of 3 2
terminals

Controls Voltage Current

Suitability of use For low power For high power
applications applications

Composed of Materials like Materials like

graphite metallic ribbon,
carbon disks etc.

Type of connection Connected in Forms serial

parallel with the connection with
circuit. the circuit.
Basis for
Comparison AC Voltage DC Voltage

Definition The AC voltage is The DC Voltage

the force that induces the direct
derive the current between
alternating the two points.
current between
the two points.

Symbolic
Representation

Frequency Depends on Zero

country.

Power Factor Lies between 0 to 0

1.

Polarity Changes Remain Constant

Direction Vary Remain same
Obtained From Generator Cell or Battery
Efficiency High Low
Passive Parameter Impedance Resistance
Amplitude Have Don't Have
Conversion By using inverter. By using rectifier.
Transformer Requires for Not requires.
transmission.

Phase and Neutral Have Don't Have

Advantages Easy to measure. Easily amplify
BASIS TRANSMISSION DISTRIBUTION
LINE LINE
Usage Transmission Line The Distribution
helps in the line carries
movement of electricity from the
electricity from substation to the
power plant to the consumer’s end.
substations.

Phase It is carried out It requires a single

electricity in three phase supply
phase supply system for carrying
system. electricity.

Voltage level Carries electricity Carries electricity

at a very high at a very low and
voltage. About safe level of about
11000 volts. 220 volts.

Current They conduct They conduct less

conduction level current at 69 kV or than 69 kV
more.

Thickness Transmission lines Distribution line

are thick lines. are thin as
compared to the
transmission line.
BASIS OF DIFFERENCE POWER TRANSFORMER DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER
Type of network It is used in transmission network of higher It is used in the distribution network for lower
voltages voltages.

Availability of ratings 400 kV, 200 kV, 110 kV , 66 kV, 33 kV. 11 Kv, 6.6 Kv, 3.3 Kv, 440 V,230 V

Maximum rating of usage Power transformers are used for rating above Distribution transformers are used for rating
200 MVA less than 200 MVA

Size Larger in size as compared of distribution Smaller in size

transformers

Designed Efficiency Designed for maximum efficiency of 100% Designed for 50-70% efficiency

Efficiency formula Efficiency is measured as the ratio of output to Here All Day Efficiency is considered. It is the
the input power ratio of output in kilowatt hour (kWh) or watt
hour (Wh) to the input in kWh or Wh of a
transformer over 24 hours.

Application Used in generating stations and transmission Used in distribution stations, also for industrial
substations and domestic purposes

Losses Copper and iron losses take place throughout Iron losses take place for 24 hours and copper
the day losses are based on load cycle

Load fluctuation In power transformer the load fluctuations are Load fluctuations are very high
very less

Operating condition Always operated at full load Operated at load less than full load as load cycle
fluctuates

Considering time It is independent of time It is time dependent

Flux density In power transformer flux density is higher As compared to power transformer the flux
density is lower in distribution transformer

Designing of the core Designed to utilize the core for maximum and As compared to power transformer the flux
will operate near to the saturation point of the density is lower in distribution transformer
B-H curve, which helps to bring down the mass
of core

Usage Used to step up and step down voltages Used as an end user connectivity
Basis for
Eddy current Loss Hysteresis Loss
Comparison
Definition The loss occur The losses which
because of the occur because of
relative motion the reversal of the
between the core magnetism is
and the magnetic known as the
flux. hysteresis loss.

Formula
Occur Interaction of the Because of
magnetic flux and reversal of flux.
conductor.

Minimising By making the By using Silicon

Method core of thin Steel Material
lamination.
Basis for
Comparison Stator Rotor

Definition It is a stationary It is the rotating

part of the part of the motor.
machine

Parts Outer frame, Rotor winding and

stator core and Rotor core
stator winding.

Supply Three-phase DC supply

Supply

Winding Complex Easy

Arrangement

Insulation Heavy Less

Friction Loss High Low
Cooling Easy Difficult
Basis for Alternator Generator
Comparison
Definition A machine that A machine that
converts the changes
mechanical energy mechanical energy
into AC electrical into electrical
power. energy (AC or DC).

Current Induces Generate both AC

alternating current & DC.

Magnetic Field Rotating Stationary

Input Supply Takes from stator. Takes from rotor.
Armature Stationary Rotatory
Output EMF Alternating Constant
RPM (Rotation per Wide Range Narrow Range
minute)

Dead Battery Do not charge charge

Output Higher Lower
BASIS AC MOTOR DC MOTOR
Nature of the Alternating Direct Current is
Input Current Current is the the main input
main input power power in the DC
in the AC motor motor

Supply Sources Three phase or Energy is

single phase obtained from
power from the batteries, cells
supply mains etc.

Commutation Absent in AC Present in DC

Process motor motor
Supply Phase Both single phase Only single phase
and three phase supply is used
supply are used

Number of There are 3 input There are two

terminals terminals RYB. input terminals
Positive and
negative

Carbon brushes No carbon There are carbon

brushes brushes in the DC
Motor

Applications Suitable for large DC motor is used

and industrial in small and
applications domestic
applications

Starting AC Motor are not DC Motor are self

self starting. It starting
requires some
external starting
equipments

Position of The Armature is Armature rotates

Armature stationary and the while the
magnetic field magnetic field
rotates remains
stationary.

Maintenance cost Less expensive as DC Motor

compared to DC maintenance is
Motor more expensive.
 SINGLE PHASE THREE PHASE
BASIS INDUCTION INDUCTION
MOTOR MOTOR
Supply Single Phase Three Phase
induction motor induction motor
uses single phase uses three phase
supply, for its supply, for its
operation. operation.

Starting torque The starting The starting

torque is low. torque is high.

Maintenance They are easy to Difficult to repair

repair and and maintain.
maintain.

Features Simple in Complex in

construction, construction and
reliable and costly.
economical as
compared to
three phase
induction motors.

Efficiency Efficiency is less Efficiency is high

Power factor Power factor is Power factor is
low high

Examples They are mostly Three phase

used in domestic induction motors
appliances such as are mostly used in
mixer grinder, industries.
fans, compressors
etc
BASIS OF SYNCHRONOUS INDUCTION
DIFFERENCE MOTOR MOTOR
Type of Excitation A synchronous An induction
motor is a doubly motor is a single
excited machine. excited machine.

Supply System Its armature Its stator winding

winding is is energized from
energized from an an AC source.
AC source and its
field winding
from a DC source.

Speed It always runs at If the load

synchronous increased the
speed. The speed speed of the
is independent of induction motor
load. decreases. It is
always less than
the synchronous
speed.

Starting It is not self Induction motor

starting. It has to has self starting
be run up to torque.
synchronous
speed by any
means before it
can be
synchronized to
AC supply.

Operation A synchronous An induction

motor can be motor operates
operated with only at a lagging
lagging and power factor. At
leading power by high loads the
changing its power factor
excitation. becomes very
poor.

Usage It can be used for An induction

power factor motor is used for
correction in driving
addition to mechanical loads
supplying torque only.
to drive
mechanical loads.

Efficiency It is more efficient Its efficiency is

than an induction lesser than that of
motor of the the synchronous
same output and motor of the
voltage rating. same output and
the voltage rating.

Cost A synchronous An induction

motor is costlier motor is cheaper
than an induction than the
motor of the synchronous
same output and motor of the
voltage rating same output and
voltage rating.
BASIC SERVO MOTOR DC MOTOR
Wire system The Servo motor is DC motor is two
three wire system wire system
known as power, known as power
ground and and ground
control.

Assembly It has an assembly DC motor is an

of four things DC individual
motor, gearing set, machine with no
control circuit and assembly.
a position sensor.

Rotation Servo motor does Movement of DC

not rotate freely motor is
and continuously continuous
like DC motor. Its
rotation is limited
to 180⁰

Examples They are used in DC motor is used

robotic arms, legs in car wheels, fans
or rudder control. etc.
BASIS SYNCHRONOUS ASYNCHRONOUS
MOTOR MOTOR

Definition Synchronous motor Asynchronous motor

is a machine whose is a machine whose
rotor speed and the rotor rotates at the
speed of the stator speed less than the
magnetic field is synchronous speed.
equal. N < NS
N= NS = 120f/P

Type Brushless motor, AC Induction Motor

Variable Reluctance is known as the
Motor, Switched Asynchronous
Reluctance Motor Motor.
and Hysteresis
motor are the
synchronous motor.

Slip Does not have slip. Have slip therefore

The value of slip is the value of slip is
zero. not equal to zero.

Additional power It requires an It does not require

source additional DC power any additional
source to initially starting source.
rotate the rotor near
to the synchronous
speed.

Slip ring and Slip ring and Slip ring and

brushes brushes are required brushes are not
required.

Cost Synchronous motor Less costly

is costly as
compared to
Asynchronous motor

Efficiency Efficiency is greater Less efficient

than Asynchronous
motor.

Power factor By changing Asynchronous motor

excitation the power runs only at a
factor can be lagging power
adjusted accordingly factor.
as lagging, leading
or unity.

Current supply Current is given to The rotor of

the rotor of the Asynchronous motor
synchronous motor does not require any
current.

Speed The Speed of the The Speed of the

motor does not Asynchronous motor
depend on the decreases with the
variation in the load. increasing load.
It is constant.

Self starting Synchronous motor It is self starting

is not self starting

Affect in torque Change in applied Change in applied

voltage does not voltage does affect
affect the torque of the torque of the
the synchronous Asynchronous motor
motor

Operational speed They operate Above 600 rpm

smoothly and speed motor
relatively good at operation is
low speed that is excellent.
below 300 rpm.

Applications Synchronous motors Used in Centrifugal

are used in Power pumps and fans,
stations, blowers, paper and
manufacturing textile mills,
industries etc. it is compressors and
also used as voltage lifts. etc
controller.
Basis For Comparison Slip Ring Motor Squirrel Cage motor

Defintion The rotor of the motor is constructed The rotor of the motor is a squirrel
as a slip ring type. cage type.

Rotor Cylindrical laminated core with parallel The slots of the rotor are not parallel,
slots and each slot consist one bar. but are skewed.

Other name Phase wound rotor Cage motor

Construction Complicated Simple

Resistance Added external to the rotor The rotor bar is permanently shorted
at the end of the ring, thus it is not
possible to add any external resistance.

Starter The rotor resistance starter can be Rotor resistance starter can not be
used. used.

Starting Torque High Low

Brushes Present Absent

Maintenance Frequent maintenance required Less maintenance required

Copper Loss High Low

Efficieny Low High

Speed Control Possible Not Possible

Power Factor Low HIgh

Cost Costly Cheap

Starting Current Low High

Uses Use in hoist, cranes, elevator where Use in lathe machines, fan, blower,
high torque is required. profiting machines, etc.
Basis for
Slip Ring Split Ring
Comparison
Definition The slip ring is The split ring is
used for used for reversing
transferring the the direction of
power between current.
the rotating and
stationary
structure of an AC
machine

Uses It is used in AC It is used in DC

machine. machine.
Design Continuous Ring The ring is split
into two or more
parts.

Application It supplies power For supplying

from an AC pulsating voltage
generator to the to the DC motor.
AC motor.
Basis For Permittivity Permeability
Comparison
Definition The Permittivity The permeability
measures the measures the
resistance offer ability of the
by the material in material to allow
the formation of the magnetic
an electric field. lines of force to
pass through it.

Symbol ε μ
Formula Ratio of Ratio of magnetic
displacement field density and
field strength to magnetic field
the electric field strength.
strength.

SI Unit Faraday/meter Henry/meter

Physical Basis Polarization Magnetization
Free Space The permittivity The permeability
of the free space of the free space
is 8.85 F/m. is 1.26 H/m.

Field Electric Field Magnetic Field

Used in Capacitor Inductor and
Transformer core
Basis For
Resistance Resistivity
Comparison
Definition Property of It is defined as the
substance due to resistance of
which it opposes material having
the flow of specific
electrons. dimensions.

Formula
SI Unit Ohms Ohms-meter
Symbol R ρ
Dependence Length, cross- Temperature
section area of
conductor and
temperature.
Basis For
Magnetic Field Magnetic Flux
Comparison
Definition The region around It shows the
the magnet where quantity of the
its poles shows magnetic line of
the force of forces produced
attraction or by the magnet.
repulsion.

Formula
SI Unit Tesla Weber
Dependence Only on Magnet On magnet field
that produces it. strength and also
the area between
them.
Basis For Electric Field Magnetic Field
Comparison
Definition It is the force The region around
around the the magnetic
electrical charge where poles
particle. exhibits a force of
attraction or
repulsion.

Unit Volt/meter or Tesla, (Newton ×

Newton/coulomb Second) /(Coulomb
× Meter)

Symbol E B
Formula
Measuring Magnetometer Electrometer
Instrument

Pole Mono pole Dipole

Electromagnetic It is perpendicular It is perpendicular
Field to the magnetic to the electric field.
field.

Field Vector Vector

Field Line Induces on a Generate at north
positive charge and pole and terminate
terminate on a at the south pole.
negative charge

Loop Electric field lines Magnetic line

do not form a forms a closed
closed loop. loop.

Type of charge Negative or North or south

positive charge. pole.

Force Repulsion force on Repulsion force on

like charges and like poles and
attraction force on attraction force on
unlike charges. unlike poles.

Dimension Exist in two Remain in three

dimensions dimensions

Work Field can do work Magnetic field

(the speed and cannot do work
direction of (speed of particles
particles changes) remain constant)
BASIS MAGNETIC CIRCUIT ELECTRIC CIRCUIT

Definition The closed path for The closed path for

magnetic flux is electric current is
called magnetic called electric
circuit. circuit.

Relation Between Flux = Current = emf/

Flux and Current mmf/reluctance resistance

Units Flux φ is measured Current I is

in weber (wb) measured in
amperes

MMF and EMF Magnetomotive Electromotive force

force is the driving is the driving force
force and is and measured in
measured in Ampere volts (V)
turns (AT) Emf = ʃ E.dl
Mmf =ʃ H.dl

Reluctance and Reluctance opposes Resistance opposes

Resistance the flow of magnetic the flow of current
flux S = l/aµ and R = ρ. l/a and
measured in (AT/wb) measured in (Ώ)

Relation between Permeance = Conduction = 1/

Permeance and 1/reluctance resistance
Conduction

Analogy Permeability Conductivity

Analogy Reluctivity Resistivity

Density Flux density B = φ/a Current density J =

(wb/m2) I/a (A/m2)

Intensity Magnetic intensity H Electric density E =

= NI/l V/d

Drops Mmf drop = φS Voltage drop = IR

Flux and Electrons In magnetic circuit In electric circuit

molecular poles are electric current
aligned. The flux flows in the form of
does not flow, but electrons.
sets up in the
magnetic circuit.

Examples For magnetic flux, For electric circuit

there is no perfect there are a large
insulator. It can set number of perfect
up even in the non insulators like glass,
magnetic materials air, rubber, PVC and
like air, rubber, glass synthetic resin which
etc. do not allow it to
flow through them.

Variation of The reluctance (S) of The resistance (R) of

Reluctance and a magnetic circuit is an electric circuit is
Resistance not constant rather almost constant as
it varies with the its value depends
value of B. upon the value of ρ.
The value of ρ and R
can change slightly if
the change in
temperature takes
place

Energy in the circuit Once the magnetic Energy is expanding

flux sets up in a continuously, as long
magnetic circuit, no as the current flows
energy is expanded. through the
Only a small amount electrical circuit.
of energy is required This energy is
at the initial stage to dissipated in the
create flux in the form of heat.
circuit.

Applicable Laws Khirchhoff flux and Khirchhoff voltage

mmf law is followed and current law is
followed. (KVL and
KCL)

Magnetic and Magnetic lines of Electric lines or

Electric lines flux starts from current starts from
North pole and ends positive charge and
at South pole. ends on negative
charge.
Basis for Galvanometer Ammeter
Comparison
Definition Instrument use for Instrument used
detecting the for determining the
strength and magnitude of
direction of small current presence in
current presence in the electrical circuit
a circuit.

Symbol
Direction of current Shows Do not shows.

Type of Device Mechanical Mechanical or

Electronic.

Magnetic Field Requires Work with or

without magnetic
field.

Accuracy Less More

Measuring Current Measures only Measures both
direct current direct and
alternating current.

Sensitive More Less

Applications In bridge and In an electrical

potentiometer circuit.
measurements.
Basis For
Comparison Photodiode Phototransistor

Definition It is a type of PN- It is a type of

junction diode transistor which
which generates converts the light
electric current energy into an
when light or electrical energy
photon is incident
on their surface.

Symbol
Generates Current Current and
Voltage

Output Response Fast Slow

Sensitivity Less More
Biasing Both forward and Forward biasing
reversed biasing. (emitter is more
negative as
compared to the
collector. )

Uses For generating Smoke detector,

solar power, for compact disc
detecting players, invisible
ultraviolet or light receiver, in
infrared rays, for laser etc.
measuring light
etc.
Basis For
NPN Transistor PNP Transistor
Comparison
Definition Transistor in Two blocks of p-
which two n-type types
layer are semiconductors
separated by one are separated by
P-type layer one thin block of
n-type
semiconductor.

Symbol
Full Form Negative Positive Positive Negative
and Negative and Positive
Direction of Collector to Emitter to
Current Emitter Collector
Turn-on When electrons When holes enter
enters into the into the base.
base.
Inside Current Develop because Originate because
of varying of varying
position of position of holes.
electrons.
Outside Current Current develop Current develop
because of the because of the
flow of holes. flow of electrons.
Majority Charge Electron Hole
Carrier
Switching Time Faster Slower
Minority Charge Hole Electron
Carrier
Positive Voltage Collector Emitter Terminal
Terminal
Forward Biased Emitter Base Emitter Base
Junction Junction
Reverse Biased Collector Base Collector Base
Junction Junction
Small current Flows from Base to emitter
emitter-to-base
Ground Signal Low High
Basis For PN Junction
Comparison Diode Zener Diode

Definition It is a The diode which

semiconductor allows the current
diode which to flow in both
conducts only in the direction i.e.,
one direction, i.e., forward and
in forward reverse, such type
direction. of diode is known
as the Zener
diode.

Symbol
Reverse Current Damage the Do not damage
Effect junction. the junction.
Doping Level Low High
Breakdown Occurs in higher Occur in lower
voltage. voltage.
Ohms Law Obey Do not obey.
Applications For rectification Voltage stabilizer,
motor protection
and wave
shaping.
Basis for KW KWh
Comparison
Definition Measure the Measure the
power induces energy consumes
and utilizes by the by the appliances.
electrical devices.
Full Form Kilowatt Kilowatt Hour
Formula
Applications Measure power of Use for calculating
small appliances the electrical
like, bulb, motor energy.
etc.
Basis for
Forward Biasing Reverse Biasing
Comparison
Definition The external The external
voltage which is voltage which is
applied across the applied to the PN
PN-diode for junction for
reducing the strengthening the
potential barrier potential barrier
to constitutes the and prevents the
easy flow of flow of current
current through it through it is called
is called forward reverse bias.
bias.

Symbol
Connection The positive The negative
terminal of the terminal of the
battery is battery is
connected to the connected to the
P-type P-region and the
semiconductor of positive terminal
the device and the of the battery is
negative terminal connected to N-
is connected to N- type
type semiconductor.
semiconductor

Barrier Potential Reduces Strengthen

Voltage The voltage of an The voltage of
anode is greater cathode is greater
than cathode. than an anode.

Forward Current Large Small

Depletion layer Thin Thick
Resistance Low High
Current Flow Allows Prevents
Magnitude of Depends on Zero
Current forward voltage.

Operate Conductor Insulator

Basis For Short Circuit Overload
Comparison
Meaning In the short-circuit The overload
the voltage at the means that load
fault point greater than the
decreases to zero desired value have
and current of been imposed on
irregular high the system.
value flow through
the faulty point of
the network.

Voltage Zero The voltage

becomes low, but
cannot be zero.

Current High Low as compared

to short circuit.

Occur It occurs when the It occurs when a

neutral and live large number of
wire touch each devices are joint in
other. a single socket
BASIS ISOLATOR CIRCUIT BREAKER
Type of device Isolator is an off Circuit Breaker is
load device an On load device.

Operation It is operated It is operated

manually. Automatically.

Action of device It is a Mechanical It is an Electronic

device which acts device made by
as a switch. using MOSFET or
BJT.

Function Isolator cut out a The Circuit breaker

portion of a is a device such as
substation when a ACB or MCB, which
fault occurred. The trips the entire
other devices system if there is
operate without any fault.
any interruption.
BASIS RELAY CIRCUIT BREAKER
Principle The Relay is a Circuit breaker
switching device breaks the circuit
which gives a automatically
signal to the when receives the
circuit breaker as signal from the
soon as the fault relay.
occurs in the
power system.

Working The Relay does It breaks the

not break the circuit contacts.
contact. It only
senses the error
and send the
signal to the
circuit breaker.

Type of device The Relay is a The Circuit

switching and breaker is an
sensing device. isolating or
disconnecting
device.

Voltage Relays operate on The Circuit

low power input breaker is an
voltage. automatic on load
device.

Usability It is used to It uses one per

control or select circuit.
one among many
circuits.

As an amplifier Relay acts an Circuit breaker

electrical does not act as an
amplifier for amplifier.
discrete signal.
 CIRCUIT
BASIS FUSE
BREAKER
Working Fuse works on Circuit breaker
Principle the electrical and works on the
thermal Electromagnetis
properties of the m and switching
conducting principle.
materials.
Reusability Fuses can be Circuit breakers
used only once. can be used a
number of times.
Status indication It does not give It gives an
any indication. indication of the
status
Auxiliary contact No auxiliary They are
contact is available with
required. auxiliary contact.
Switching Action Fuse cannot be The Circuit
used as as an breaker is used
ON/OFF switch. as an ON/OFF
switches.
Temperature They are Circuit breaker
independent of Depends on
ambient ambient
temperature temperature
Characteristic The The
Curve Characteristic characteristic
curve shifts curve does not
because of the shift.
ageing effect.
Protection The Fuse Circuit breaker
provides provides
protection protection
against only against power
power overloads overloads and
short circuits.
Function It provides both Circuit breaker
detection and performs only
interruption interruption.
process. Faults are
detected by relay
system.
Breaking capacity Breaking capacity Breaking capacity
of the fuse is low is high.
as compared to
the circuit
breaker.
Operating time Operating time Operating time is
of fuse is very comparatively
less (0.002 more than that
seconds) of the fuse. (0.02
– 0.05 seconds)
Version Only single pole Single and
version is multiple version
available. are available.
Mode of Completely Manually as well
operation automatically. as automatically
operated.
Cost Cost of fuse is Cost of circuit
low. breaker is high.
Basis for
Comparison MCB MCCB

Definition Type of switch Protects the

which protects the equipment from
system from over temperature
overloaded and fault current.
current.

Abbreviation Miniature Circuit Moulded case

Breaker circuit breaker.

Tripping circuit Fixed Movable

Pole Available in single, Available in single,
two and three two, three and
versions. four versions.

Interrupting Rating 1800 A 10k -200k

Remote on / off Not Possible Possible

Rating Current 100 amps 10 - 200 amps
Applications In lightning circuit In heavy current
and for low loads. circuit

Uses For domestic For commercial

purpose. and industrial use.
Basis for
Cell Battery
Comparison
Definition The single unit It is the collection
device which of electrochemical
converts the cells which either
chemical energy connects in series
into electrical or in parallel
energy

Symbol
Types Dry Cell, Wet Cell , Primary battery
Reserve Cell and and Secondary
Fuel Cell. battery.

Specification Light and compact Heavy

Power Supply power for a Supply power for a
short time. long time.

Applications Clocks, lamp, Automobiles,

radio, remote inverter,
control devices emergency light
etc. etc.

Cost Cheap Costly

BASIS CAPACITOR BATTERY
Definition Potential energy is Its potential energy
stored in the form of is stored in a
an electric field. chemical form.

Function Capacitor draws Battery provides

energy from the energy to the circuit.
circuit, stores and
then release the
energy.

Type of component It is the passive It is the active

component of the component of the
circuit. circuit.

Usage It is generally used It is used as the DC

for AC applications. components.
It blocks the DC
component of the
circuit.

Voltage In capacitor voltage The Battery provides

gets rapidly a relatively constant
decreased. voltage when
discharging.

Charging and Charging and Charging and

discharging time discharging is fast as discharging is
compared to relatively slow.
batteries. It is about About 10-60 min
1-10 sec

Life cycle 1 million or 30000 500 or more

hours

Cell voltage 2.3 to 2.75 V 3.6 to 3.7 V

Specific power The specific power is Its specific power is

up to 10000 (W/kg) about 1000 to 3000

Cost Cost of capacitor is Cost of battery is

higher less as compared to
the capacitor.

Service life 10- 15 years 5 to 10 years

Charging -40 to 65 degrees 0 to 45 degrees

temperature Celsius Celsius

Potential difference Potential difference Potential difference

increases generated by a
exponentially with battery is constant.
time.

Polarity The Polarity of the The Polarity of the

capacitor must be battery is reversed
same at the time of at the time of
charging and using. charging and using.

Types Electrolytic, Ceramic Alkaline,lead acid,

and Tantalum lithium, lithium-ion,
Nickel cadmium,
zinc carbon.

Size Capacitors are large Batteries are small

in size in size as compared
to the capacitor.
Basis for
Comparison EMF Voltage

Definition The amount of Energy use by unit

energy supply by charge to move
the source to each from one point to
coulomb of charge. another

Formula
Symbol ε V
Measure Measure between Measure between
the end point of any two points.
the source, when
no current flows
through it.

Source Dynamo, Electric and

electrochemical magnetic field
cell, transformer,
solar cell,
photodiodes etc.
Basis for
Comparison Voltage Current

Definition Difference Flow of charges

between two between two
points of an points
electric field

Unit Volt Ampere

Symbol V I
Formula
Field Created Magnetic Field Electrostatic Field
Types Alternating Alternating
voltage & Direct Current and Direct
voltage Current

Polarity Alternating Alternating

voltage changes, current change its
but direct voltage polarity but the
can not change it polarity of the
polarity. direct current
remain constant.

Produces Alternator Voltage

Measuring Voltmeter Ammeter
instrument
Charges 1 Volt = 1 Joule/ 1 Amperes = 1
Coulomb coulomb /second
Series Connection Unequal in all the Equally distributed
components in all the
component

Parallel Magnitude of Magnitude of

Connection voltage remain current vary in all
same in all the the components.
component

Loss Due to impedance Due to passive

elements
Relation It is the cause of It is the effect of
the current the voltage
Basis Alternating current Direct current
Definition The direction of the current The direction of
reverse periodically. the current remain
same.

Causes of Rotating a coil in a uniform Constant magnetic

flow of magnetic field or rotating a field across the
electrons uniform magnetic field within wire
a stationary coil

Frequency 50 or 60 Hertz Zero

Direction of Bidirectional Unidirectional

flow of
electrons.

Power Lies between 0 and 1 Always 1

Factor

Polarity It has polarity (+, -) Do not have

polarity

Obtained Alternators Generators,

From battery, solar cell,
etc.

Type of Their load is resistive, Their load is

load inductive or capacitive. usually resistive in
nature.

Graphical It is represented by irregular It is represented

Representa waves like triangular wave, by the straight
tion square wave, square tooth line.
wave, sine wave.

Transmissio Can be transmitted over long It can be

n distance with some losses. transmitted over
very long distance
with negligible
losses.

Convertible Easily convert into direct Easily convert into

current alternating current

Substation Few substation is required for More substations

generation and transmission are required for
generation and
transmission

Passive Impedance Resistance

Parameter

Harazdous Dangerous Very dangerous

Application Factories, Industries and for Electroplating,

the domestic purposes. Electrolysis,
Electronic
Equipment etc
Basis For Dielectric Insulator
Comparison
Definition The material in The substance
which an electric which have low
field can develop conductivity and
with the minimum which create
loss of energy is obstruction in the
known as the flow of current in
dielectric. known as the
insulator.

Polarize Polarize in an Can not polarize

electric field.
Bond Weakly bonded as Covalent Bond
compared to the
insulator.

Dielectric High Low

constant
Charges Store the charges Obstruction to the
charges.
Example Dry air, vacuum, Cotton, plastic,
distill water etc. mica etc.
Application Capacitor, power Conducting wires,
cable etc. in high voltage
system etc.
Basis For
Grounding Earthing
Comparison
Definition The current The body of the
carrying part is equipment is
connected to connected to
ground. ground.

Location Between the Between the

neutral of the equipment body
equipment and and earth pit which
ground is placed under the
earth surface.

Symbol
Zero Potential Does not have Have
Protection Protect the power Protect the human
system equipment. from electric
shock.

Application Provide the return It discharges the

path to the current. electrical energy to
the earth.

Types Three (Solid, Five (Pipe, Plate,

Resistance and Rod earthing,
Reactance earthing through
grounding) tap and strip
earthing)

Color of wire Black Green

Use For balancing the For avoiding the
unbalance load. electrical shock.

Examples Neutral of The enclosure of

generator and the transformer,
power transformer generator, motor
is connected to etc. are connected
ground. to the earth.
Basis for Core Type Shell Type
Comparison Transformer Transformer
Definition The winding The core surround
surround the core. the winding.

Lamination Shape The lamination is Lamination are cut

cut in the form of in the form of the
the L strips. long strips of E and
L.

Cross Section Cross-section may The cross section is

be square, rectangular in
cruciform and three shape.
stepped

Copper Require More Less

Other Name Concentric Winding Sandwich or Disc
or Cylindrical Winding
Winding.

Limb Two Three

Insulation More Less
Flux The flux is equally Central limb carry
distributed on the the whole flux and
side limbs of the side limbs carries
core. the half of the flux.

Winding The primary and Primary and

secondary winding secondary windings
are placed on the are placed on the
side limbs. central limb

Magnetic Circuit Two One

Losses More Less
Maintenance Easy Difficult
Mechanical Low High
Strength

Output Less High

Natural Cooling Does not Exist Exist

BASIS OF p TYPE n TYPE
DIFFERENCE SEMICONDUCTOR SEMICONDUCTOR
Group of Doping In P type In n type
Element semiconductor III semiconductor V
group element is group element is
added as doping added as doping
element. element.

Nature of Doping Impurity added Impurity added

Element creates vacancy of provides extra
electrons (holes) electrons and is
called as Acceptor known as Donor
Atom. Atom.

Type of impurity Trivalent impurity Pentavalent

added like Al, Ga, In etc. impurity like P, As,
are added. Sb, Bi etc. are
added.

Majority Carriers Holes are majority Electrons are

carriers majority carriers

Minority Carriers Electrons are Holes are minority

minority carriers carriers

Density of Electrons The hole density is The electron

and Holes much greater than density is much
the electron greater than the
density. hole density.
nh >> ne ne >> nh

Energy level The acceptor The donor energy

energy level is close level is close to the
to the valence band conduction band
and away from the and away from the
conduction band. valence band.

Fermi level Fermi level lies Fermi level lies

between acceptor between donor
energy level and energy level and
the valence band. the conduction
band.

Movement of Majority carriers Majority carriers

Majority carriers move from higher move from lower to
to lower potential. higher potential.
Basis For Autortransformer Conventional
Differences transformer

Definition A transformer, It is a static machine

having only one which transfers
winding a part of electrical energy
which acts as a from one end to
primary and the another without
other as a changing frequency.
secondary.

Number of Windings Auto-transformer It has two separate

has only one winding, i.e.,
winding wound on a primary and
laminated core secondary winding.

Symbol

Insulation The primary and The primary and

secondary winding secondary winding
are not electrically are electrically
insulated. insulated from each
other.

Induction Self Induction Mutual Induction

Size Small Large

Power Transfer Partly by Through

transformation and transformation
partly by direct
electrical
connection.

Voltage Regulation Better Good

Winding Material Less requires More requires

Circuit The primary and The primary and

secondary winding secondary winding
circuits are circuits are
connected connected both
magnetically. electrically and
magnetically.

Connection Depends upon the Connect directly to

tapping the load.

Starting current Decreases Decreases by 1/3

times.

Excitation current Small Large

Economical More Less

Cost Less costly More costly

Efficient More Less

Leakage flux and Low High

resistance

Impedance Less High

Cost Cheap Very costly

Losses Low High

Output voltage Variable Constant.

Applications Use as a starter in an Use in power system

induction motor, as a for step up and step
voltage regulator, in down the voltage
railways, in a
laboratory.
Basis for Current Potential
Comparison Transformer Transformer
Definition Transform the Transform the
current from high voltage from high
value to the low value to the low
value. value.

Circuit Symbol
Core Usually built up It is made up of
with lamination of with high quality
silicon steel. steel operating at
low flux densities

Primary Winding It carries the It carries the

current which is to voltage which is to
be measured be measured.

Secondary It is connected to It is connected to

Winding the current the meter or
winding of the instrument.
instrument.

Connection Connected in Connected in

series with the parallel with the
instrument instrument.

Primary Circuit Has a small Has a large

number of turns number of turns

Secondary Circuit Has a large Has a small

number of turns number of turns
and cannot be and can be open
open circuit. circuit.

Range 5A or 1A 110v
Transformation High Low
Ratio

Burden Does not depends Depends on the

on secondary secondary burden
burden

Input Constant current Constant Voltage

Full line current The primary The primary
winding consists winding consists
the full line the full line
current. voltage.

Types Two types Two types

( Wound and (Electromagnetic
Closed Core ) and Capacitor
voltage)

Impedance Low High

Applications Measuring current Measurement,
and power, power source,
monitoring the operating
power grid protective relay,
operation, for
operating
protective relay,
BASIS FOR STEP-UP STEP-DOWN
COMPARISON TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER
Definition Step-up Step-down
transformer transformer
increase the output reduces the output
voltage. voltage.

Voltage Input voltage is low Input voltage is

while the output high while the
voltage is high. output voltage is
low.

Winding High voltage High voltage

winding is the winding is the
secondary winding. primary winding.

Current Current is low on Current is high on

the secondary the secondary
winding. winding.

Rating of output 11000 volts or 110v ,24v, 20v, 10v,

voltage above etc.

Size of the Primary winding is Secondary winding

conductor made up of thick is made up of thick
insulated copper insulated copper
wire. wire

Application Power plant, X-rays Doorbell, voltage

machine, converter, etc.
microwaves, etc.
BASIS STEPPER MOTOR DC MOTOR
Nature of loop Stepper motor DC Motor
operates in Open operates in Closed
loop. loop.

Controlling Easily controlled DC motor control

with is not easy
microprocessors

Brushes They are brushless DC motor contains

motor brushes.

Motion and Its motion is They have

displacement incremental and continuous
resolution is displacement and
limited to the size can be controlled
of the step. accurately.

Response time Response time is Feedback control

slow with DC motor
gives a much
faster response
time as compared
to a stepper
motor.

Effect of Stepper motor can If an overload

Overloading be slipped if occurs, it can be
overloaded and detected.
the error cannot
be detected.
BASIS AC MOTOR DC MOTOR
Nature of the Alternating Direct Current is
Input Current Current is the the main input
main input power power in the DC
in the AC motor motor

Supply Sources Three phase or Energy is

single phase obtained from
power from the batteries, cells
supply mains etc.

Commutation Absent in AC Present in DC

Process motor motor
Supply Phase Both single phase Only single phase
and three phase supply is used
supply are used

Number of There are 3 input There are two

terminals terminals RYB. input terminals
Positive and
negative

Carbon brushes No carbon There are carbon

brushes brushes in the DC
Motor

Applications Suitable for large DC motor is used

and industrial in small and
applications domestic
applications

Starting AC Motor are not DC Motor are self

self starting. It starting
requires some
external starting
equipments

Position of The Armature is Armature rotates

Armature stationary and the while the
magnetic field magnetic field
rotates remains
stationary.

Maintenance cost Less expensive as DC Motor

compared to DC maintenance is
Motor more expensive.
 DELTA CONNECTION
BASIS STAR CONNECTION

Basic Definition The terminals of the The three branches

three branches are of the network are
connected to a connected in such a
common point. The way that it forms a
network formed is closed loop known
known as Star as Delta Connection
Connection

Connection of The starting and the The end of each coil

terminals finishing point that is connected to the
is the similar ends of starting point of the
the three coils are other coil that
connected together means the opposite
terminals of the
coils are connected
together.

Neutral point Neutral or the star Neutral point does

point exists in the not exist in the delta
star connection. connection.

Relation between Line current is equal Line current is equal

line and phase to the Phase current. to root three times
current of the Phase
Current.

Relation between Line voltage is equal Line voltage is equal

line and phase to root three times to the Phase voltage.
voltage of the Phase Voltage

Speed The Speed of the The Speed of the

star connected delta connected
motors is slow as motors is high
they receive 1/√3 of because each phase
the voltage. gets the total of the
line voltage.

Phase voltage Phase voltage is low Phase voltage is

as 1/√3 times of the equal to the line
line voltage. voltage.

Number of turns Requires less Requires large

number of turns number of turns.

Insulation level Insulation required High insulation is

is low. required.

Network Type Mainly used in the Used in the Power

Power Transmission Distribution
networks. networks.

Received voltage In Star Connection In delta connection

each winding each winding
receive 230 volts receives 414 volts.

Type of system Both Three phase Three phase four

four wire and three wire system can be
phase three wire derived from the
system can be Delta connection.
derived in star
connection.
 Motor vs engine
• ⇨ A motor is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion.
• ⇨ An engine is a motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work.

• ⇨ A motor is thing which moves other things.

• ⇨ An Engine is a system or device that affects a result.

• ⇨ A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

• ⇨ An engine converts chemical energy into mechanical energy.

• ⇨ Motor is an arrangement of coil and rotor.

• ⇨ Engine is generally a piston cylinder device.

• ⇨ Efficiency of the motor is high.

• ⇨ Efficiency of the engine is low.

• ⇨ Motor doesn't need lubrication for rotating.

• ⇨ Engine needs lubrication for continuous running.
 PLC vs Microcontroller
• PLC is used for industrial signals , programmed with USB cable or either net etc. easy language can take analog signals
easily change the program can be connected with HMI systems and interact easily , it consists of a processor and modules
,it has big memory.  

• @ Microcontroller is for programming the chips on boards to do specific jobs and the you should complete the circuit on
the board with relays and other stuff to regulate the current , used in other things that doesn't need changes , it consist
of IC with various number of Input or output. 

• @ PLC Programming is Ladder Type Programming & it’s easy. 

• @ Microcontroller Programming depends on Hand Coding Program, & it’s so difficult. 

• @ PLC is basically for Industrial use for controlling machinery.

• @ Microcontroller can be used for any types of application.

• @ PLC is an infinitely expandable input or output logic controller generally programmed with a external PC program. 

• @ Microcontroller is not an infinitely expandable input or output logic controller.

 Electrical wire vs Electrical cable

Electrical wire

• A wire may well be a single, usually cylindrical, versatile strand or rod of metal. Wires are
used to electricity and telecommunications signals. Wire is typically formed by drawing the
metal through a hole during a die or draw plate.

• Electrical cable:-

• An cable is made of two or lots of wires running one by one and bonded, twisted, or
embellished together to create one assembly, the ends of which can be connected to a pair
of devices, sanctioned the transfer of electrical signals from one device to the alternative.