KCL
current going into a junction is equal to current going out of junction
KVL
sum of voltages around a loop is zero
time constant
RC, time when voltage across capacitor is 63.2% of the voltage source
RC circuit mechanical equivalent
R = b (viscous damper) C = k (spring constant) Voltage = force applied i = velocity
damping factor = 0
undamped, amp = same, oscillatory
damping factor < 1
underdamped, oscillatory, amp decreases as damping increases
damping > 1
overdamped, no oscillations
RLC if OVA > IVA
amplification
OVA < IVA
attenuation
diode
non-linear circuit element that allows current to flow in one direction, has polarity, anode (+) to cathode (-)
diode mechy equivalent
check valve - allows fluid flow in one direction only
forward bias
voltage drop is positive
reverse bias
voltage drop is negative
ADC
analog to digital converter, converts an analog signal to a digital number