AC Lab - Introduction

In this series of hands-on electronics experiments, build alternating current (AC) circuits and learn about basic electrical engineering circuit concepts, including transformers, motors, phase shifts, signal coupling, and noise cancellation.

AC stands for alternating current, which can refer to either voltage or current that alternates in polarity or direction, respectively. These experiments are designed to introduce you to several important concepts specific to AC. Additionally, these experiments complement the educational information available in the AC textbook volume.

Each AC lab project includes step-by-step instructions, a parts list, schematic diagrams, and illustrations of the completed projects, similar to the example of Figure 1.

Induction motor system.

Figure 1. Induction motor system.

These projects are ideal for educators, students, electronics hobbyists, makers, and anyone who wants to learn about AC electronics.

A convenient source of AC voltage is household wall-socket power, which, unfortunately, presents a significant shock hazard. To minimize this hazard while taking advantage of the convenience of this source of AC, building a small, lower-voltage power supply is the first project. This project uses a transformer to step the hazardous voltage (110 to 120 VAC, RMS) down to 12 V or less.

The title of the power supply is somewhat misleading. This device does not really act as a source or supply of power but rather as a power converter to reduce the hazardous voltage of wall-socket power to a much safer level.