1.
Ohm’s Law
Definition:
Ohm’s Law defines the relationship between Voltage (V), Current (I),
and Resistance (R) in an electrical circuit.
Formula:
V=I×RV = I \times RV=I×R
Where:
VVV = Voltage (Volts)
III = Current (Amperes)
RRR = Resistance (Ohms)
How It Works:
If voltage increases, current increases (if resistance is constant).
If resistance increases, current decreases (if voltage is constant).
Example:
If a 10V battery is connected to a 5Ω resistor:
I=VR=10V5Ω=2AI = \frac{V}{R} = \frac{10V}{5Ω} = 2AI=RV
=5Ω10V=2A
So, the current flowing is 2 Amperes.
Real-world Applications:
Designing voltage dividers
Calculating resistor values in LED circuits
Verifying PCB track resistance
MCQs on Ohm’s Law:
Q1. What will be the current in a 10Ω resistor connected to a 20V
supply?
A. 2A ✅
B. 0.5A
C. 10A
D. 5A
Q2. If the current in a circuit is 3A and the resistance is 2Ω, what is the
voltage?
A. 6V ✅
B. 1.5V
C. 3V
D. 5V
2. Kirchhoff’s Laws
3. Two Types:
4. Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Definition:
The algebraic sum of all currents entering a junction is zero.
∑Iin=∑Iout\sum I_{in} = \sum I_{out}∑Iin=∑Iout
✅ Concept:
Current is conserved at a node — no current is lost.
Example:
If 5A enters a junction and splits into 2A and 3A paths, then:
5Ain=2A+3Aout5A_{in} = 2A + 3A_{out}5Ain=2A+3Aout
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Definition:
The algebraic sum of all voltages in a closed loop is zero.
∑V=0\sum V = 0∑V=0
✅ Concept:
Energy is conserved — the voltage drops equal the supply.
Example:
In a loop: 12V battery, 4Ω and 2Ω resistors in series.
Total resistance = 6Ω → Current = I=12V6Ω=2AI = \frac{12V}{6Ω} =
2AI=6Ω12V=2A
Voltage drop across:
4Ω: V=2A×4Ω=8VV = 2A × 4Ω = 8VV=2A×4Ω=8V
2Ω: V=2A×2Ω=4VV = 2A × 2Ω = 4VV=2A×2Ω=4V
Sum of drops = 8V + 4V = 12V = Battery voltage ✅
Applications in PCB Design:
Current distribution across power planes (KCL)
Verifying ground bounce and trace drops (KVL)
Ensuring signal integrity in high-speed boards
MCQs on Kirchhoff's Laws:
Q1. What is the total current entering a junction if 2A, 1A, and 3A are
leaving it?
A. 6A ✅
B. 0A
C. 4A
D. 3A
Q2. In a loop with 10V source and two resistors (R1 = 3Ω, R2 = 2Ω),
what’s the current?
A. 2A
B. 3A
C. 1A ✅
D. 5A
Interview Questions:
Explain Ohm’s Law and how you apply it in circuit design.
What is the difference between KVL and KCL?
How do you ensure current balancing in a PCB layout?
Why is KVL important in power integrity?
Can you apply KCL in a multi-layer PCB design?
Understanding Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws is essential because
they form the foundation of all electronics and PCB design work. Let’s
break this down into why and when you use them:
✅ Why You Learn and Use These Laws
Law Why It’s Important
Helps you calculate how much current flows through
Ohm’s Law components. Used to pick correct resistor values, size
PCB traces, and ensure safe operation.
Kirchhoff’s Ensures that no current is lost at PCB junctions or
Current Law nodes. Helps you analyze current paths in power
(KCL) delivery and signal routing.
Kirchhoff’s Ensures that the total voltage drops add up correctly
Voltage Law in loops. This is critical to validate power
(KVL) distribution, battery usage, and analog signal paths.
⏳ When to Use These Laws (Real Design Scenarios)
Which Law
Situation Why
You Use
Designing a voltage Ohm’s Law To set output voltage using
divider + KVL resistors
Schematic-level circuit To find unknown
KVL + KCL
analysis voltages/currents
To choose correct resistor so
LED with resistor Ohm’s Law
LED doesn’t burn
Troubleshooting a PCB To trace unexpected current
KCL
short paths
Power delivery in To check balance and drops in
KCL + KVL
multilayer boards power/ground planes
Simulating circuits All laws To verify whether circuits
Which Law
Situation Why
You Use
(LTspice/Proteus) behave as expected
To ensure accurate
Analog signal routing KVL
amplifier/sensor outputs
🔧 Example in PCB Design:
Let’s say you’re designing a microcontroller-based board with sensors
and LEDs:
You want an LED to glow at 10mA. The supply is 5V, and the LED drop
is 2V.
Using Ohm’s Law:
R=VI=5V−2V0.01A=300ΩR = \frac{V}{I} = \frac{5V - 2V}{0.01A} =
300 \OmegaR=IV=0.01A5V−2V=300Ω
Now, in simulation, you confirm with KVL:
5V (supply) - 2V (LED) - 3V (resistor) = 0V → ✅
Summary:
Question Answer
To design, analyze, and troubleshoot electronic circuits
Why?
accurately.
Always — from basic resistor calculations to high-end PCB
When?
power analysis.
