Familiarity with the component symbols in Proteus is the foundation for circuit simulation. In this article, I have organized some common component symbols and names to help everyone quickly find the components they need. After reading this article, you’ll be able to find the components you want in no time!
Power Components
Power components are the “power banks” of circuits; without them, the circuit is like going without food.
BATTERY - Battery symbol, two lines of different lengths indicate positive and negative terminals
DC - Direct current source, a circle with plus and minus signs
VDD,VSS - The most commonly used power and ground in digital circuits
GROUND - Ground symbol, resembling an upside-down trident
Tip: Beginners often confuse VSS with ground; VSS is usually the 0V reference point in digital circuits, while ground is the reference point in analog circuits.
Basic Passive Components
These are the most basic building blocks of circuits, which can be combined to build complex circuits.
RESISTOR - Resistor, zigzag line
CAPACITOR - Capacitor, two parallel vertical lines
INDUCTOR - Inductor, a coiled line
CRYSTAL - Crystal oscillator, a square with two points
POT-HG - Adjustable potentiometer, a resistor symbol with an arrow
Semiconductor Devices
Without them, there would be no modern electronics; they are the “Transformers” of circuits.
DIODE - Diode, a triangle with a vertical line
LED-RED - Light-emitting diode, a diode with an arrow
NPN - Transistor, the most commonly used amplifier
MOSFET_N - N-channel MOSFET, the mainstay in digital circuits
Common IC Chips
These are our “outsourced laborers,” encapsulating various complex functions.
555 - Astable multivibrator, the rhythm master
LM358 - Operational amplifier, a must-have for analog circuits
74LS00 - NAND gate, a beginner's tool for digital logic
MAX232 - Level converter, a good helper for serial communication
Tip: When placing chips, remember to check the power pin positions; incorrect connections may cause the small chip to fail instantly!
Instruments and Measurement
These are the “eyes” of the circuit, helping us see the operational status of the circuit.
VOLTMETER - Voltmeter, marked with a V
AMMETER - Ammeter, marked with an A
OSCILLOSCOPE - Oscilloscope, capable of viewing waveforms
Tip: Adding a probe to the circuit allows you to monitor the voltage and current at critical nodes at any time.
Switches and Interfaces
Responsible for controlling the input and output of the circuit, acting as a bridge for human-machine interaction.
SWITCH - Standard switch, a line segment that disconnects
SW-SPDT - Three-terminal switch, one input and two outputs
BUTTON - Push button switch, a switch symbol with a circle
CONNECTOR - Terminal block, used for external connections
Tip: Make sure to choose the appropriate current specifications for switches, or they may burn out or even catch fire. In practical applications, in addition to recognizing these basic components, you should also pay attention to their model specifications. For example, check the power rating for resistors, voltage rating for capacitors, and operating voltage range for chips. Spending some time looking at datasheets (chip manuals) is definitely worthwhile. Building circuits is like playing with building blocks; once you are familiar with these basic components, you can construct all sorts of interesting circuits at will. More practice will help you discover new territories, so don’t just watch without practicing!