HSC Physics and VCE Systems Engineering: Table of electronic symbols

In response to requests from teachers the VCAA has produced a table of commonly used
electronic symbols. Practicing teachers have provided advice in the selection of recommended
and alternative symbols that appear in the table. Students may expect to see either the
recommended or alternative symbols on the VCE Physics and VCE Systems Engineering
examination papier for Scribd

From the table, individual symbols may be selected, cut or copied and pasted into other
documents and may assist teachers in the preparation of tests, revision sheets and drawing
circuit diagrams.

Aids in joining copied symbols by drawn lines on a required circuit diagram:

 On the Drawing grid set Snap objects to other objects.
 Under AutoShapes, select Connectors, then Straight connector.
 The dot (●) to indicate electrically connected points in the diagram can also be selected
from the following table.

Enquiries regarding the table should be directed to the following Curriculum Managers:
Technology Manager, Leanne Compton (03) 9032 1698 or
[email protected]

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ELECTRIC AND ELECTRONIC SYMBOLS VCE SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY AND VCE PHYSICS

Electric and electronic symbols for VCE Physics and VCE Systems Engineering

For each component a recommended symbol is shown in its normally accepted orientation/s, i.e. vertically and/or horizontally. In
electronics there is a longstanding convention to show most components with a vertical orientation and for the circuit to read from the
source or input on the left to the output or remaining circuit on the right. Other alternative symbols that may be encountered are also
shown. Notes include relevant acceptance of symbol.

Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group

resistors resistor Alternative symbol now

regarded as outdated.

variable resistor, A variable resistor where

potentiometer, the variation is achieved by
voltage divider use of a sliding contact.

variable resistor A general symbol for a

variable resistor where the
means of variation is not
specified.

light-dependent
resistor (LDR)

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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group

filament globe

thermistor

fuse

capacitors (non-polarised)
capacitor

variable capacitor

polarised capacitor,
electrolytic capacitor

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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group

transformers iron-cored
transformer
(one secondary
winding)

iron-cored
transformer
(one secondary
winding –
centre-tapped)

iron-cored
transformer
(two secondary
windings)

diodes junction diode Additional alternative

symbols for all diodes
include those where the
single straight-line section
of the symbol is shown as a
heavier line.

Zener diode

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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group

photo diode

light-emitting diode
(LED)

diode bridge There are alternative forms

using the other alternative
symbols for the junction
diode given above.

(Note that in an earlier version of

this table, this symbol was
incorrectly represented.)
transistors npn transistor Additional alternative
C symbols for all transistors
C
B B include those where the
vertical straight-line section
E E of the symbol is shown as a
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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group
heavier line.
pnp transistor Both orientations of the
C C recommended symbol are
B B used depending on whether
the emitter (E) is at the
E E
bottom or top.
E E
B B

C C

n-type junction field

effect transistor D D
(NJFET) G G
S S

p-type junction field

D D
effect transistor G G
(PJFET) S S

integrated integrated circuit (IC) This example shows an IC

circuits 1 8 1 8 1 8 with 8 connections. Others
2 7 2 7 2 7 occur, e.g. 14 and 16.
3 6
4 5
3 6 3 6 Under alternative symbols
4 5
4 5
identifying marks are shown
to indicate the numbering of
the connections.
1 8
Other conventions show
7
3
only the connections used
4 in a given circuit, here 1, 3,
4, 7 and 8.

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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group
switches single pole, single
throw (SPST) switch

single pole, double

throw (SPDT) switch

double pole, single

throw (DPST) switch

double pole, double

throw (DPDT) switch

normally open
(NO) switch

normally closed
(NC) switch

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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group
relay

meters ammeter

A A A

voltmeter

V V V

galvanometer The alternative symbol is

not recommended as it is
sometimes used to indicate
G a generator.

cathode ray Neither of these

oscilloscope (CRO) encountered symbols is
widely used.
CRO CRO

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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group

amplifiers voltage amplifier

operational amplifier On the alternative symbol

(op amp) the two vertical connections
are shown when it is
connected to the power
supply.

transducers motor

M M

microphone

loudspeaker

logic gates NOT or invert gate

1

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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group

OR gate
1

XOR (exclusive OR)

gate =1

NOR gate
1

AND gate
&

NAND gate
&

flip-flop T (toggle) flip-flop

Q Q
T T
1
Q Q
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Component
Component Recommended symbol Alternative symbols Notes
group

falling edge rising edge

triggered triggered

external earth
connections

aerial

circuit non-connected leads Alternative symbol regarded

connections as outdated.

connected leads

dot for junction of

connected leads

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