Beginner's Guide to Reading Schematics, 4th Edition

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Block Diagrams

A block diagram portrays the general structure of a device or system. Such a diagram can provide a simplified rendition of a complicated system by separating its main parts and showing you how they interconnect and interact. In computer engineering, block diagrams can help you envision how programs or other processes work.

A Simple Example

Figure 2-1 shows a block diagram of a device that converts alternating current (AC), of the sort you find at the electric outlets in your house, to direct current (DC), of the sort you get from an electrochemical battery. Hobbyists and professionals call this type of device a power supply.

FIG. 2-1   Block diagram of an AC-to-DC converter, also called a power supply. You’ll naturally sense ...