bridge circuit
Noun: A bridge circuit is an electrical circuit configuration consisting of two parallel branches (each branch containing two series-connected components, forming four arms in total). These four arms are typically arranged in a diamond or square shape. A measuring device, such as a galvanometer, is connected between the junctions of these two branches to detect a null or balance condition. This configuration is primarily used for precise measurement of electrical component values (like resistance, capacitance, or inductance) or for signal conditioning.
The term bridge circuit is used to describe the specific circuit topology used for comparison measurements. It is a technical term in electrical and electronic engineering. * The technician used a bridge circuit to determine the exact value of the unknown resistor. * A Wheatstone bridge circuit is a classic example used for measuring resistance.
- Balanced/Unbalanced Bridge: A bridge circuit is said to be "balanced" when the voltage difference between the two midpoints (where the meter is connected) is zero. An "unbalanced" bridge circuit produces an output signal proportional to the deviation from balance, which can be used for sensing applications.
- When the bridge circuit is balanced, the galvanometer reads zero.
- Bridge as a Transducer: In sensor applications, one or more arms of a bridge circuit are replaced by sensing elements (e.g., strain gauges, thermistors). Changes in the measured physical quantity unbalance the bridge, creating a measurable output voltage.
- The pressure sensor uses a bridge circuit with piezoresistive elements.
- Wheatstone Bridge (n): The most common type of bridge circuit used for precise measurement of DC resistance.
- Impedance Bridge (n): A general term for a bridge circuit used to measure complex impedance (resistance and reactance).
- Bridge (n, short form): In technical contexts, "bridge" is often used as a shortened form of bridge circuit.
- Connect the unknown capacitor to the bridge.
- Bridge Network: A less common but technically accurate synonym.
- Null-Circuit: Emphasizes the method of achieving a zero reading on the meter for measurement.
- To balance a bridge: The process of adjusting a known component value in the bridge circuit until the meter reads zero.
- You must balance the bridge to calculate the unknown impedance.
- Bridge output: The voltage or signal measured across the midpoint connections of the bridge circuit.
- The bridge output is fed into the differential amplifier.
- a circuit consisting of two branches (4 arms arranged in a diamond configuration) across which a meter is connected