circuit (redirected from circuits)

circuit

 or electric circuit

Path that transmits electric current. A circuit includes a battery or a generator that gives energy to the charged particles; devices that use current, such as lamps, motors, or electronic computers; and connecting wires or transmission lines. Circuits can be classified according to the type of current they carry (see alternating current, direct current) or according to whether the current remains whole (series) or divides to flow through several branches simultaneously (parallel). Two basic laws that describe the performance of electric circuits are Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's circuit rules. See also tuned circuit.

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(1) A set of electronic components that perform a particular function in an electronic system.

(2) Same as communications channel.

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1.	(communications)	circuit - A communications path in a circuit switching network.
2.	(electronics)	circuit - A complete path through which an electric current can flow. The term is used loosely for any device or subsystem using electrical or electronic components. E.g. "That lightning bolt fried the circuits in my GPS receiver". An integrated circuit (IC) contains components built on a Silicon die.