Koekytkentälevyjen

Koekytkentälevyjen, known in English as breadboards, are essential tools in electronics prototyping. They are solderless devices that allow users to connect electronic components to form a prototype circuit. The name "breadboard" is thought to originate from early electronics experimenters using nails on a breadboard to hold components and wires.

A typical koekytkentälevy consists of a plastic board with a grid of holes. Beneath these holes are rows of metal clips that make electrical contact with the inserted component leads or wires. Most koekytkentälevyjen have two main sets of terminals. One set, usually located along the sides, provides continuous strips for power supply rails and ground connections. These strips run the entire length of the board, making it easy to distribute power to multiple points. The other set of terminals, in the center of the board, is divided into short rows. Each row allows a few component leads or wires to be connected together, forming a single connection point.

The holes on a koekytkentälevy are typically spaced at 0.1-inch intervals, which is a standard for many electronic components like integrated circuits and resistors. This standardized spacing facilitates easy and neat placement of components. When a component lead or wire is inserted into a hole, it is pressed firmly against the metal clip underneath, establishing an electrical connection. Multiple components can then be wired together by inserting their leads into holes within the same interconnected row. This solderless nature is the primary advantage of koekytkentälevyjen, as it allows for rapid assembly, testing, and modification of circuits without permanent connections. This makes them ideal for learning, experimenting, and debugging electronic designs before committing to a permanent soldered circuit.