Tinkercad Circuits

Introduction to Tinkercad Circuits

When learning IoT and electronics, it is not always possible to have all the hardware components in hand. This is where Tinkercad Circuits, a free online simulator by Autodesk, becomes very useful.

With Tinkercad Circuits, you can design, build, and test electronic circuits virtually before trying them on real hardware. It provides a simple drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for beginners to experiment with components and Arduino programming.


What is Tinkercad Circuits?

Tinkercad Circuits is an online platform that allows users to:

  • Build circuits using components like LEDs, resistors, motors, sensors, and Arduino.

  • Write and upload code to Arduino boards (in C/C++ using the Arduino IDE style).

  • Run simulations to test how the circuit works.

  • Visualize outputs using virtual components, meters, or even serial monitors.


Key Features

  • Free and web-based: Works directly in a browser, no installation required.

  • Virtual Arduino Uno: Supports programming and testing of Arduino sketches.

  • Wide range of components: LEDs, buzzers, switches, motors, sensors, breadboards, and more.

  • Simulation tools: Oscilloscope, multimeter, serial monitor for testing.

  • Beginner-friendly interface: Simple drag-and-drop to build circuits.

  • Code blocks + Text coding: Supports both block-based coding for beginners and text-based coding for advanced learners.


Why Use Tinkercad for IoT Learning?

  • Eliminates the need for physical hardware at the start.

  • Safe to experiment with circuits (no risk of damaging components).

  • Easy to share projects with classmates or instructors.

  • Helps students practice before moving to real IoT devices.


Applications in IoT Lab

In our IoT lab, Tinkercad Circuits will be used to:

  1. Simulate Arduino Uno projects without hardware.

  2. Practice experiments from the BCS701 IoT course.

  3. Test different sensor and actuator combinations.

  4. Develop project ideas before implementing them on real boards.


Tip: Always try your idea in Tinkercad first. Once it works in simulation, replicate it on the real Arduino board for hands-on learning. 



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