Editing Circuit diagram (section)

{{short description|Graphical representation of an electrical circuit}}
{{Refimprove|date=August 2009}}
[[File:Circuit diagram – pictorial and schematic.png|right|thumb|250px|Comparison of pictorial and schematic styles of circuit diagrams]]
[[File:Circuit elements.svg|right|thumbnail|250px|Common schematic diagram symbols (US symbols)]]
[[File:4 bit counter.svg|right|thumbnail|250px|The circuit diagram for a four-bit [[Transistor-transistor logic|TTL]] counter, a type of [[state machine]]]]

A '''circuit diagram''' (or: wiring diagram, electrical diagram, elementary diagram, electronic schematic) is a graphical representation of an [[Electrical network|electrical circuit]]. A [[pictorial]] circuit diagram uses simple images of components, while a [[schematic diagram]] shows the components and interconnections of the circuit using standardized symbolic representations. The presentation of the interconnections between circuit components in the schematic diagram does not necessarily correspond to the physical arrangements in the finished device.<ref>[http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/cdiags.htm Circuit diagrams and component layouts]</ref>

Unlike a [[block diagram]] or [[Integrated circuit layout|layout diagram]], a circuit diagram shows the actual [[electrical connection]]s. A drawing meant to depict the physical arrangement of the wires and the components they connect is called ''artwork'' or ''[[Integrated circuit layout|layout]]'', ''physical design'', or ''[[wiring diagram]]''.

Circuit diagrams are used for the design ([[circuit design]]), construction (such as [[Printed circuit board|PCB]] layout), and maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment.

In [[computer science]], circuit diagrams are useful when visualizing expressions using [[Boolean algebra]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Herzfeld|first=Noreen|title=Computer Concepts and Applications|year=2012|publisher=College of Saint Benedict/St. John's University|location=Minnesota|pages=9[6]–9[12]}}</ref>