Using Autodesk Circuits and a lead-acid battery, you can create a circuit that will act as a variable power supply, outputting a range of voltages from 5V to 20V. After creating the power supply you could drive motors using variable voltage, power microcontrollers, logic circuits, LED strings, analog circuits, and much more.
This article discusses a simple uninterruptible power supply that can come in handy in various situations. The design contains a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, battery protection and charging circuitry, and a 12V step-up module. It features two 12V outputs and a standard full-size USB port for charging all sorts of mobile devices.
Once everything is working using the power supply, you can use the battery. I would highly recommend adding a switch in-between your battery and the circuit. It makes it easier to turn the circuit on and off, as well as making it safer. Once you get the circuit working with the battery, you are ready to power your electronic projects!
When powering it on for the first time, use a power supply if you have one. Limit the current to 3A. This will keep everything from blowing up if something was connected wrong. Once everything is working using the power supply, you can use the battery. I would highly recommend adding a switch in-between your battery and the circuit.
A power supply is responsible for providing a circuit with all the power it will need during normal operation. It provides the circuit with a certain voltage and current. The best way to think of this would be to imagine a hose with water running through it.
After creating the power supply you could drive motors using variable voltage, power microcontrollers, logic circuits, LED strings, analog circuits, and much more. This is a good way to learn how basic electronic components can be put together, like a puzzle, to accomplish a task.