What are electronic components?

Any basic discrete device or physical entity used to affect electrons or their associated fields is referred to as an electronic component in an electronic system. Electrical elements, which are conceptual abstractions describing idealized electronic components and elements, should not be confused with electronic components, which are mainly industrial items accessible in a single form.

There are several electrical terminals or leads on electronic components. These wires connect to other electrical components to build an electronic circuit that performs a certain purpose (for example an amplifier, radio receiver, or oscillator).

Basic electronic components can be packaged separately, as arrays or networks of similar components, or incorporated into semiconductor integrated circuits, hybrid integrated circuits, or thick film devices. The following list of electronic components concentrates on the discrete versions of these components, treating packaging as a separate component.

Classification

Components are divided into three categories: passive, active, and electromechanic. Passive components, according to formal physics definitions, are those that cannot give energy itself, whereas a battery is an active component because it is a true source of energy.

Electronic engineers who undertake circuit analysis, on the other hand, utilize a more limited notion of passivity. When only concerned with the energy of signals, it is convenient to disregard the so-called DC circuit and pretend that power supplying components such as transistors or integrated circuits are absent (as if each such component had its own built-in battery), even though the DC circuit may in fact supply the power.

The study then focuses solely on the AC circuit, ignoring the DC voltages and currents (and the power associated with them) that exist in the real-world circuit. For example, this illusion allows us to see an oscillator as "creating energy," despite the fact that it consumes considerably more energy from a DC power supply, which we have decided to overlook.

Active Components:

Active components rely on an energy source (typically the DC circuit, which we have chosen to ignore) and can normally pump power into a circuit, but this is not part of the definition. Amplifying components such as transistors, triode vacuum tubes (valves), and tunnel diodes are active components.

Passive Components:

Net energy cannot be introduced into the circuit by passive components. They can't rely on a power source other than the one provided by the (AC) circuit to which they're connected. As a result, they are unable to amplify (raise the signal's power), yet they can increase the voltage or current (such as is done by a transformer or resonant circuit). Two-terminal components like as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers are examples of passive components.

Electrochemical Components:

Moving parts or electrical connections can be used to carry out electrical operations in electromechanical components. Though there are a few exceptions, most passive components with more than two terminals may be characterized in terms of two-port parameters that meet the reciprocity principle. Active components (those with more than two terminals) don't usually have such characteristic.

Parts of electronic component

Capacitor:

Capacitors are commonly employed in electronic circuits of various types. A capacitor is an electrical component with two terminals that may store energy electrostatically in an electric field. It functions as a miniature rechargeable battery that stores electricity, to put it simply. It can charge and discharge in a fraction of a second, unlike a battery.

How Does It Work?

An electric field forms across the insulator when you supply voltage to the two plates or link them to a source, causing one plate to build positive charge while the other accumulates negative charge. Even if the capacitor is disconnected from the source, it retains its charge. When you connect it to a load, the capacitor's stored energy will flow to the load.

Resistor:

A resistor is a two-terminal passive electrical device that opposes current flow. It is most likely the most basic component in an electrical circuit. Resistance is present in practically all electronic circuits, making it one of the most prevalent components. Typically, they are color-coded.

Transistor:

Transistors have changed the area of electronics as one of the most important components of an electronic circuit. These three-terminal semiconductor devices have been around for more than five decades. They're frequently employed as amplifiers and switches. Because they can turn something "on" or "off" without moving parts, you can think of them as relays without moving parts.

Inductor:

An inductor, sometimes known as a reactor, is a two-terminal passive component of a circuit. This gadget stores energy in its magnetic field, which it then returns to the circuit as needed. The magnetic field formed by the first inductor influences the second inductor when two inductors are arranged side by side without touching. The invention of the first transformers was made possible by a pivotal discovery.

Relay:

A relay is an electromagnetic switch that may either electromechanically or electronically open and close circuits. To operate a relay, only a minimal amount of current is required. They're typically utilized in control circuits to regulate modest currents. Relays, on the other hand, can be used to manage strong electric currents.

The electrical equivalent of a lever is a relay. You can use a modest current to turn on (or leverage) another circuit that requires a large current. Electromechanical or solid-state relays are the two types of relays.

Quartz Crystal:

Quartz crystals are used in a variety of electronic applications. They are, however, largely utilized in electronic circuits as resonators. Quartz is a kind of silicon that occurs naturally. To fulfil the increased demand, it is now manufactured synthetically. The piezoelectric effect is seen. When you apply physical pressure to one side of the crystal, the ensuing vibrations produce an AC voltage across it. Quartz crystal resonators come in a variety of sizes, depending on the purpose.

Bottom line:

Electronic gadgets affect practically every area of our life, from chatting with loved ones across countries to brewing a hot cup of coffee. What, however, causes these electronic devices to complete seemingly time-consuming activities in a matter of minutes? All electronic equipment is built on the foundation of tiny electronic circuits. Understanding the purpose and significance of the various components of an electronic circuit can be learned by reading about them.