Basic Electronic components
What are Electronic components?
Electronic components are individual parts or
devices used in electrical circuits to control electricity flow or perform a specific function within the circuit. They are the building blocks of
electrical systems and are used in everything from simple gadgets to complex
machinery. They are made from semiconductors.
Classification
of Electronic components
Components can be divided into three types:
- Passive components
- Active components
- Electromechanical components
In simple terms, passive components don’t
create or supply energy on their own. They just use or store it. Active
components, like a battery, can supply energy. Electromechanical components mix
both electrical and mechanical parts, like motors.
Passive
components:
Passive components are electrical
components that do not generate energy or amplify signals. Instead, they either
store, dissipate, or limit the flow of electrical energy in a circuit. They
rely on the energy that flows through them, meaning they cannot control or
amplify current or voltage on their own.
Characteristics of Passive Components:
- They cannot add energy to the circuit.
- They are typically linear, meaning their behavior is predictable and their response to changes in current or voltage is proportional.
- They are not capable of switching or amplifying electrical signals like active components.
Active
components :
Active components are electrical components that can control the flow of electrical energy and, in many cases, amplify or generate electrical signals. Unlike passive components, which only store, dissipate, or limit energy, active components are capable of adding energy to the circuit. They require an external power source to operate and can modify or regulate the flow of current or voltage of active components.
Characteristics of Active Components:
- Energy Generation or Amplification: Active components can generate, amplify, or control electrical energy.
- Require Power Source: They need an external power source (e.g., DC voltage) to function.
- Can Control Signals: They can manipulate electrical signals by switching or amplifying them, allowing them to perform complex tasks like signal processing.
Electromechanical
components
Electromechanical
components are devices that either convert electrical energy into mechanical
motion or vice versa. They combine both electrical and mechanical elements to
perform their function. These components are essential in many applications,
from basic household appliances to complex industrial machines.
Characteristics of Electromechanical Components :
- Electrical Aspect: The component requires electricity to operate or produce an electrical signal.
- Mechanical Aspect: The component either produces mechanical movement, force, or mechanical work in response to electrical input, or it uses mechanical movement to generate an electrical signal.