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Dive deep into the most common basic electrical components and what they're used for. This guide will cover electricity basics and electronic components like wires, resistors, capacitors, transistors, inductors, diodes, switches, and integrated circuits.
If you want to explore more applications of electrical components, check out these articles:
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Electronic Circuit Basics
Electrical Component Properties
There are 4 properties of electricity that relate to electrical components and electronic circuits:
Voltage (V), the electrical potential between two points
AC voltage
DC voltage
Current (I), the rate at which electrons flow within an electronic circuit
Alternating current (AC)
Direct current (DC)
Resistance (R), the opposition to current flow
Power (P), equivalent to current times voltage in a given electronic circuit
Electrical vs Electronic Components
There are clear differences between electrical components and electronic components. Generally, electrical components and devices refer to changing electrical energy into other forms for energy, like in HVAC systems. On the other hand, electronic devices and components focus on electron flow for information processes, like in smartphones.
While electrical and electronic devices differ, their components are largely the same. Therefore, the terms electrical components and electronic components may be used interchangeably.
Passive vs Active Components
Electrical components can be broken up into 2 categories: passive and active. Passive components are used to store or release electrical energy within an electric or magnetic field. Passive electrical components include resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
On the other hand, active components are typically semiconductors that convert or amplify electrical energy. They include semiconductor materials that give a steady resistance rate. Active electrical components include integrated circuits, diodes, and transistors.
Basic Electrical Components
There are many electrical components used in circuits and circuit boards. Here, we'll cover the functions of wires, resistors, capacitors, transistors, inductors, diodes, switches, and integrated circuits for electronic circuits.
Wires
Electrical wires are used to carry current and voltage through an electronic circuit. They measure low in resistance. The smaller the wire, the higher the resistance it's likely to have.
Resistors
Resistors are used to oppose the flow of current. The measure of resistance resistors have refers to how much the electronic components will limit the current flow. Resistors can also divide voltage amongst an electronic circuit.
Capacitors
Capacitors are electronic components that store electrical energy. The amount of electrical energy it's able to store is called capacitance. Once voltage is applied to the capacitor, electrical charge begins to be stored.
Capacitors are great because of their versatility. In certain circuits, they block the flow of only DC voltage to allow for AC voltage to flow. They can also add timing to electronic circuits. There are many different types of capacitors for different uses.
Inductors
Inductors are electronic components that also store electrical energy, but within a magnetic field in the form of magnetic energy. Inductors usually have little to no resistance and capacitance. Just like capacitors and many other electrical components, there are many different types of inductors.
Transistors
Transistors are a type of semiconductor component that both amplifies and switches electrical signals applied to it. Transistors have pins that serve different purposes: the C pin collects electrons from current flow, the B pin acts as a switch or amplifier of current once voltage is applied, and the E pin is where current and electrons flow out of the component.
Diodes
Much like inductors, diodes are electronic components with 2 terminals. Diodes are made up of semiconductor material and are used to let current flow through one direction while blocking it from the other direction. There are various types of diodes for different uses.
Switches
Switches are a pretty straightforward electronic component. Switches connect to 2 wires and are used to break one contact with a wire that brings current flow. As a result, it would "break" the electronic circuit intentionally. Think about light switches that conveniently turn light bulbs on and off.
Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Integrated circuits are a unique kind of electrical component. Integrated circuits are essentially an electronic circuit but integrated with a semiconductor wafer to be small. They're made up of many diodes, resistors, transistors, and capacitors. Integrated circuits are typically referred to as "chips." These tiny but mighty chips are the key to powering electronic devices used today. Much like their name, they integrate multiple electrical components into one for convenience.
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FAQs
What is a resistor?
A resistor is a passive electrical component used to limit or regulate the flow of current in an electronic circuit. It offers resistance, which helps to control the voltage and current in the circuit. Resistors are critical in protecting components like transistors and integrated circuits (ICs) from excess current.
What is the role of a capacitor in a circuit?
A capacitor stores electrical energy temporarily and releases it when needed. It is a passive electronic component that can smooth out fluctuations in voltage, filter signals, or even temporarily power a circuit. Capacitors are often used in power supplies, audio systems, and electronic circuits for signal filtering and energy storage.
How does a diode function in an electrical circuit?
A diode is a semiconductor electronic component that allows current to flow in only one direction, acting as a one-way valve for electrical energy. It's often used for rectification, converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Diodes are key in power supplies, solar panels, and signal processing.
What is the purpose of an inductor in an electronic circuit?
An inductor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. It’s commonly used in filtering, energy storage, and in electronic circuits like amplifiers and oscillators. Inductors can help filter signals or smooth power delivery.
What is a transistor and how does it work?
A transistor is an active electronic component used for switching or amplifying electrical signals. It has three layers: the emitter, base, and collector, and can control the flow of current between the collector and emitter. Transistors are used in amplifiers, logic gates, and integrated circuits (ICs) to process signals and power.
How do switches operate in an electrical circuit?
A switch is a basic electrical component that allows you to open or close a circuit. When the switch is open, it stops the flow of electrical current; when closed, it completes the circuit, allowing current to flow freely. Switches are commonly used to control the power to electronic devices.
What is the difference between a passive and active component?
Passive components, like resistors, capacitors, and inductors, cannot amplify a signal or provide power to a circuit. They only consume or store energy. On the other hand, active components, such as transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits (ICs), can amplify signals or control energy flow in the circuit.
What is an integrated circuit (IC) and how is it used?
An integrated circuit (IC) is a compact assembly of many electronic components, such as transistors, diodes, resistors, and capacitors, embedded into a single unit. ICs are commonly used in electronic devices to perform complex functions like amplification, signal processing, and digital computation, all within a small package.
How does a transformer work in an electrical circuit?
A transformer is used to change the voltage in an AC circuit. It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where alternating current generates a magnetic field that induces a current in another coil. Transformers are essential for stepping up or stepping down voltage in power transmission.
How does a rectifier help in power systems?
A rectifier is a diode or group of diodes that converts AC to DC. It’s essential in power supplies, where AC from the electrical grid is converted to DC for electronic circuits. Rectifiers are commonly found in power adapters and various electronic devices.
What are some examples of electronic circuits that use these components?
Examples of electronic circuits include power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, and integrated circuits (ICs) in electronics. These circuits can feature a combination of resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, diodes, and switches to control the flow of energy and signal processing.
What is a semiconductor, and how does it relate to transistors?
A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Transistors are made from semiconductors (often silicon) and use the material's ability to control the flow of electrons. This allows transistors to amplify signals or act as switches in electronic circuits.
How do inductors behave in DC circuits versus AC circuits?
In a DC circuit, inductors behave like a short circuit once the current reaches a steady state because they oppose changes in current. However, in an AC circuit, inductors resist changes in current by generating a magnetic field, which causes them to impede the flow of alternating current more effectively.
What is the difference between a wire and a cable in electronic circuits?
A wire is a single conductor used to carry electricity, while a cable typically refers to a group of wires bundled together, often with insulation. Cables are used to carry multiple signals or current safely and effectively across longer distances, whereas wires are used for simpler, localized connections.
What does voltage do to an electronic component?
Voltage creates an electrical potential difference between two points, which causes current to flow through electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors. The amount of voltage applied to a component determines how much current can flow, affecting the overall behavior and functionality of the electronic circuit.
Quiz
Question #1: Which of the following is not one of the four basic properties of electricity?
Voltage
Resistance
Current
Magnetism
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Question #2: What is the role of a resistor in an electronic circuit?
To amplify current
To oppose the flow of current
To store electrical energy
To switch the current flow
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Question #3: Which component is used to store electrical energy in the form of an electric charge?
Inductor
Transistor
Capacitor
Diode
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Question #4: Which of the following components is a semiconductor that amplifies and switches electrical signals?
Capacitor
Diode
Transistor
Integrated Circuit
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Question #5: What does an inductor store energy as?
Electrical energy
Thermal energy
Magnetic energy
Mechanical energy
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Question #6: Which of these components is typically integrated onto a small chip containing resistors, transistors, and capacitors?
Resistor
Switch
Integrated Circuit (IC)
Capacitor
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Question #7: In which type of circuit are capacitors used to block DC voltage while allowing AC voltage to pass?
Logic gate
Oscillator
Power supply
Electronic circuit
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Question #8: Which component is commonly used to control current flow by opening or closing the circuit, such as in a light switch?
Resistor
Diode
Switch
Transistor
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