Basic Electronic Components

Basic Electronic Components

Resistors

  • A resistor is a basic electronic component that opposes the flow of electric current.
  • Fixed resistors have a resistance that does not change.
  • Variable resistors allow you to adjust their resistance.
  • Resistors follow Ohm’s law, which states that the voltage across a resistor is proportional to the current through it.
  • The resistance of a resistor is measured in ohms (Ω).

Capacitors

  • Capacitors store electric charges and discharge it when needed.
  • They’re used in filters, oscillators and for stabilising power supply.
  • Capacitors are measured in farads (F).

Diodes

  • A diode allows electric current to flow in one direction only.
  • This property is used for converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) in rectifiers.
  • Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) emit visible or infrared light when a current passes through them.

Transistors

  • A transistor is a semiconductor that’s used to amplify or switch electronic signals.
  • There are two types of transistors: NPN and PNP.
  • Transistors are key components in the creation of logic gates, which form the basis of digital circuits.

Integrated Circuits (ICs)

  • Integrated Circuits (ICs) combine several components into one.
  • ICs can include transistors, resistors and capacitors.
  • They are used to simplify complex circuits, improve reliability, and reduce cost and size.

Optoelectronics

  • Optoelectronics is the study and application of electronic devices and systems that source, detect and control light.
  • They often involve applications including fiber optics, laser systems, and LED displays.

Piezoelectric Components

  • Piezoelectric components generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress.
  • They can be used in sensors, lighters and sound-generating components.

Inductors

  • Inductors are components that store energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.
  • They are often used in electromagnetic circuits.

Circuit Symbols and Diagrams

  • Circuit symbols are used to represent electronic components in circuit diagrams.
  • These symbols follow a standard convention, making it easier to understand the configuration and operation of a circuit.