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Electronic components/devices can be divided into two major kinds; PASSIVE and ACTIVE devices based on their functionality.
PASSIVE COMPONENTS/DEVICES
These components are those that do not have gain or directionality.
RESISTOR
Its function is to introduce resistance in the circuit to limit/oppose the flow of the current. The magnitude of the opposition to the flow of current is called Resistance. A large resistance value indicates a greater opposition to current flow.
The resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).
There are two classification of resistors; Fixed Value Resistor and Variable Resistor.
Fixed Value Resistors - are those resistors which values are identified through color codes, or markings printed on its body and cannot be vary.
Color coded resistors are those with power ratings not more than 2 watts. Higher wattage resistors has their values printed on the body.
Variable Resistors - are those resistors whose values are adjustable depending on the needs of its application. (Examples are the potentiometer and preset.)
2. CAPACITOR
Its function is to store electric energy and deliver it to the circuit when needed. The capacity of a capacitor to store electric charge is known Capacitance.
The unit of capacitance is Farad (F).
There are two categories of capacitors; Polarized Capacitor and Non-Polarized Capacitor.
Polarized Capacitor - are those capacitor which polarity (- and +) visible in the body. This capacitor can give positive voltage in only one direction and placed on board in only one direction.
Example; Electrolytic Capacitor.
Non - Polarized Capacitor - are those capacitor with no polarity at all and can be placed in any direction.
Example; Ceramic and Mylar Capacitor.
There are two classification of capacitors; Fixed Value Capacitor and Variable Capacitor.
Fixed Value Capacitors: (Examples of these are the electrolytic, mylar and ceramic capacitors.)
Variable Capacitors: (Examples are the trimmer and tuning capacitors.)
3. INDUCTOR
This component stores magnetic energy when an electric current is passed through it. It's an insulated wire wound into a coil around a core of some material like (air, iron, powdered iron, or ferrite material) in a spiral form.
The inductor is denoted by Inductance (L) and the measuring unit is Henry (H).
There are different types of inductors classified depending on the core material used.
Iron Core
Air Core
Powdered Iron Core
Ferrite Core
4. DIODE
It allow an electric current to pass in one direction while blocking it in reverse direction.
There are different types of diodes classified according to their application.
Rectifier Diode
Used for converting alternating current into direct current.
Schottky Diode
It offers fast switching action and used for low voltage application.
Zener Diode
Used for voltage regulation, as reference elements, surge suppressors and in switching application and clipper circuits.
Gunn Diode
Used at microwave amplifiers and in oscillation application.
Light Emitting Diode
Used as standard source of light in electronic equipments, gadgets and devices.
Laser Diode
Used in fiber optic communications, barcode readers, laser printers, pointers, and scanning, and light beam illumination.
Photo Diode
Used in safety electronics such as fire and smoke detectors.
Tunnel Diode
Used as a switching device with extreme speed in computers and amplifiers and high frequency oscillation.
4. TRANSFORMER
Transformers are electronic device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from one electric circuit to another. It is designed to either increase or decrease AC voltage between the circuits while maintaining the frequency of the current.
Step Down
This transformer converts high voltage from the primary side to low voltage on the secondary coil resulting in a decrease in the output voltage.
Step Up
This transformer can convert low voltage from the primary side of the transformer to high voltage on the secondary side of the transformer.
Air Core
In this transformer, both the primary and secondary windings are set on a non-magnetic stripe. These are normally located in radio transmission systems.
Iron Core
In this type, both the primary and secondary windings are set on multiple soft iron plates. In this type, both the primary and secondary windings are set on multiple soft iron plates.
5. RELAY
A relay is an electromagnetic switch that opens and closes potential - free contacts electronically.
There are mainly two types of relays based on constructions.
Electromechanical Relay (EMR)
An electromechanical relay is a type of relay which function using a magnetic field produced by an electromagnetic coil when a control signal is applied to it. It is called as electromechanical since it has moving contacts in the output circuit which are operated by applying an electrical signal.
2. Solid State Relay (SSR)
Is an electronic switching device that switches on or off when an external voltage (AC or DC) is applied across its control terminals. They serve the same function as an electromechanical relay, but solid-state electronics contain no moving parts and have a longer operational lifetime.
6. SWITCH
An electronic switch is any device used to interrupt the flow of electrons in a circuit. Switches are essentially binary devices: they are either completely on (“closed”) or completely off (“open”).
Any switch designed to be operated by a person is generally called a hand switch, and they are manufactured in several varieties:
Rocker Switch
It houses a button for operation that can be pressed on either end like a seesaw to connect or disconnect an electrical circuit.
Toggle Switch
Toggle switches are actuated by a lever angled in one of two or more positions. The common light switch used in household wiring is an example of a toggle switch.
Push Button Switch
Are two-position devices actuated with a button that is pressed and released. Most pushbutton switches have an internal spring mechanism returning the button to its “out,” or “unpressed,” position, for momentary operation.
Selector Switch
Are actuated with a rotary knob or lever of some sort to select one of two or more positions. Like the toggle switch, selector switches can either rest in any of their positions or contain spring-return mechanisms for momentary operation.
ACTIVE COMPONENTS/DEVICES
These are components that depend on an external power source for their operation. They can amplify signals and/or process signals.
1. TRANSISTOR
These are non-linear semiconductor three-terminal device which considered to be one of the most important devices/components in the field of electronics. There are two main functions of transistors;
to amplify input signal (when operated in active region)
to act as solid state switch (when operated either in saturation and/or cut-off region)
Transistors are categorized into; Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) and Field Effect Transistor (FET) based on their construction.
Bipolar Junction Transistor: (Further classified into NPN and PNP). In a BJT transistor, there are three elements identified; Collector, Base, and Emitter that corresponds to its legs or leads.
Field Effect Transistor: (Further classified into JFET and MOSFET). In a FET transistor, there are three elements identified; Drain, Gate, and Source that corresponds to its legs or leads.
2. INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
It is an electronic circuit built on a semiconductor wafer, usually made of silicon. IC's perform specific functions such as data processing and signal processing.
IC's are categorized as Digital, Analog, and Mixed-Signal IC's based on their circuit functionality.
Digital IC's
Can be divide into further two categories for the sake of simplicity;
Simple IC's - like;
Timer
Counter
Registers
Switches
Digital Logic Gates
Adder, etc
Complex IC's - like;
Microprocessor
Memories
Switching IC's
Ethernet MAC/PHY
Analog IC's
Can be used in;
Operational Amplifiers,
Differential Amplifiers,
Instrumentation Amplifiers,
Radio Frequency Devices,
Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs),
Digital t0 Analog Converters (DACs).
Can be used as;
Interfacing IC's
Power IC's
Field Programmable Gate Array
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