Basic Electronic Components

Tiny electronic components are the basic building blocks of all electronic devices.

Every electronic device, from your laptop to your music player, uses a combination of basic components. These components perform simple tasks that allow the device to function. Learning about the basic electronic components could give you a better understanding of and appreciation for complex electronic devices.

Resistors and Capacitors

Resistors are electronic components that resist electric current. Capacitors store electric current, allowing alternating current (AC) to go through and blocking direct current (DC). Resistors and capacitors are both considered passive components because they consume energy, but do not produce energy.

Transistors and Transducers

Transistors are a type of semiconductor that amplifies and switches electronic signals. They are typically made from a combination of very conductive metal, such as arsenic or selenium, and silicon. Transistors also have three major components: base, collector and emitter. Transducers are devices that convert one type of energy of another. For example, a transducer converts an electric signal into audio through a loudspeaker or converts an electric signal into mechanical energy. Transducers can be either passive or active.

Inductors and Power Supplies

Inductors are passive components that use magnetism to store electric energy created by a passing current. Types of inductors include transformers, solenoids, magnetic amplifiers and speakers. Also, all electronic devices must have a power supply. Power supplies are active components that produce electric power for the device; they include batteries, fuel cells and generators.

Other Electronic Components

Several other categories of components are used in electronic devices. Diodes conduct electricity in one direction. Protection devices, such as fuses, current limiters and circuit breakers, protect other components from excessive electric current. Additionally, switches turn circuits on and off. Lastly, terminals are used to connect parts of a circuit.

References

• Elliot Sound Products; Beginners' Guide to Electronics -- Part 1; Rod Elliott; 2001
• Elenco; Basic Electronic Components; Arthur F. Seymour
• Design Technology; Electronic Components