The Essential Electronic Parts Guide
Electronic components are the building blocks of all modern electronic devices. To build better systems and troubleshoot problems more effectively, a basic understanding of electronic components and their applications is necessary. In this post, we provide a brief guide to some of the most commonly used electronic components and their application.
Resistors are devices that limit the flow of electric current in a circuit. They are available in various types such as carbon, metal film, and wirewound resistors. In addition to limiting the flow of current, they can also reduce voltage, set bias, and terminate signals.
Capacitors are devices that store electric charge and energy in an electric field. They have various uses in electronic circuits, including filtering, storing, and transferring signals. Capacitors are available in different forms such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic, and tantalum capacitors, among others.
Diodes permit current to flow in only one direction, and people commonly use them as rectifiers, voltage regulators, and surge protectors. Manufacturers produce different types of diodes, including Zener, Schottky, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Transistors can amplify and switch electronic signals and are three-terminal devices. They are available in different types such as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), field-effect transistors (FETs), and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).
Integrated circuits are tiny electronic circuits that are prebuilt on a semiconductor material, containing many individual electronic components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors. They are used extensively in electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and other digital devices.
Relays are electromagnetic switches that allow a low power electrical signal to control a high power electrical signal. They come in different types, including electromechanical relays, solid state relays, and Reed relays, and are usually used to isolate electrical circuits or to add different voltage levels to a circuit.
In conclusion, a basic understanding of the most commonly used electronic components is helpful for designing and troubleshooting electronic circuits, although there are many other types of electronic components in use today. Always refer to datasheets and application notes when designing an electronic circuit to ensure that you are using the correct component for your needs.