The Basics of Electronic Components

The Basics of Electronic Components

Electronic components are the building blocks of any electronic circuit. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common ones are resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, and switches. These basic components are found in everything from computers to cell phones. Having a solid understanding of the fundamentals of these components is essential for any electronics engineer.

The Resistor

A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that limits current flow. It is the simplest of all components and the most common. It can have either a fixed resistance (how much it resists current, measured in units called ohms) or a variable one that changes based on the conditions of the circuit. The number of turns and thickness of copper wire in a resistor determines its resistance value. Often, resistors are color-coded to identify the values they have.

Capacitors are devices that store electric charge in an electric field. They are most commonly used for voltage spike protection, AC to DC conversion, and signal filtering. Capacitors can combine in parallel or series within a circuit. The unit for a capacitor’s capacitance is farads, and it can be determined by using the equation C=e/(e+f), where C is the capacitance and e is the permittivity of the dielectric material.

The switch is an electrical device that connects or disconnects the conducting path of a circuit by applying an external force to its actuator. It is the most basic of all electronic components and is essential in every electronic product. When a switch is turned on, it completes the circuit and allows current to flow; when it is switched off, it breaks the circuit.

Electronic Components for Industry

Discrete electronic components are usually mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs) with soldering or surface mount technology. The leads/terminals of each component are connected to each other by metal wires known as traces. These traces are made of copper or aluminum and are placed on the PCB’s insulator material, typically fiberglass impregnated with resin.

Electronic components are vital in all industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. They enable the growth of digital economies and fuel technological advancement, enabling new products and business models. Without these components, many of today’s most important systems and applications would not be possible. For example, automotive parts and systems rely on electronics to function including airbag control, window regulators, cruise controls, anti-collision units, and infotainment consoles. They are also critical in medical equipment such as respiration monitors, defibrillator devices, and glucose meters. Moreover, industries that are not typically associated with technology are rapidly integrating electronic components into their operations. The proliferation of electronics has been a major factor in economic development and growth, creating opportunities for companies to innovate, differentiate themselves, and boost productivity. However, the growth of these technologies has also triggered several challenges like cybersecurity and data privacy issues. To overcome these challenges, companies must develop comprehensive strategies for handling and managing their electronic data.