Basic Electronic Components for Beginners

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You have developed some interest in electronics. Maybe you are building an electronic product or application. This project will require electronic components. Or, you are planning to get into the business of supplying electronic components in your local area. Regardless of where you are, it is important to have adequate knowledge of electronic components. Not only should you know the names of the components but also the function of each component. If you are planning to get deeper into electronics, you should even know how each electronic component works and how to choose one.

So, where can I get the information about electronic components? We have the answer for you. In this guide, we are going to discuss the basic electronic components for beginners. The information will be valuable to you when it comes to buying and even using the electronic components.

Classification of basic electronic components

Before you even get into the specific components, you should know that basic electronic components are classified into two major groups. These are passive and active electronic components.

 Active electronic components are those that require direct electric energy to function. They also have a direct impact on the electronic current that is passing through them. For example, they can inject extra energy into the electric circuit.

Passive electronic components, on the other hand, don’t rely on the flowing electric current to work. Also, they don’t have any direct impact on the flowing current. However, they are designed to make proper use of the electric energy that is flowing through the circuit.

Common examples of active components include diodes, DC power generators, transistors, and batteries among others. Examples of passive components include capacitors, resistors, inductors, and many others.

Once you know all the major classes of electronic components, let’s proceed and highlight some of the essential components that you should know.

Diodes

A diode is an active electronic component that is designed to determine the direction of the current flow. It allows electric current to flow in one direction while at the same time blocking it from flowing in the opposite direction. To do this, it has two terminals: anode and cathode. The functionality to determine the direction of the current flow implies that a diode can be compared to a switch. This is because by allowing current to flow in a specific direction, it will turn on devices that are connected to that section of the circuit. The reverse is true when the diode blocks the electric current.

There are different types of diodes in the world of electronics, and each type is designed to perform a specific role in an electric circuit.

· P-N junction diode: This type of diode comprises two layers of semiconductor materials. One layer has P-type material while the other layer has N-type material. It is a basic diode that allows current to flow in a desired direction. It is used as a switch as well as a rectifier.

· Zener diode: This type of diode allows electric current to flow in a reverse direction once it reaches the breakdown voltage.

· Light Emitting Diode: This is the most common type of diode that is widely used for modern lighting applications. Its working mechanism makes it possible to convert electric current into light energy.

· Photodiode: The working mechanism of this diode is opposite to the LED. It converts light energy to electric energy. Once the light rays strike the sensitive part of the diode, they trigger the movement of electrons.

· Schottky diode:  This type of diode has a junction between the N-type region and the metal. It does not have a P-type layer. It is mainly used in applications that require fast switching speeds.

Once you know the features, functions, and specifications of each diode type, you can proceed to choose one that is suitable for your application area.

Resistor

A resistor is a passive electronic component whose core function is to limit the flow of electric current and even voltage. The value of a resistor is measured in ohms and defines its level of resistance. Some resistors have high resistance while others have low. Additionally, there are different types of resistors.

When and why do I need a resistor in an electric circuit? As long as you want to regulate the flow of current passing through a device, you will need a resistor. Some components and even devices require low amounts of current and voltage.

Types of resistors that you should know include:

· Fixed resistors: These resistors come with a specified or constant value of resistance. This value is usually labeled on the body of the resistor. They come in two common packages, axial and SMD.

· Variable resistors: This is the complete opposite of the fixed resistor. As the name suggests, they allow users to adjust the resistance of the resistor. The adjustment is usually done mechanically by moving a voltage divider.

· Thermistors:  For these resistors, the resistance changes depending on the temperature changes. Depending on the type of thermistor, the resistance can either increase or decrease when the temperatures are high or low.

Batteries

Batteries are power source electronic components. They are used for providing power that is used for running devices, applications, and other electronic components in a system. It generates this energy from a combination of various chemicals that convert chemical energy to electrical energy. Each battery cell has a positive and negative terminal which are connected to the circuit to supply current.

As major electronic components, batteries come in different types, shapes, and sizes. Some are embedded inside devices while others are connected externally. For example, lead acid batteries are quite big and provide power from an external point. On the other hand, button-cell batteries are too small and are embedded inside a device. The same applies to the battery cells that power portable devices such as smartphones and tablets.

All batteries are rated in terms of voltage. High-voltage batteries are usually used in power-demanding applications. Other vital parameters include running time, current capacity, and chemical composition,  among others. When building a device or any application, you should consider the type and specifications of batteries that will be used. Additionally,  batteries can further be classified as either chargeable or non-rechargeable. For the latter, their energy capacities cannot be restored once it is depleted.

Capacitors

Just like batteries, capacitors are also energy storage devices. The only difference is they are used for storing electric charges that power different components and even devices. They also have two terminals that provide connection to the rest of the circuit.

What is the function of capacitors and how do they work? The charge that is stored in capacitors is used for streamlining the energy supply in a circuit. For example, whenever there is a serious deep of electric charges, the capacitor will boost by providing the extra current. Capacitors are charged continuously as long as the circuit is on.

Like in the case of other electronic components, there are different types of capacitors. They include the following:

· Ceramic capacitors: This type of capacitor uses ceramic as a dielectric material, hence the name. They are the most common types of capacitors in the electronics market. Since they are non-polar, they can be connected in any direction.

· Film capacitors: Also known as plastic or polymer film capacitors, they comprise thin polymer film materials. The popularity of these capacitors is mainly because of their price. They are cheaper than other capacitors in the market.

· Electrolytic capacitors: This type of capacitor comprises a metallic anode that is coated with a dielectric material. It is also a polarized capacitor, meaning that it has defined poles. Electrolytic capacitors are classified based on the type and nature of dielectric material that is used.

· Paper capacitor: In this type, paper is used as the main dielectric material for the capacitor. Metallic plates are at the opposite ends while the paper materials are right at the center of the capacitor.

Other than the type, another key factor that you should consider when buying capacitors is capacitance. It defines the volume of electric charges that a capacitor is designed to store when fully charged.

Transistors

In the world of electronics, transistors are used to regulate the flow of both electric current and voltage. Based on this property, there are two major functions of transistors in electric circuits. They serve as switches and amplifiers. When used as a switch, a transistor determines whether a circuit should remain closed or open. When used as an amplifier, a transistor boosts current that flows through a circuit, from low power to high.

Transistors are made of semiconductor materials and have terminals that connect them to the circuit. The make and design of transistors ensure that they have a fast switching speed. The amplification feature of transistors makes them relevant in audio electronics.

Inductors

An inductor is a passive electronic component that is used for storing electric energy by utilizing the principle of magnetism. Physically, it has a coil-like structure, a feature that gives it full magnetic properties. These wires loop around a core. When the electric circuit that is connected to the circuit is switched on, the inductor will get charged. This electric energy is stored in a magnetic field. It will later on be released back to the electric circuit.

When it comes to buying inductors, you should consider several factors such as the number of turns on the core, the shape of the coil, the size of the coil, the material of the core, size of the core, and the number of layers that make up the rotating wire. The inductance of an inductor is similar to the ampere of a circuit. While inductors are slightly similar to circuits, the former stores electric energy in the form of magnetic forces.

Integrated circuits

An integrated circuit comprises numerous electronic components, including the ones that e have mentioned above, and many others. These components are connected to form a complete functional unit.  The final unit, or IC is then used to perform a specific task in a device.

Integrated circuits have specialized roles in electric devices and applications. These functions include power management, memory management, device security, and processing, among many others. Before you buy an IC chip, you should know the role or function that it plays in a device.  Integrated circuits have compact designs and are easier to use than having to use individual electronic components in a device. It is also easier to customize the performance and functional requirements of an IC chip. 

Circuit breakers and fuses

Circuit breakers and fuses are protective components in electronic applications. They shield electronic components and devices from the dangers of excess electric current and voltage. A circuit breaker is a mechanical switch that interrupts the flow of electric current in case it detects a current surge. By doing so, it protects other components in the circuit from getting damaged.

A fuse utilizes the self-destruction mode to offer protection. It heats up and disconnects from the circuit in case of a current surge. The disconnection opens the circuit stopping the flow of current. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the basic electronic components, what next? Maybe you should move to the advanced electronic components. But before you do so, you should put this knowledge of the basic components into full practice. If you are building projects, ensure that they function perfectly. When it comes to buying electronic components, you should use this information to make the right choice of products and components.

If you are just getting into the world of electronics, working with the best electronic component companies is one of the smartest moves that you can make. This is where Rantle East Electronic comes in. We are a reliable global distributor of electronic components.  We stock all the basic electronic components that you need for your business. Having been in this industry for over 20 years, we have adequate experience to deliver the best products and even services. Our excellent customer care team is always on standby to guide you in choosing the basic electronic components.