Active components:
What is Active component??
- An active component is a device that has an analog electronic filter with the ability to amplify a signal or produce a power gain.
- Active components require a source of energy, typically in the form of a direct current, in order to perform their specific function.
- They are able to manipulate the flow of electricity in some way most active components consist of semiconductor devices, such as Diodes, Transistors and Integrated circuits.
The most common components and their functions:
- Transistor:- Mostly used for amplifying electrical signals or as switching devices.
- Diode:- Permit electricity to flow in one direction only.
- Integrated circuits (ICs):- Multiple complex circuits on a circuit board; used to perform all kinds of tasks, still considered a component despite consisting of many other components.
- Display devices such as LCD, LED and CRT displays.
- Power sources such as batteries and other sources of alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
Passive components:
- A passive component is a module that does not require energy to operate, except for the available alternating current (AC) circuit that it is connected to.
- A passive module is not capable of power gain and is not a source of energy.
The most common components and their functions:
- Resistor:- Resists the flow of electrical current in a circuit; used to lower voltage.
- Inductor:- Stores electrical energy in a magnetic field; allows direct current (DC) to flow through it, but not alternating current (AC).
- Capacitor:- Stores electrical energy electrostatically in an electric field, and can release it later when needed.
- Transducer:- Converts an input signal from one type of energy into another type; sensors are a type of transducer that convert physical action/input into an electrical signal.