Basic Electronic Components – Types, Functions, Symbols

Types of Electronic Components

These are of 2 types: Passive and Active Components.Both these types of components can be either Through-Hole or SMD.

1. Passive Components

These components are those that do not have gain or directionality. They are also called Electrical elements or electrical components.

Example: Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes, Inductors.

2. Active Components

These components are those that have gain or directionality.

Example: Transistors, Integrated Circuits or ICs,Logic Gates.

Function of Basic Electronic Components

1. Terminals and Connectors: Components to make electrical connection.
2. Resistors: Components used to resist current.
3. Switches: Components that may be made to either conduct (closed) or not (open).
4. Capacitors: Components that store electrical charge in an electrical field.
5. Magnetic or Inductive Components: These are Electrical components that use magnetism.
6. Network Components: Components that use more than 1 type of Passive Component.
7. Piezoelectric devices, crystals, resonators: Passive components that use piezoelectric. effect.
8. Semiconductors: Electronic control parts with no moving parts.
9. Diodes: Components that conduct electricity in only one direction.
10. Transistors: A semiconductor device capable of amplification.
11. Integrated Circuits or ICs: A microelectronic computer circuit incorporated into a chip or semiconductor; a whole system rather than a single component.