Basic Electronic Component Originally
Basic Electronic Component Originally
ELECTRONICS
COMPONENT
S
Learning Outcomes of Basic
Electronics Components
1. Introduction:
- Overview of Electronic Components
(A) Introduction:
Passive Components:
Definition: Components that do not require
an external power source to operate and
cannot introduce energy into the circuit.
They can only absorb, store, or dissipate
energy.
Examples: Resistors, capacitors, and
inductors.
Characteristics:
Resistors: Limit current flow and divide
voltage.
Capacitors: Store electrical energy
temporarily and release it when
needed.
Inductors: Store energy in a magnetic
field when electrical current flows
through them.
Active Components:
Definition: Components that require an
external power source to operate and can
introduce energy into the circuit. They are
capable of controlling the flow of electricity.
Examples: Diodes, transistors, and
integrated circuits.
Characteristics:
Diodes: Allow current to flow in only
one direction and can be used for
rectification.
Transistors: Act as switches or
amplifiers for electronic signals.
Integrated Circuits (ICs): Miniaturized
circuits that can perform a variety of
functions such as amplification, signal
processing, and computation.
Understanding the difference between
passive and active components is fundamental
for designing and analyzing electronic circuits.
Each type of component plays a distinct role,
and their combined use allows for the creation
of complex electronic systems.
(A).Rectifier Diode:
A rectifier diode is a type of diode that is
primarily used to convert alternating current
(AC) to direct current (DC). This process is
known as rectification, which is essential in
power supply circuits where a stable DC
voltage is required
Structure: Typically made from silicon,
rectifier diodes have a PN junction with two
terminals: an anode (positive side) and a
cathode (negative side).
Symbol: The schematic symbol consists of a
triangle pointing towards a line. The triangle
represents the anode, and the line represents
the cathode.
Applications:
(1).Voltage Regulation: Maintains a stable
output voltage despite variations in input
voltage or load conditions.
(2).Overvoltage Protection: Clamps voltage
spikes to a safe level, protecting sensitive
components.
(3).Voltage Reference: Provides a precise
and stable reference voltage for analog and
digital circuits.
(C). Light Emitting Diode(LED).
A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a
semiconductor device that emits light when an
electric current passes through it. LEDs are
highly efficient and are widely used in various
applications for illumination, displays, and
indicators.
Structure: An LED consists of a PN junction
made from materials such as gallium arsenide
(GaAs), gallium phosphide (GaP), or gallium
nitride (GaN). When forward-biased, electrons
recombine with holes, releasing energy in the
form of light.
Symbol: The schematic symbol for an LED is
similar to a standard diode symbol but with two
arrows pointing away to indicate light emission.
(D). Photodiode:
A photodiode is a semiconductor device that
converts light into electrical current. It operates
by absorbing photons and generating a flow of
electrons, which creates an electric current
proportional to the intensity of the light.
Structure: Made from semiconductor materials
like silicon or germanium. It has a PN junction
with a transparent window to allow light to
reach the junction.
Symbol: The schematic symbol includes a
standard diode symbol with arrows pointing
towards it, representing incoming light.
Fig(5). Photodiode
Applications:
(1).Light Sensing: Used in light meters and
automatic brightness control.
(2).Optical Communication: Converts light
signals to electrical signals in fiber optic
systems and remote controls.
(3).Safety Systems: Detects light changes in
smoke detectors and security alarms.
(4).Solar Cells: Converts sunlight to electrical
energy in solar panels.
3. Types of Transistors and
Applications:
A transistor is a semiconductor device
used to amplify or switch electronic signals and
electrical power. It is a fundamental building
block in modern electronic devices, found in
everything from computers and smartphones
to radios and industrial machinery. There are
basically two type of Transistors.
(A).Bipolar Junction Transistors(BJT).
(B).Field Effect Transistors(FET).
Types of BJT :
(a).NPN Transistor: Consists of two N-type
semiconductor materials separated by a
thin layer of P-type material.
(b).PNP Transistor: Consists of two P-type
semiconductor materials separated by a
thin layer of N-type material.
Structure:
It is a three-layer semiconductor device
with three terminals: emitter, base, and
collector.
(a).Emitter(E): Heavily doped region that
emits charge carriers.
(b).Base (B): Thin and lightly doped region
that controls the transistor’s operation.
(c).Collector (C): Moderately doped region
that collects charge carriers.
Symbol:
Fig(6).npn transistor
Applications:
Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) are
used in a variety of applications, including-
(1).Amplifiers: BJTs are used to amplify
audio, radio, and other signals in devices
like radios, televisions, and audio
equipment.
(2).Switches: BJTs can function as electronic
switches in digital circuits, such as in logic
gates and microprocessors.
(3).Oscillators: They are used in generating
oscillating signals for clocks and other
timing applications.
(4).Signal Modulation: BJTs help in
modulating signals in communication
systems.
(5).Voltage Regulators: They are employed
in voltage regulation circuits to maintain a
stable output voltage.
These applications leverage the
BJT’s ability to control current flow and
switch states efficiently.
Applications of JFET:
(1).Amplifiers: Used in high-impedance
input stages of amplifiers, where they
offer low noise and high gain.
(2).Analog Switches: Employed in
analog signal switching and routing
applications due to their low on-
resistance.
(3).Buffer Circuits: Serve as impedance
matching devices to prevent loading of
signal sources.
(2).Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect
Transistor(MOSFET):
A Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor
Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) is a
type of FET that controls the flow of
current between the source and drain
terminals using an electric field applied
to the gate terminal. The gate is
insulated from the channel by a thin
layer of oxide, which makes MOSFETs
ideal for various electronic applications
due to their high efficiency and
versatility.
There are two types of MOSFET
(a).Depletion type
(b).Enhancement type
(a).Deplation type:
A Depletion-mode MOSFET (D-
MOSFET) is a type of MOSFET that
is normally on (conducting) when
the gate-to-source voltage (V_GS)
is zero: There are two type of
Depletion type mosfet-
(a).N-channel D-MOSFET: Conducts
when the gate-to-source voltage is
zero or negative; a positive gate
voltage reduces the current flow.
(b).P-channel D-MOSFET: Conducts
when the gate-to-source voltage is
zero or positive; a negative gate
voltage reduces the current flow.
Symbol of Depletion type MOSFET:
Applications of MOSFET:
(1).Switching Power Supplies (SMPS):
Efficient power conversion in power
supplies.
(2).Motor Control: Driving and
controlling electric motors in
applications like electric vehicles.
(3).Digital Logic Circuits: Used in
microprocessors and memory devices.
(4).Amplifiers: Signal amplification in
audio and RF applications.
(5)Inverters: Converting DC to AC in
systems like solar power inverters and
UPS.
(3).Types of Resistors and Colour
Codes:
A resistor is a passive electrical component
that restricts the flow of electric current in a
circuit. Its primary function is to provide
resistance, measured in ohms (Ω), to limit
current, divide voltages, and manage signal
levels within electronic circuits. There are
following type of Resistors:
(1).Fixed Resistors
(2).Variable Resistors
(3).Special Resistors
(1).Fixed Resistors:
A fixed resistor is a type of resistor with a
resistance value that cannot be changed or
adjusted. The resistance remains constant
under normal operating conditions. Fixed
resistors are used to control the flow of
electrical current in a circuit by providing a
specific amount of resistance.
Fig(11). Symbol of fixed resistor
Examples of Fixed Resistors:
Here are examples of fixed resistors with
their corresponding resistance values:
(1).Carbon Composition Resistor: 1 kΩ
(2).Metal Film Resistor: 10 kΩ
(3).Carbon Film Resistor: 4.7 kΩ
(4).Wire Wound Resistor: 100 Ω
(5).thick Film Resistor: 220 Ω
(6).thin Film Resistor: 1 MΩ
(2).Variable Resistors:
A variable resistor is a type of resistor
whose resistance can be adjusted or
varied. It is used in electronic circuits to
control current, voltage, or signal levels.
Variable resistors are typically used for
tuning, calibration, and adjustment
purposes.
Fig(12). Variable Resistors
Types of Variable Resistors:
(1).Potentiometers:
Description: A three-terminal resistor with
an adjustable middle terminal (wiper) that
moves along a resistive track.
Function: Used to adjust voltage levels in a
circuit, such as in volume controls for audio
devices.
Example: Volume control on a radio.
(2).Rheostats:
Description: A two-terminal variable
resistor used to control current by adjusting
the resistance.
Function: Used to adjust the current in a
circuit, such as in light dimmers or motor
speed controllers.
Example: Light dimmer switches.
(3).Trimmers:
Description: Small, adjustable resistors
designed for fine-tuning and calibration of
circuits.
Function: Used for precision adjustments in
circuits, often during the manufacturing or
repair of electronic devices.
Example: Calibration adjustments in a
television set.
(3).Special Resistors:
Special resistors are designed to meet
specific needs beyond those of standard
fixed and variable resistors.
Here are some common types of special
resistors:
(1) Thermistors:
Description: Resistors whose resistance
varies significantly with temperature.
Types:
NTC (Negative Temperature
Coefficient): Resistance decreases
as temperature increases.
PTC (Positive Temperature
Coefficient): Resistance increases
as temperature increases.
Applications: Temperature sensing,
temperature compensation, and circuit
protection.
(3).Varistors:
Description: Voltage-dependent
resistors that change resistance based
on the applied voltage.
Applications: Surge protection and
voltage clamping to protect circuits
from voltage spikes.
¤ Colour Codes:
Resistor color codes are used to
indicate the resistance value, tolerance,
and sometimes reliability of resistors. The
color code consists of colored bands
printed on the resistor. The number of
bands can vary, typically four, five, or six.
Colour code table:
Fig(13). Capacitor
Key Points:-
Dielectric Material: Ceramic
Types:
Class 1: Stable, low-loss (e.g., C0G, NP0)
Class 2: Higher capacitance, less stable
(e.g., X7R, Y5V)
Capacitance Range: pF to µF
voltage Rating: Up to several kV
Advantages:Small size, Low cost, Non-
polarized,Excellent high-frequency
performance.
Applications: RF circuits, power supplies,
decoupling applications, high-frequency
filtering.
(2).Electrolytic Capacitor:
Electrolytic capacitors are known for their
high capacitance values, making them ideal for
applications requiring significant energy
storage.
Key points:-
Dielectric Material: Electrolyte-soaked paper or
aluminum oxide
Capacitance Range: µF to thousands of µF
voltage Rating: Up to a few hundred volts
Advantages: High capacitance values,
relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Polarized, larger in size, limited
lifespan, sensitive to temperature.
Applications: Power supply filtering, audio
circuits, bulk energy storage.
Key Points:-
Dielectric Material: Tantalum pentoxide
Capacitance Range: µF to hundreds of µF
Voltage Rating: Up to a few hundred volts
Advantages: Stable, reliable, high capacitance
in small size.
Disadvantages: Polarized, more expensive than
electrolytic capacitors, failure can be
catastrophic
Applications: Space-sensitive applications,
mobile phones, computers, high-reliability
circuits.
(4). Film Capacitors:
Film capacitors are known for their
stability, reliability, and low loss characteristics,
making them ideal for high-voltage and high-
current applications.
Key Point:-
Dielectric Material: Polyester, polypropylene,
polycarbonate, etc.
Capacitance Range: pF to µF
voltage Rating: Up to several kV
Advantages: Stable, reliable, low loss, non-
polarized.
Disadvantages: Larger in size compared to
other types for the same capacitance.
Applications: High-voltage and high-current
applications, power electronics, audio circuits.
(5). Supercapacitors (Ultracapacitors):
Supercapacitors, also known as
ultracapacitors, are known for their very high
capacitance and energy storage capabilities.
Key Points:-
Dielectric Material: Electrochemical double
layer
Capacitance Range: Farads (F)
Voltage Rating: Low (usually up to a few volts)
Advantages: Very high capacitance, high
energy density, long life cycle, fast
charging/discharging.
Disadvantages: Low voltage rating, expensive,
large size.
Applications: Energy storage, backup power,
regenerative braking systems, power leveling
in renewable energy.
Summary