Molly Ayala
There are many different types of electrical components, each with unique properties and functions. These components are the building blocks of electronics technology, used in electronic circuits to control and manipulate the flow of electrical current. Examples of basic electrical components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, LEDs, transistors, crystals and oscillators, electromechanical components like relays and switches, ICs, and connectors. Resistors, for instance, are used to limit current flow, divide voltage, and provide load for other devices. Capacitors, on the other hand, store electrical energy and are used for filtering, smoothing, and timing functions in circuits. Transistors, which are tiny semiconductor devices with three terminals, are crucial for amplifying and switching functions. When choosing electrical components, factors like performance requirements, cost, availability, and reliability must be considered to ensure the success of the electronic design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of essential electrical components | 14 |
| Basic components that depend on an external power source | Active components |
| Active components | Transistor, integrated circuits (ICs) |
| Transistor functions | Amplify input signals, act as solid-state switches |
| Transistor types | Bipolar junction transistor, field effect transistor |
| Bipolar junction transistor types | NPN, PNP |
| Transistor pins | Base, collector, emitter |
| Basic components that don't depend on an external power source | Passive components |
| Passive components | Capacitors |
| Capacitor types | Electrolytic, ceramic disks, ceramic, tantalum |
| Other components | Resistors, inductors, diodes, LEDs, crystals, oscillators, electromechanical components, relays, switches, connectors, batteries |
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What You'll Learn
Resistors
There are numerous electrical components, from capacitors to transistors, LEDs, diodes, and more. One of the most common electrical components is the resistor. Resistors are used to limit current flow, divide voltage, and provide load for other devices. They are available in carbon film, metal film, wire-wound, and surface-mount formats, each suited to different applications.
Linear resistors are a common type of resistor that can be further categorized into fixed and variable resistors. Fixed resistors have a specific value that cannot be changed, while variable resistors' values can be adjusted with a dial, knob, or screw. Variable resistors are often used in radio receivers for volume and tone control. The resistor values of variable resistors change according to temperature and voltage, independent of Ohm's law.
Non-linear resistors, such as PTH (plated-through-hole) and SMD (surface-mount device) resistors, do not display their value but can be identified by their colour pattern or value-marking system. Another type of resistor is the rheostat, which has two terminals, and the potentiometer, which has three terminals and is used as an adjustable voltage divider. Pull-up and pull-down resistors are also important, connecting circuits to high or low voltages, respectively, to ensure the proper functioning of the circuit.
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Capacitors
Some common types of fixed capacitors include electrolytic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, film capacitors, paper capacitors, and polymer capacitors. Electrolytic capacitors are polarised, meaning they have a positive and negative end, and are named after the material used as the anode and the construction of the cathode. Ceramic capacitors are non-polar devices, meaning they can be used in any direction in a circuit. Film capacitors do not have polarity and are often used in high-pulse current load applications. Paper capacitors are used in audio systems of cars to provide extra power to amplifiers.
There are also some less common types of capacitors, such as supercapacitors, which use two mechanisms to store electrical energy instead of a conventional dielectric. They combine the functions of normal capacitors with those of an ordinary battery, offering fast charge and discharge properties.
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Transistors
There are two main types of transistors, classified based on how they are used in a circuit: bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs). BJTs have three terminals: the base, emitter, and collector. A small current flowing between the base and emitter can control a larger flow of current between the collector and emitter terminals. NPN transistors, a type of BJT, have a p-type silicon base sandwiched between two layers of n-type silicon, the emitter and collector. In PNP transistors, the configuration is reversed, with an n-type base between p-type emitter and collector.
FETs, on the other hand, are unipolar transistors that use either N-channel or P-channel FETs for conduction. They are further divided into depletion-mode and enhancement-mode types, depending on whether the channel is turned on or off with zero gate-to-source voltage. Metal-oxide-semiconductor FETs (MOSFETs), a type of FET, are the most widely used transistors today. Other types of transistors include junction gate field-effect transistors (JFETs), high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs), thin-film transistors, and Schottky transistors, among others.
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Batteries
The first main classification of batteries is primary and secondary batteries. Primary batteries are non-rechargeable disposable batteries. Once fully drained, they cannot be recharged and must be disposed of. They consist of chemicals that get consumed over time and use, and they drive energy through a reaction of zinc metal and manganese oxide. Alkaline batteries are a type of primary battery that uses an alkaline electrolyte like potassium hydroxide. They are long-lasting and ideal for home electronics. Silver oxide batteries are another type of primary battery commonly used in wristwatches and other small devices. They are constructed of real silver and are usually sold in button cells.
Secondary batteries, on the other hand, can be recharged and reused. One of the most popular secondary batteries is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, which is widely used in mobile phones and laptops. Li-ion batteries have a high energy density and can be recharged repeatedly. They require a special charger with a lithium-ion charge algorithm as they could explode if placed in a regular charger. Another type of secondary battery is the lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery, which uses a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. Lead-acid batteries are also secondary batteries and are used in automotive and backup systems.
Zinc-air batteries are a unique type of battery that generates electrical power through exposure to oxygen, making them ideal for hearing aids but unsuitable for wristwatches.
The size of a battery also contributes to its effectiveness, with larger batteries having more capacity for energy storage and providing longer battery life.
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Circuit breakers
The three main types of circuit breakers are standard, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), and arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). Standard circuit breakers monitor the amp capacity of the devices they operate and interrupt the current in the event of an overload or short circuit. GFCI circuit breakers cut power to the entire circuit in the event of an overload of current, a short circuit, or a line-to-ground fault. AFCI circuit breakers are designed to trip when arcing is detected within electrical wiring, which occurs when electricity flows through an unintended path due to faulty insulation or a damaged electrical cord. This presents a serious risk of fire, and AFCIs use advanced technology to differentiate between harmless and harmful arcs to prevent potential fires.
Single-pole circuit breakers are the most common type found in homes. They monitor the current of a single wire and trip in the event of a short circuit or electrical overload. They accommodate between 15 and 30 amps and deliver 120 volts to the circuit. Double-pole circuit breakers monitor the flow of electricity through two wires simultaneously and trip if one or both wires short out or become overloaded. They deliver either 240 volts or 120/240 volts and can accommodate between 15 and 200 amps. They are required for large appliances such as washing machines and dryers.
It is important to note that installing or replacing a circuit breaker is a job best left to licensed electricians due to the high voltage involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Some examples of electrical components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, LEDs, transistors, crystals, and batteries.
Resistors are electrical components that limit current flow, divide voltage, and provide load for other devices. They are available in carbon film, metal film, wire-wound, and surface-mount formats.
Capacitors are two-terminal electrical components that can store energy in an electric field. They are used to provide filtering, smoothing, and timing functions in electronic circuits.
Transistors are semiconductor devices with three terminals that can amplify or switch electronic signals. They are one of the most important devices in the field of electronics.
