Umair Gaines
Computers are complex machines that rely on a multitude of electrical components to function. These components are arranged on a circuit board, which is a plastic board with copper tracks and holes to affix the components. The components themselves include resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Each of these components plays a specific role in the flow of electricity and the processing of data within the computer. The complexity and number of components can vary depending on the application and type of computer, with gaming PCs and other specialized machines requiring more intricate setups. Understanding these electrical components is essential for both the manufacturing and repair of computers, as well as for the advancement of technology that continues to miniaturize and improve these components.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passive Components | Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, diodes, thermistors, resistance wire, nichrome wire |
| Active Components | Transistors, integrated circuits (ICs), logic gates |
| Capacitors | Store electrical charge, used for filtering power supply lines, tuning resonant circuits, blocking DC voltages while passing AC signals |
| Diodes | Allow current flow in one direction |
| Integrated Circuits (ICs) | Miniature electronic circuits with multiple components on a single chip, essential for modern electronics due to compact size, high reliability, and ability to perform complex functions |
| Inductors | Used for energy storage, create transformers when combined with shared magnetic fields |
| Transistors | Act as a switch controlled by an electrical signal |
| Transformers | Fundamental components of power transmission systems, increase or decrease voltages |
| Sensors | Transducers that react to environmental conditions by changing electrical properties or generating an electrical signal |
| Recloser | Automatic switch that opens during an overcurrent fault, repeats a specified number of times before maintaining an open position |
| Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter | Circuit breaker that protects against arcs |
| Network Protector | Protective device that disconnects a distribution transformer when energy flow reverses |
| Magnetic Starter | Electromechanical switch used in motors |
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What You'll Learn
Integrated circuits
The first integrated circuit was invented in 1958 at Texas Instruments by Jack Kilby. However, it was the development of the MOSFET at Bell Labs between 1955 and 1960 that made it possible to build high-density integrated circuits. The MOSFET, or metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor, did not require the numerous steps needed to isolate the p–n junction of transistors on a chip, unlike bipolar transistors. This led to the creation of the first microprocessors and microcontrollers in the early 1970s.
ICs are made up of electronic components such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, and inductors, etched or layered onto a small, flat piece of semiconductor material. These components are then connected together to achieve a common goal. The chips are printed as a unit by photolithography, rather than being constructed one transistor at a time, which makes the process faster and cheaper.
ICs are essential in modern electronics due to their compact size, high reliability, and ability to perform complex functions. They are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and televisions, to perform various functions such as processing and storing information. They have enabled device miniaturization, enhanced functionality, and reduced manufacturing costs.
ICs come in a wide range of functionality, complexity, and size. They can contain thousands, millions, or even billions of transistors in a tiny chip. Simple microcontrollers can be found in packages ranging from DIP to QFN/QFP, with pin counts between eight and a hundred. More complex components, such as FPGAs and microprocessors, can have upwards of a thousand pins and are only available in advanced packages.
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Capacitors
A capacitor is a passive device that stores and releases electrical energy. It is made of two or more sets of two conductive plates with a thin insulator between them, wrapped in a ceramic and plastic container. When a capacitor receives a DC (direct current), a positive charge builds up on one set of plates, while a negative charge builds up on the other. This charge remains in the capacitor until it is discharged.
In computers, capacitors are used to maintain a consistent voltage while the power supply responds to current changes. They are also used in signal processing, where they smooth out spikes and sharp edges from a signal. In DRAM chips, capacitors are microscopic cells that hold the binary 0s and 1s (bits) that computers use to process information.
Most of the capacitors in computers are small ceramic capacitors that look like little brown rectangles. They can also be tiny discrete ceramic and tantalum capacitors built outside the chip package or surrounding the chip on the motherboard.
Like any other component, capacitors can fail, and when they do, they can cause the computer or other components to fail as well. Blown capacitors can be replaced, but it is often easier to replace the motherboard.
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Resistors
A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that introduces resistance to the flow of electric current in an electrical circuit to limit the current. The magnitude of the opposition to the flow of current is called the resistance of the resistor. A larger resistance value indicates a greater opposition to current flow. The resistance is measured in ohms (Ω), and its equation is as follows: V = IR. The higher the resistance (R), the lower the current (I) for a given voltage (V) across it. This is known as Ohm's Law. Resistors are made using different materials such as carbon film, metal film, Nichrome wire, and other resistive materials.
There are various types of resistors, including axial resistors, surface mount resistors, and wirewound resistors. Axial resistors are discrete components with wire leads that are soldered to other components or to the circuit board. Surface mount resistors are soldered on top of the circuit board and are identified by number rather than colour bands. Wirewound resistors are made by winding Nichrome or similar wire on an insulating form, allowing them to handle higher currents compared to carbon-composition resistors of the same physical size.
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Transformers
A transformer's core is typically made of thin, stacked sheets of steel, with the unit's windings wrapped around this core. The core focuses the magnetic coupling and ensures an efficient transfer of energy between the primary and secondary windings. The primary winding receives the input voltage, while the secondary winding steps the voltage up or down, depending on the application. Transformers can also provide galvanic isolation between circuits and couple stages of signal-processing circuits.
Overall, transformers play a crucial role in electrical systems, including computers, by regulating voltage levels and facilitating the efficient transmission and utilisation of electrical energy.
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Diodes
One of the primary functions of diodes is to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). This process is known as rectification. Diodes are also used in clamping circuits, logical gates, and as circuit protectors to limit voltage. A common variant of a diode is a light-emitting diode (LED), which emits light when an electric current passes through it. LEDs are available in different colours and are used in electronic devices as status indicators.
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Frequently asked questions
Some basic electrical components of a computer include resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.
A resistor is a component that resists the flow of current. It is used to control the voltages and currents in a circuit.
An integrated circuit (IC) is a miniaturized electronic circuit that contains multiple components (such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors) on a single chip of semiconductor material. They are essential for modern electronics due to their compact size, high reliability, and ability to perform complex functions.
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