🔹 What are Electronic Components?

Electronic components are the basic building blocks of all electronic circuits. These components work together to control current flow, process signals, store data, and perform logic functions within an electronic device. They can be categorized into passive, active, and electromechanical components.

📘 1. Passive Components

Passive components do not generate energy or amplify signals. They simply respond to the electrical signals.

1.1 Resistors

• Function: Limit current flow and divide voltages.

• Types: Fixed, variable (potentiometer), SMD, high-power.

• Unit: Ohms (Ω)

• Common Uses: Voltage regulation, biasing, signal conditioning.

1.2 Capacitors

• Function: Store and release electrical energy.

• Types: Ceramic, electrolytic, tantalum, film, SMD.

• Unit: Farads (F)

• Common Uses: Filtering, decoupling, energy storage, timing circuits.

1.3 Inductors

• Function: Store energy in magnetic fields; resist changes in current.

• Types: Wire-wound, toroidal, SMD inductors.

• Unit: Henry (H)

• Common Uses: Power supplies, filters, transformers, RF circuits.

1.4 Transformers

• Function: Transfer electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction.

• Types: Step-up, step-down, isolation transformers.

• Common Uses: Power regulation, impedance matching, isolation.

⚡ 2. Active Components

Active components control the flow of electricity, amplify signals, or perform switching operations.

2.1 Diodes

• Function: Allow current to flow in one direction only.

• Types: Standard, Zener, Schottky, Light Emitting Diode (LED), Photodiodes.

• Uses: Rectification, voltage regulation, signal demodulation, light emission.

2.2 Transistors

• Function: Act as switches or amplifiers.

• Types: Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT), Field Effect Transistors (FET), MOSFET.

• Uses: Signal amplification, switching, voltage regulation, logic gates.

2.3 Integrated Circuits (ICs)

• Function: Miniaturized circuits with multiple transistors, resistors, and capacitors.

• Types: Analog ICs (op-amps, regulators), Digital ICs (microcontrollers, logic gates), Mixed-Signal ICs.

• Uses: Data processing, signal control, computing, communication.

2.4 Thyristors (SCRs, TRIACs)

• Function: Used for switching high power.

• Uses: AC power control, motor control, dimmers.

🧠 3. Electromechanical Components

These components combine electrical and mechanical functionality.

3.1 Relays

• Function: Electrically operated switch.

• Types: Electromechanical, solid-state.

• Uses: Isolation, load control, automation systems.

3.2 Switches

• Function: Manual control of current flow.

• Types: Toggle, push-button, DIP, rotary.

• Uses: User inputs, circuit control.

3.3 Connectors

• Function: Join circuits together.

• Types: Pin headers, USB, HDMI, terminal blocks.

• Uses: PCB interconnection, power supply, data communication.

3.4 Fuses and Circuit Breakers

• Function: Protect circuits from overcurrent.

• Types: Glass, blade, thermal circuit breakers.

• Uses: Safety, power distribution.