Electronic components and their symbols establish their unique presence within the electric field. Each component has its own ability and performance. They are differentiated on the basis of their performance in the electric circuit. Each component has its own working and symbol. Some components are used in low and some are used in high voltage circuits. Each component performs under certain circumstances i.e. proper biased conditions. They are further distinguished on the basis of their ratings and sizes.
Difference between electrical & electronic components
When a printed circuit board (PCB) is seen, there are various components on the board, some are electrical in nature and some are electronic components. Both of the components can be differentiated on the basis of the material used for their manufacturing. Those components made from semiconductor material are called electronic components. Those components which do not pass this definition are called electrical components.
Here is a list of some basic electronic components.
- Diodes (PN, Zenor)
- LEDs
- SCR
- Transistors
- MOSFETS
- JFET
- ICs
On the other side, here is the list of some basic electrical components.
- Resistor
- Capacitor
- Inductor
- Transformers
- Relays
- Switches
It is up to one’s understanding how you want to discriminate against all these components, but dividing them into groups is better.
UNDERSTAND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND THEIR SYMBOLS BY READING THIS ARTICLE AND DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF ELECTRONICS AS THEY ARE ESSENTIAL FOR BUILDING, REPAIRING, AND ANALYZING CIRCUITS!
How many Types of Electronic Components
1. Passive Components
These components can be defined as those components which do not require an external power source to operate. The most used components are as follows:
- Resistors: Resistors are used to limit the electrical current and deviate voltage path.
- Capacitors: Capacitors are used to store and release electrical energy and are used in filtering and timing applications.
- Inductors: Inductors are used to store energy in a magnetic field and are used in filtering and energy storage.
2. Active Components
Active components are types of components that require an external source. They are used to control the flow of electric current.
The following are some active components:
- Diodes: These components allow current to move in one direction only and are used in the process of rectification.
- Transistors: Transistors perform as switches or amplifiers, which can be said as the fundamentals of modern electronics,
- Integrated Circuits (ICs): Integrated circuits are used to combine multiple components to form a single chip. It has various functions mainly from amplifying signals to processing data.
Common Electronic Components
1. Resistor
Symbol: The symbol of the resistor is as a zigzag line or sometimes as a rectangular box.
Function: Its basic function is to limit the flow of current and manage the voltage levels within circuits. However, the work according to Ohm’s Law 𝑉=𝐼𝑅 where the resistance R affects how much current 𝐼 flows for a given voltage V.
2. Capacitor
Symbol: The basic electronic components symbol for a capacitor is two parallel lines with a little gap between them to show to non-polarized capacitors.
Function: The capacitors are responsible for releasing electrical energy to stabilize and filter the signals in AC/DC circuits. It works by allowing AC signals to pass, at the same time it blocks DC signals so that the RF circuits work as coupling elements.
3. Inductor
Symbol: The third common electronic component is known as an inductor that is represented by a series of loops almost look like coils.
Function: How do inductors work? It is basically a common electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field during the flow of current through it. This works by resisting any sudden changes in the current and makes them effective for tuning circuits.
4. Diode
Symbol: Its symbol consists of a triangle that points to join a triangle which represents the direction of the conventional current
Function: These are used to make current flow unidirectional and hinder the reverse current to protect various sensitive parts and components
5. Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Symbol: The symbol of LED is almost similar to a diode symbol but in this one, the arrows indicate the light emission!
Function: so how does it work? The LEDs discharge lights when the current flows through them and they are highly cost efficient and help to save energy bills.
6. Transistor
Symbol: the transistor symbol is different for each type. For example, a bipolar junction transistor or BJT is a symbol in which the arrow indicates the current direction.
Function: However, this is the modern symbol electronic component that amplifies and switches signals.
7. Switch
Symbol: It consists of various types, such as SPST(Single Pole Single Throw) and DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw).
Function: These are used in the opening and closing of the circuits. You can say that simple on-and-off control or complex multiple-path connections can be adjusted through switches.
8. Relay
Symbol: The symbol of relay is a combination of a coil and a switch symbol.
Function: The relay works by operating a large amount of current with the help of a small input current. They are used in automatic and HVAC systems.
9. Integrated Circuit (IC)
Symbol: It is symbolized as a rectangular shape with multiple pins coming from either side.
Function: Numerous components are pinned down to one IC, which is basically used as a brain for functioning.
10. Battery
Symbol: Its symbol consists of short and large lines representing coils.
Function: These are used to store chemical energy which helps provide a DC power source.
11. Transformer
Symbol: It is represented by two coils which are separated by a core.
Function: It is used to manipulate and transfer energy between circuits via electromagnetic induction.
12. Oscillator
Symbol: It has a symbol of a rectangle with an output waveform.
Function: It is used as a timing source that provides a continuous signal at a specific frequency.
NOW YOU ARE WELL EQUIPPED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF ALL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS WHETHER YOU’RE A HOBBYIST OR A PROFESSIONAL, THIS KNOWLEDGE IS CRUCIAL FOR TROUBLESHOOTING, DESIGNING, OR SIMPLY UNDERSTANDING HOW ELECTRONIC DEVICES WORK!
Final Words
In general, it can be penned down by saying that electrical components play a pivotal role in designing and building electrical circuits. Every component has its own role in the circuitry. The stability of the electronic systems depends on the interaction of these components. For engineers, It is necessary to understand all the functions and applications of electrical components. However, if you are the one confused to evaluate how much electronic materials will cost you. You can rely on professional electrical estimators to get reliable projections and complete the project within budget!