Knowledge of circuit components is highly essential if one wants to understand the basics of modern technology. No matter what complex structure is before you, at the back end, there are thousands of circuits working together. In order to go into the depths of things, it is essential that one starts with the foundation of it.
Technology has a great impact on every walk of life. But how did humankind evolve from the Stone Age to functional robots? All of this may be attributed to the invention of the battery by Alessandro Volta and ultimately, the formation of an electric circuit. Almost everything that you can picture in front of your eyes has the same basic components.
In this article, we will explore the different components of a circuit board, its active and passive components, and how these electronic components affect our everyday lives.
What are Circuit Components?
Ever seen the electricity in your house and wondered how this is even possible? You can switch any type of electronic device on or off by simply using a button. Although it may sound magical, there is simple science behind it.
There is current flowing in a closed path inside your house, which allows you to use these appliances. This path of closed current flow is a circuit. And the elements or devices making up this circuit are called its components. They include resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, and other complex parts.
Each of these components has its own designated role and is attributed some signs. Identifying them could be easily done through the naked eye or through the signs apparent on them. Some of these parts may aid in generating light, while others may amplify a sound. However, some components of the circuit remain the same, like a power source, a wire, or a load.
While it looks complex, apparently, it is much simpler than you think. It is for this reason that it is advised to start with the very basics and then move towards advanced concepts.
Classification of Circuit Components
Circuit components are further classified into a number of types, depending upon the role they play. This classification may be based on a number of factors, ranging from construction to the type of signal they process.
1. Active and passive components – The presence of an external energy source and the ability to amplify signals differentiate these two components.
2. Discrete and integrated components – The difference lies in the ability to perform functions individually or in an integrated manner.
3. Analog and digital components – The type of signals required in processing these circuits marks the difference.
Categorizing the circuits into their constituent parts makes it easier to understand and study modern technology.
Active and Passive Components
Differing in the ability to amplify a signal, this type of classification is one of the most essential while studying electronics.
• Passive electronic components are marked by their inability to amplify a signal. They operate without any external power source and help dissipate, absorb, or store energy. This task of energy management can be achieved with resistors, capacitors, or inductors.
• Active components, as opposed to the passive ones, can amplify a signal. While they do require an external power source to function, they are primarily involved in controlling the flow of current in the circuit. It is essential to realize that every circuit has at least one active component in it. These include transistors, operational amplifiers, etc.
These basic electronic components are essential in the normal functioning of a circuit. Without one, there won’t be any amplification of signals, and the absence of the former may lead to failure in energy management.
Discrete vs. Integrated Components
Circuits can also be classified in another way:
• Discrete components are like lone warriors. In a discrete circuit, any individual component would be performing only a single role. They are simpler to design but require more board space in order to operate. Any component could be taken out and replaced in these types of circuits. Examples include resistors, capacitors, and transistors.
• Integrated components, as evident from the name, integrate many functions together. They require less board space as they are complex circuits on a tiny silicon chip. Due to the presence of such a large number of components, integrated circuits are very high-performing. Despite its higher efficiency, integrated circuits are cheaper and require less energy. Examples are microprocessors, memory chips, and sensors.
Analog vs. Digital Circuit Components
This classification of circuit components is based on the type of signals they process.
• Analog components process only analog or continuous signals. Analog signals are the ones available naturally, so these components do not require any sort of signal converter. Major drawbacks include high power consumption and susceptibility to errors. For example, audio amplifiers and analog meters.
• Digital components process digital signals and require signal converters. These discrete signals are represented by binary values like 0s and 1s. They consume far less power than analog ones and are not susceptible to noise interruptions. Such types of components are used in smartphones, laptops, etc., because they use digital signals.
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Basic Electronic Components in a Circuit
In order to fully understand circuit components, we must first analyze their foundation.
• Resistors – Resist or control the flow of current. The resistance in a resistor varies depending on how much current it can block.
• Capacitors – Act like a battery in storing and releasing electrical charge. Its ability to do so is called its capacitance.
• Inductors – Used for energy storage, inductors are used to create magnetic fields. They help transform electrical energy into magnetic energy.
• Diodes – Named after the two electrodes they possess, diodes only allow current to flow in a single direction.
• Transistors – A three-terminal device used to amplify or switch signals.
• Switches and Relays – Used for connection and disconnection, switches and relays provide user control.
• Power sources – Sources that provide power, like batteries and adapters.
All types of electronics use these circuit components in order to operate.
Identifying Circuit Components
It is essential to identify components of a circuit board in order to have a thorough understanding of them.
• Labels and codes – Each circuit component is marked with a specific code in order to make it easier to identify. For example, R for resistor, D for diode, etc.
• Electronic components symbols – Signs or drawings used to indicate electronic components.
• Testing tools – Tools used to test the properties of electrical components. Common types of testing tools include LCR meters and Signal Generators.
• Visual inspection – Using the naked eye to understand the physical shapes of circuit board parts in order to help identify them.
Identifying circuit components helps in the inspection of a circuit board to ensure their presence.
Applications of Circuit Components in Electronics
Circuit components have endless applications in our day-to-day lives. From consumer electronics to medical benefits, we owe them a lot.
• Consumer Electronics – Home electronics, or devices of everyday use, rely heavily on electronic components.
• Industrial Automation – From robotics to automated industrial processes, these components of a circuit play a great part.
• Automotive Electronics – Circuit board parts are also used in automotive electronics, like safety systems, infotainment devices, etc.
• Medical Devices – Medical diagnostic devices are also composed of basic electronic components.
• Telecommunications – PCB board components are utilized in the telecommunications industry, such as radios, satellites, and Wi-Fi routers.
Conclusion
The world of technology is continuously evolving, and if we don't keep up with it, we may be left behind. Circuit components are the key to understanding every complex structure around us. Only with a thorough knowledge of the parts of a circuit will one be able to comprehend the complexities in electronic devices.
Their innumerable applications, ranging from medical devices to consumer electronics, have completely transformed our lives. The first step in learning these basic components starts with identifying them. Beginners must also dive deep into the classification system for a better understanding.
