The Common Electrical Components Used for Electronic Devices and Equipment

Electronic devices have consistently advanced over the years with new capabilities and increased efficiency, all made possible through the various electrical components that make them up. There are numerous electrical components that serve as basic building blocks for circuits, and each has different functionalities that come together to make the device’s operations possible. Whether the electronic is a simple calculator or an advanced personal computer system, many devices will share much of the same components for their electrical circuits. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the most common electrical components that are found in various electronics and projects.

Resistor

A resistor is a commonplace component for circuits, and they serve to regulate or restrict the flow of current. Generally, resistors are employed for the means of providing a transistor with a specific voltage and for the protection of sensitive components. For their operation, resistors absorb electrical energy and disperse it in the form of heat.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a passive component with two terminals, and they may be used to store an electrical charge when current is induced. Capacitors can retain their energy even after disconnection from the power source, and they are commonly used for timing circuits or as filters to impede the flow of DC signals. 

Inductor

Inductors are also two-terminal passive components, and they store electrical charges in the form of magnetic energy. With a conductor wound into a coil, a magnetic field is generated when current flows through the coil. Generally, inductors are used for analog circuits and signal processing.

Transformer

Transformers are passive components that are implemented within electronics for the means of transferring electrical energy between circuits. With two coils of wire linked together by an iron core, voltage and current levels can also be adjusted with ease. Transformers operate on the principles of Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, and this allows them to transfer electricity and step-up and step-down voltages.

Battery

A battery is a common component of numerous electronic devices, and they create electrical energy through the conversion of chemical energy. In general, batteries contain one or more cells which consist of an anode, cathode, and electrolyte. Cells may either be primary or secondary types, and primary types are non-rechargeable while secondary types are rechargeable.

Fuse

A fuse is a circuit protection device that can protect electrical circuits from current overloads and faults. A standard fuse consists of a metal wire or strip which is designed to melt when an excess amount of current flows through it. As such, the fuse serves as a sacrificial device that can rapidly interrupt a current when an overload condition occurs.

Diodes and LEDs

Diodes are devices that are composed of semiconductor materials, and they are designed to only allow current to pass in one direction. For their applications, diodes are commonly used for converting alternating current to direct current on a circuit. LEDs, or light emitting diodes, are a specific type of diode that can emit visible light when certain frequencies are passed through them.

Transistors

Transistors are three terminal electronic devices that are constructed from semiconductor materials, and they are often used for the regulation of voltage or current flow. In addition to its regulatory role, a transistor may also serve as a switch for electronic signals. PNP and NPN transistors are the two primary types available, though a majority of circuits rely on the NPN variation.

Switch

A switch is a commonplace electrical component that is capable of connecting or disconnecting contacts in order to interrupt current or to transfer it across conductors. Switches can come in numerous configurations and may actuate a process in various ways depending on their control method.

Relays

A relay is a type of electromechanical switch capable of controlling circuits through a single signal or a low power signal. Through the use of electromagnets, solid-state technology, or other operating principles, the relay can open and close contacts to manage a circuit.

Beyond such examples, there are numerous electrical components that may be found in countless electrical device and equipment types. At ASAP Parts Online, we can help you procure all the electronic components that you need for your operations with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times. As a leading online distributor of parts, we choose to only stock our inventory from top global manufacturers that we trust, and every item is thoroughly tested and inspected for quality assurance prior to shipment. Experience how ASAP Parts Online is revolutionizing the part procurement process today and receive a personalized quote for your comparisons when you fill out and submit an RFQ form through our website.

1. mary wilson
2. Posted on May 10, 2021
3. electronics

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