Hardware
Resistance | E. Capacitor | Diode | Zener Diode | Transistor | Diac | P.Capacitor | Traic | MOV | V. Resistance | Battery | LDR | Fuse | DC Motor | LED | Relay | ON/OFF Switch | Microphone
Components Detailed Operation
Resistance
A resistor is an essential electronic component that limits the flow of electrical current in a circuit. It is used to control voltage and current levels, protect components, and divide voltage. Resistors are identified by their resistance value, measured in ohms (Ω), and come in various types such as carbon film, metal film, and wire-wound.
Electrolytic Capacitor
Electrolytic capacitors store and release electrical energy in circuits, particularly in applications requiring high capacitance values, such as power supplies and audio equipment. They use an electrolyte as one of their electrodes and are polarized, meaning they have distinct positive and negative terminals.
Diode
Diodes allow electrical current to flow in only one direction, making them crucial for rectification in power supplies. They are also used for signal demodulation, voltage regulation, and protection against voltage spikes. The most common types include silicon and Schottky diodes.
Zener Diode
Zener diodes are designed to allow current to flow in the reverse direction when a specific breakdown voltage is reached. They are commonly used for voltage regulation and protection in electronic circuits, ensuring stable operation under varying load conditions.
Transistor
Transistors act as amplifiers and switches in electronic circuits. They are the backbone of modern electronics, enabling functions like signal amplification, switching, and oscillation. The two main types are bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs).
DIAC
A DIAC (Diode for Alternating Current) is a bidirectional electronic component that conducts current only after its breakdown voltage is reached. It is often used in conjunction with TRIACs for triggering and controlling AC circuits, especially in light dimmers and motor speed controls.
Polyester Capacitor
Polyester capacitors are non-polarized capacitors known for their reliability and stability in filtering, coupling, and timing applications. They are widely used in electronic circuits due to their low cost and good performance.
TRIAC
A TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current) is a semiconductor device that controls the flow of electrical power in both directions. It is commonly used in AC power control applications like dimming lights, controlling motor speeds, and regulating heaters.
MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor)
MOVs protect electronic devices from voltage spikes by clamping excess voltage to a safe level. They are commonly found in surge protectors and power strips, safeguarding circuits against transient voltages.
Variable Resistance (Potentiometer)
Variable resistors, or potentiometers, allow users to adjust the resistance within a circuit manually. They are widely used for controlling volume, tuning, and dimming lights in electronic devices.
Battery
Batteries are energy storage devices that provide DC power to electronic circuits. They come in various types, such as alkaline, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium, catering to applications ranging from small electronics to electric vehicles.
LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)
LDRs are light-sensitive components whose resistance decreases with increasing light intensity. They are used in applications like light sensors, automatic street lights, and alarm systems.
Fuse
A fuse is a safety device that protects electronic circuits from overcurrent by melting its conductive element when the current exceeds a certain threshold. They prevent damage to components and reduce fire risks.
DC Motor
DC motors convert electrical energy into mechanical motion and are widely used in various applications, such as robotics, toys, and household appliances. They offer precise speed and direction control.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LEDs are energy-efficient light sources that emit light when an electric current passes through them. They are used in displays, indicators, and general lighting due to their long life and low power consumption.
Relay
A relay is an electromechanical switch that allows one circuit to control another, often with a different voltage or current. They are widely used in automation, protection systems, and remote control applications.
ON/OFF Switch
ON/OFF switches are simple devices that allow users to control the flow of current in a circuit. They come in various types, including toggle, push-button, and rocker switches, and are found in almost every electronic device.
Microphone
Microphones convert sound waves into electrical signals and are essential in audio recording, communication, and voice recognition systems. Types include dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones, each suited for specific applications.
Resistance
Technical Specification:
Type: Fixed or Variable (Potentiometer).
Material: Carbon film, metal film, or wire-wound.
Resistance Range: Typically 0.1 ohm to 10 MΩ.
Tolerance: ±1% to ±5%.
Power Rating: 0.125W to 10W.
Temperature Coefficient: ±50 ppm/°C to ±200 ppm/°C.
Electrolytic Capacitor
Technical Specification:
Type: Polarized.
Capacitance Range: 0.1 µF to 10,000 µF.
Voltage Rating: 6.3V to 450V.
Tolerance: ±10% to ±20%.
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): Low ESR options available.
Diode
Technical Specification:
Type: Rectifier, Signal, or Schottky.
Forward Voltage Drop: 0.7V (silicon) or 0.3V (Schottky).
Reverse Voltage: Up to 1,000V.
Current Rating: 1A to 100A.
Switching Speed: Fast recovery, typically < 4ns.
Zener Diode
Technical Specification:
Voltage Range: 2.4V to 200V.
Power Dissipation: 0.25W to 5W.
Tolerance: ±5% or better.
Temperature Coefficient: Varies with voltage, ±2 mV/°C typical.
Transistor
Technical Specification:
Type: NPN or PNP (BJT), N-channel or P-channel (MOSFET).
Voltage Rating: 20V to 1,200V.
Current Rating: 0.1A to 50A.
Power Dissipation: Up to 150W.
Switching Speed: 10ns to 100ns.
DIAC
Technical Specification:
Breakover Voltage: 28V to 40V.
Current Handling: Up to 2A.
Switching Speed: Rapid, typically nanoseconds.
Polyester Capacitor
Technical Specification:
Capacitance Range: 1 nF to 1 µF.
Voltage Rating: 50V to 630V.
Tolerance: ±5% to ±10%.
Temperature Stability: ±100 ppm/°C.
TRIAC
Technical Specification:
Voltage Rating: 400V to 1,200V.
Current Rating: 4A to 40A.
Gate Trigger Voltage: 1V to 2.5V.
Switching Speed: Milliseconds.
MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor)
Technical Specification:
Clamping Voltage: 14V to 1,000V.
Energy Handling: Up to 10 Joules.
Response Time: < 25ns.
Peak Current: 1kA to 40kA.
Variable Resistance (Potentiometer)
Technical Specification:
Resistance Range: 100Ω to 1MΩ.
Power Rating: 0.1W to 2W.
Type: Rotary or Linear.
Tolerance: ±10% to ±20%.
Battery
Technical Specification:
Type: Alkaline, Lithium-ion, or NiMH.
Voltage: 1.2V to 12V.
Capacity: 200mAh to 5,000mAh.
Rechargeable: Yes or No.
LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)
Technical Specification:
Resistance Range: 1KΩ (light) to 10MΩ (dark).
Peak Wavelength Sensitivity: 520nm to 700nm.
Response Time: 20ms to 200ms.
Fuse
Technical Specification:
Type: Fast-acting or slow-blow.
Current Rating: 0.1A to 20A.
Voltage Rating: 250V to 1,000V.
DC Motor
Technical Specification:
Voltage: 1.5V to 24V.
RPM: 500 to 12,000.
Current Rating: 0.5A to 5A.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Technical Specification:
Forward Voltage: 2V to 3.3V.
Current: 10mA to 20mA.
Luminous Intensity: 500mcd to 1,000mcd.
Relay
Technical Specification:
Voltage: 5V to 24V.
Contact Rating: 10A to 30A.
Switching Speed: 10ms to 20ms.
ON/OFF Switch
Technical Specification:
Type: SPST, DPDT.
Current Rating: 0.5A to 20A.
Voltage: 12V to 240V.
Microphone
Technical Specification:
Type: Electret or Dynamic.
Frequency Range: 50Hz to 16kHz.
Sensitivity: -60dB to -40dB.