A Guide to the Basics of Electronic Components [Types & Functions]

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Electronic Components: Key Points

• Electronic components are divided into active components (like transistors and ICs) that amplify or switch signals, and passive components (like capacitors and resistors) that store or regulate energy
• They form the building blocks of every electronic circuit, from consumer gadgets to industrial control systems
• Both essential in modern devices, digital electronics use discrete signals (1s and 0s) while analog electronics process continuous signals
• A standard electronic components list includes parts such as microprocessors, diodes, transformers, and potentiometers
• Understanding electronic symbols and component behavior helps engineers troubleshoot, repair, and design more efficiently

The latest statistics show that the global electronic components market was valued at USD 186.38 billion.

These components, varying from simple resistors to complex integrated circuits, are integral in devices like smartphones, computers, and sophisticated industrial machinery.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The difference between active and passive electronic components
• Real-world examples of how components like resistors, capacitors, and microcontrollers power modern tech
• The role of analog and digital electronics in today’s devices
• How to identify common electronics components by function and application
• Why sourcing high-quality components is critical for long-term reliability

Find the best quality electronic components at AGS Devices.

Types of Electronic Components

Electronic components can be categorized into two main types: active components and passive components.

Active Components

Active components can introduce energy into a circuit and can amplify or process electrical signals. They are key to control and contain electrical power and information in a circuit.

Active components include:

• Transistors
• Diodes
• Integrated Circuits (ICs)
• Microprocessors
• Microcontrollers
• Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps)

Passive Components

Passive electronic components cannot introduce energy into the circuit. They only consume or store energy.

Passive components include:

• Resistors
• Capacitors
• Inductors
• Transformers
• Potentiometers

Functions and B2B Usage of Active and Passive Electronic Components

Each electronic component, whether active or passive, plays a pivotal role in the overall functioning and stability of a circuit. 

We’re going to explain the difference between active and passive components and elaborate on where they’re used the most.

Active Components: Function and Usage

Active components enable functions such as amplification and signal processing.

The most common active components include:

• Transistors: Transistors are the most essential active components in electronic circuits. They function primarily as switches. They can turn a signal on or off and amplify weak signals. They are widely used in circuit boards for computers and industrial machinery and are integral in controlling operations and processing signals. In telecommunications, they are key for amplifying signals in transceivers and network equipment.
• Diodes: Diodes allow current to flow in one direction, which is essential for rectification and signal modulation. They are used in power supply units for converting AC to DC, in communication devices for signal demodulation, and in industrial automation for controlling current flow.

• Integrated Circuits (ICs): ICs can perform a vast array of functions, from simple timing tasks in a quartz watch to complex processing in a computer’s central processing unit. ICs are the brains behind most modern electronics, including computers, smartphones, and industrial control systems.
• Microprocessors: Microprocessors handle digital data by executing instructions from the device’s memory. Office equipment, advanced manufacturing systems, and the operational control of various machinery and vehicles commonly use microprocessors.
• Microcontrollers: These are specialized ICs designed to control specific operations in an electronic device. They are commonly used in embedded systems for controlling machinery, in automotive electronics for managing functions like engine control, and in various IoT (Internet of Things) devices for smart industrial applications.
• Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps): Used in signal processing, Op-Amps can amplify a wide range of signal types. They’re used in industrial measurement and control instruments, in audio processing equipment, and in medical devices for signal amplification and conditioning.

Passive Components: Function and Usage

Passive components control, stabilize, and facilitate the flow of electricity in a circuit.

The most common passive components include:

• Resistors: All resistor types resist the flow of electricity, helping to manage current and voltage levels within a circuit. They are used in manufacturing control circuits, power supply systems, and telecommunications equipment for impedance matching and signal conditioning.
• Capacitors: Capacitors store and release electrical energy, playing a key role in filtering out noise, stabilizing voltage, and storing energy temporarily. Many types of capacitors are crucial in power electronics, energy storage systems, and application filtering in telecommunications. They also play a role in smoothing out power fluctuations in industrial machinery.
• Inductors: Inductors store energy in a magnetic field. Many types of widely used in power supplies for filtering noise and in RF (radio frequency) applications for signal processing. Inductors are also integral in the automotive industry for electronic control systems.
• Transformers: These components transfer electrical energy between two circuits without direct electrical connection. Various types of transformers are key in power distribution networks, in medical imaging equipment, and in audio systems for impedance matching.
• Potentiometers: As variable resistors, these devices enable the manual adjustment of resistance in a circuit. They are commonly used in industrial control panels for setting levels or calibration, in professional audio equipment for volume control, and in automotive dashboards for adjusting various settings.

How Electronic Components Work Together

The interaction of electronic components in a circuit is a teamwork effort, where each element plays a specific role and their collective operation creates a functioning system.

Basic Circuitry

In basic circuitry, the primary goal is to control the flow of electric current in a desired way to perform a specific function. A combination of various electronic components, each contributing its unique property, helps achieve this control.

• The combination of electronic components include:
• Resistors control the flow of current, ensuring that other components receive the appropriate current and voltage.
• Capacitors store and release energy, acting as temporary energy buffers and helping to smooth out power supply fluctuations.
• Inductors, much like capacitors, store energy, but in a magnetic field. This is particularly useful in filtering and tuning applications.
• Transistors act as amplifiers or switches. As amplifiers, they boost the strength of an incoming signal. As switches, they control the flow of current in response to an input signal.

Examples of Simple Circuits

• LED Flasher Circuit: This basic circuit uses a transistor to periodically turn on and off an LED. The timing of the flashing is controlled by a resistor-capacitor (RC) network. When the capacitor charges to a certain voltage, the transistor turns on, lighting the LED. As the capacitor discharges, the transistor turns off and the LED goes out. This cycle repeats, creating a flashing effect.
• Simple Radio Receiver: This circuit uses a diode to demodulate (extract) audio signals from radio waves. The diode rectifies the received radio frequency signal, allowing only half of the wave (either the positive or negative part) to pass through. An inductor and a capacitor form a tank circuit that selects the frequency of the desired radio station, and a headphone or speaker connected to the circuit enables listening to the audio.
• Voltage Divider: This is a basic circuit consisting of two resistors connected in series. By choosing resistors with suitable values, this circuit can divide the input voltage to a lower output voltage. This is a fundamental concept in designing electronic circuits where specific voltage levels are required.

In these examples, components like resistors, capacitors, transistors, and diodes work with each other to achieve specific functions — from blinking an LED to receiving radio signals.

AGS Devices will meet your electronic component needs across various industries.

The Importance of Electronic Components

Electronic components are the building blocks of modern technology, playing crucial roles in various sectors. They are integral to various devices, from everyday consumer electronics to complex industrial machinery.

Consumer Electronics

In the realm of consumer electronics, electronic components are indispensable. They are the heart and soul of various devices that have become integral to daily life:

• Smartphones: Smartphones are one of the most used electronic devices today. Components like microprocessors, memory chips, and sensors work together to provide processing power, storage, connectivity, and interactive capabilities for smartphones.
• Televisions and monitors: LCDs, LEDs, capacitors, and ICs are key in displaying images and powering the advanced features of modern TVs and computer monitors.
• Home appliances: From microwaves to refrigerators, electronic components control functionalities, ensure energy efficiency, and provide connectivity and intelligent features in smart appliances.
• Audio and video equipment: Amplifiers, resistors, capacitors, and transistors are fundamental in audio and video devices, influencing the quality and characteristics of sound and visuals.

Industrial Applications

In the industrial sector, electronic components are the backbone of various systems and machinery, enabling automation, control, and efficiency.

Electronic components are used mostly in industries such as:

• Aerospace industry: In the aerospace industry, aerospace electronic components are important for both navigation and communication systems in aircraft and spacecraft. Microcontrollers, sensors, and communication modules are integral for flight control systems, monitoring engines, fuel systems, and environmental controls.
• Automotive industry: The automotive sector is increasingly relying on automotive electronic supply due to the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Components like sensors, microcontrollers, and power electronics are vital for engine management systems, infotainment systems, and safety features like airbags and ABS.
• Consumer electronics industry: This industry covers a wide range of everyday devices such as smartphones, laptops, home appliances, and entertainment systems. Components like ICs, transistors, diodes, and capacitors are fundamental in these products.
• Industrial sector: Electronic components in the industrial sector are crucial for automation, control systems, and machinery operation. Sensors, actuators, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and industrial PCs are the backbone of modern manufacturing, process control, and robotics.
• Medical industry: Medical electronic components are used in many diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic devices. This includes everything from portable blood glucose monitors to complex imaging machines like MRI and CT scanners.
• Military industry: Military applications require electronic components that can operate reliably in the most demanding conditions, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference. Components are used in communication systems, surveillance equipment, navigation, and weaponry.
• Renewables industry: In the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar and wind energy systems, electronic components are essential for energy conversion, storage, and management. Inverters, controllers, and battery management systems use semiconductors, capacitors, and resistors to efficiently convert and distribute renewable energy.
• Telecommunications: This industry heavily relies on various telecom electronic components for data transmission and communication. Components like amplifiers, modulators, antennas, and switches are used in a broad spectrum of infrastructure, ranging from cellular towers to satellites.

Electrical Components: Key Takeaways

Electronic components work in harmony as each one has a specific role that impacts the performance and functionality of the entire system.

Component identification and sourcing matter, as low-quality or mismatched parts can cause system failure or performance issues.

Active and passive components serve different functions but are equally important in both simple and complex circuits.

Industries ranging from telecommunications to renewables rely on precise component selection for safety, efficiency, and innovation.

AGS Devices provides not just the parts, but the expert support and supply chain solutions engineers and manufacturers rely on to build better systems — take a look below.

AGS Devices: A Trusted Distributor of Electronic Components

AGS Devices is a leading distributor of electronic components, and our goal is to boost the efficiency and reliability of your supply chain in this specialized and dynamic field.

We also distribute electronic components such as:

• Power Supply Distributors
• Semiconductors for Sale
• Optoelectronics
• Circuit Protection
• Interconnects
• Passive Components Electronics
• Electronic Testing Equipment
• Electromechanical Devices

Besides distribution and testing of electronic components, we also offer services such as:

• Sourcing and Procurement
• BOM Management
• Shortage & Obsolescence Solutions
• Excess Material Acquisition

Our knowledgeable team uses the latest technology and industry insights to provide top-tier testing solutions at competitive prices.

We have a diverse team of experts committed to delivering quality components.

FAQs About Electronic Components

Still have questions about electronic components?

Here is some additional information about electronic components you might find useful: 

What are basic electronics and how do they work?

Basic electronics refers to the foundational knowledge and components that make modern technology function, from home appliances to industrial control systems.

Understanding basic electronics is essential for designing, repairing, or sourcing reliable electronics components.

For more Led Lighting PCB Assemblyinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Most electronic circuits consist of electrical parts like resistors, capacitors, and transistors, all working together to control electrical energy flow.

What are electronic components?

Electronic components are devices or elements with specific electrical properties that are used to assemble electronic circuits and systems. These components are the fundamental building blocks of modern electronics and play a crucial role in controlling and manipulating electrical signals.

What are electrical symbols?

Electrical symbols are graphical representations used in circuit diagrams and electrical schematics to depict various electrical and electronic components and their functions. These symbols provide a standardized way to communicate the design and layout of electrical circuits.

What are basic circuit components?

Basic circuit components are the fundamental elements used to construct electrical and electronic circuits.

Basic circuit components include:

• Resistors
• Capacitors
• Inductors
• Diodes
• Transistors
• Integrated Circuits
• Batteries
• Switches
• Fuses
• Light Emitting Diodes (LED)
• Transformers
• Potentiometers

Buy quality electronic components at AGS Devices.

Discrete device in an electronic system

An electronic component is any basic discrete electronic device or physical entity part of an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields. Electronic components are mostly industrial products, available in a singular form and are not to be confused with electrical elements, which are conceptual abstractions representing idealized electronic components and elements. A datasheet for an electronic component is a technical document that provides detailed information about the component's specifications, characteristics, and performance. Discrete circuits are made of individual electronic components that only perform one function each as packaged, which are known as discrete components, although strictly the term discrete component refers to such a component with semiconductor material such as individual transistors.[1][2][3]

Electronic components have a number of electrical terminals or leads. These leads connect to other electrical components, often over wire, to create an electronic circuit with a particular function (for example an amplifier, radio receiver, or oscillator). Basic electronic components may be packaged discretely, as arrays or networks of like components, or integrated inside of packages such as semiconductor integrated circuits, hybrid integrated circuits, or thick film devices. The following list of electronic components focuses on the discrete version of these components, treating such packages as components in their own right.

Components can be classified as passive, active, or electromechanic. The strict physics definition treats passive components as ones that cannot supply energy themselves, whereas a battery would be seen as an active component since it truly acts as a source of energy.

However, electronic engineers who perform circuit analysis use a more restrictive definition of passivity. When only concerned with the energy of signals, it is convenient to ignore the so-called DC circuit and pretend that the power supplying components such as transistors or integrated circuits is absent (as if each such component had its own battery built in), though it may in reality be supplied by the DC circuit. Then, the analysis only concerns the AC circuit, an abstraction that ignores DC voltages and currents (and the power associated with them) present in the real-life circuit. This fiction, for instance, lets us view an oscillator as "producing energy" even though in reality the oscillator consumes even more energy from a DC power supply, which we have chosen to ignore. Under that restriction, we define the terms as used in circuit analysis as:

• Active components rely on a source of energy (usually from the DC circuit, which we have chosen to ignore) and usually can inject power into a circuit, though this is not part of the definition.[4] Active components include amplifying components such as transistors, triode vacuum tubes (valves), and tunnel diodes.
• Passive components cannot introduce net energy into the circuit. They also cannot rely on a source of power, except for what is available from the (AC) circuit they are connected to. As a consequence, they cannot amplify (increase the power of a signal), although they may increase a voltage or current (such as is done by a transformer or resonant circuit). Passive components include two-terminal components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers.
• Electromechanical components can carry out electrical operations by using moving parts or by using electrical connections.

Most passive components with more than two terminals can be described in terms of two-port parameters that satisfy the principle of reciprocity—though there are rare exceptions.[5] In contrast, active components (with more than two terminals) generally lack that property.

Transistors were considered the invention of the twentieth century that changed electronic circuits forever. A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify and switch electronic signals and electrical power.

• Field-effect transistors (FET)
  • MOSFET (metal–oxide–semiconductor FET) – by far the most widely manufactured electronic component (also known as MOS transistor)[6][7]
    • PMOS (p-type MOS)
    • NMOS (n-type MOS)
    • CMOS (complementary MOS)
    • Power MOSFET
      • LDMOS (lateral diffused MOSFET)
    • MuGFET (multi-gate field-effect transistor)
      • FinFET (fin field-effect transistor)
    • TFT (thin-film transistor)
  • FeFET (ferroelectric field-effect transistor)
  • CNTFET (carbon nanotube field-effect transistor)
  • JFET (junction field-effect transistor) – N-channel or P-channel
    • SIT (static induction transistor)
  • MESFET (metal semiconductor FET)
  • HEMT (high-electron-mobility transistor)
• Composite transistors
  • BiCMOS (bipolar CMOS)
  • IGBT (Insulated-gate bipolar transistor)
• Other transistors
  • Bipolar junction transistor (BJT, or simply "transistor") – NPN or PNP
    • Photo transistor – amplified photodetector
  • Darlington transistor – NPN or PNP
    • Photo Darlington – amplified photodetector
  • Sziklai pair (compound transistor, complementary Darlington)
  • Tetrode transistor – is any transistor having four active terminals.
• Thyristors
  • Silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) – passes current only after triggered by a sufficient control voltage on its gate
  • TRIAC (TRIode for Alternating Current) – bidirectional SCR
  • Unijunction transistor (UJT)
  • Programmable Unijunction transistor (PUT)
  • SITh (static induction thyristor)

Conduct electricity easily in one direction, among more specific behaviors.

• Diode, rectifier, diode bridge
• Schottky diode (hot carrier diode) – super fast diode with lower forward voltage drop
• Zener diode – allows current to flow "backwards" when a specific set voltage is reached.
• Transient voltage suppression diode (TVS), unipolar or bipolar – used to absorb high-voltage spikes
• Varicap, tuning diode, varactor, variable capacitance diode – a diode whose AC capacitance varies according to the DC voltage applied.

• Laser diode
• Light-emitting diode (LED) – a diode that emits light
• Photodiode – passes current in proportion to incident light
  • Avalanche photodiode – photodiode with internal gain
  • Solar Cell, photovoltaic cell, PV array or panel – produces power from light
• DIAC (diode for alternating current), Trigger Diode, SIDAC) – often used to trigger an SCR
• Constant-current diode
• Step recovery diode
• Tunnel diode - very fast diode based on quantum mechanical tunneling

Integrated Circuits can serve a variety of purposes, including acting as a timer, performing digital to analog conversion, performing amplification, or being used for logical operations.

• Integrated circuit (IC)
  • MOS integrated circuit (MOS IC)
  • Hybrid integrated circuit (hybrid IC)
  • Mixed-signal integrated circuit
  • Three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC)
• Digital electronics
  • Logic gate
  • Microcontroller
• Analog circuit
  • Hall-effect sensor – senses a magnetic field
  • Current sensor – senses a current through it

• Programmable logic device
  • Field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
  • Complex programmable logic device (CPLD)
• Field-programmable analog array (FPAA)

• Opto-electronics
  • Opto-isolator, opto-coupler, photo-coupler – photodiode, BJT, JFET, SCR, TRIAC, zero-crossing TRIAC, open collector IC, CMOS IC, solid state relay (SSR)
  • Slotted optical switch, opto switch, optical switch
  • LED display – seven-segment display, sixteen-segment display, dot-matrix display

Current:

• Filament lamp (indicator lamp)
• Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) (preformed characters, 7 segment, starburst)
• Cathode-ray tube (CRT) (dot matrix scan, radial scan (e.g. radar), arbitrary scan (e.g. oscilloscope)) (monochrome & colour)
• LCD (preformed characters, dot matrix) (passive, TFT) (monochrome, colour)
• Neon (individual, 7 segment display)
• LED (individual, 7 segment display, starburst display, dot matrix)
• Split-flap display (numeric, preprinted messages)
• Plasma display (dot matrix)
• OLED (similar to an LCD, but each pixel generates its own light, can be made flexible or transparent)
• Micro-LED (similar to OLED, but uses inorganic LEDs instead of organic ones, does not suffer from screen burn-in, however it cannot be made flexible or transparent)

Obsolete:

• Incandescent filament 7 segment display (aka 'Numitron')
• Nixie tube
• Dekatron (aka glow transfer tube)
• Magic eye tube indicator
• Penetron (a 2 colour see-through CRT)

A vacuum tube is based on current conduction through a vacuum (see Vacuum tube).

• Diode or rectifier tube
• Amplification
  • Triode
  • Tetrode
  • Pentode
  • Hexode
  • Pentagrid (Heptode)
  • Octode
  • Traveling-wave tube
  • Klystron
• Oscillation
  • Magnetron
  • Reflex klystron (obsolete)
  • Carcinotron

Optical detectors or emitters

• Phototube or photodiode – tube equivalent of semiconductor photodiode
• Photomultiplier tube – phototube with internal gain
• Cathode-ray tube (CRT) or television picture tube (obsolete)
• Vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) – modern non-raster sort of small CRT display
• Magic eye tube – small CRT display used as a tuning meter (obsolete)
• X-ray tube – generates x-rays

• Gas discharge tube
• Ignitron
• Thyratron

Obsolete:

• Mercury arc rectifier
• Voltage regulator tube
• Nixie tube

Sources of electrical power:

• Battery – acid- or alkali-based power supply.
• Fuel cell – an electrochemical generator
• Power supply – usually a main hook-up
• Photovoltaic device – generates electricity from light
• Thermoelectric generator – generates electricity from temperature gradients
• Electrical generator – an electromechanical power source
• Piezoelectric generator - generates electricity from mechanical strain
• Van de Graaff generator - generates electricity from friction

Components incapable of controlling current by means of another electrical signal are called passive devices. Resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers are all considered passive devices.

Pass current in proportion to voltage (Ohm's law) and oppose current.

• Resistor – fixed value
  • Power resistor – larger to safely dissipate heat generated
  • SIP or DIP resistor network – array of resistors in one package
• Variable resistor
  • Rheostat – two-terminal variable resistor (often for high power)
  • Potentiometer – three-terminal variable resistor (variable voltage divider)[8]
  • Trim pot – small potentiometer, usually for internal adjustments
  • Thermistor – thermally sensitive resistor whose prime function is to exhibit a large, predictable and precise change in electrical resistance when subjected to a corresponding change in body temperature.[9]
  • Humistor – humidity-varied resistor
  • Photoresistor
  • Memristor
  • Varistor, Voltage-dependent resistor, MOV – Passes current when excessive voltage is present
• Resistance wire, Nichrome wire – wire of high-resistance material, often used as a heating element
• Heater – heating element

Capacitors store and release electrical charge. They are used for filtering power supply lines, tuning resonant circuits, and for blocking DC voltages while passing AC signals, among numerous other uses.

• Capacitor
  • Integrated capacitors
    • MIS capacitor
    • Trench capacitor
  • Fixed capacitors
    • Ceramic capacitor
    • Film capacitor
    • Electrolytic capacitor
      • Aluminum electrolytic capacitor
      • Tantalum electrolytic capacitor
      • Niobium electrolytic capacitor (Columbium capacitor)
      • Polymer capacitor, OS-CON
    • Supercapacitor (Electric double-layer capacitor)
      • Nanoionic supercapacitor
      • Lithium-ion capacitor
    • Mica capacitor
    • Vacuum capacitor
  • Variable capacitor – adjustable capacitance
    • Tuning capacitor – variable capacitor for tuning a radio, oscillator, or tuned circuit
    • Trimmer capacitor – small variable capacitor for seldom or rare adjustments of LC-circuits
    • Vacuum variable capacitor
  • Capacitors for special applications
    • Power capacitor
    • Safety capacitor
    • Filter capacitor
    • Light-emitting capacitor (LEC)
    • Motor capacitor
    • Photoflash capacitor
    • Reservoir capacitor / Bulk capacitor
    • Coupling capacitor
    • Decoupling capacitor / Buffer capacitor
    • Bypass capacitor
    • Pull capacitor / Padding capacitor
    • Backup capacitor
    • Switched capacitor
    • Feedthrough capacitor
  • Capacitor network (array)
• Varicap diode – AC capacitance varies according to the DC voltage applied

Integrated passive devices are passive devices integrated within one distinct package. They take up less space than equivalent combinations of discrete components.

Electrical components that use magnetism in the storage and release of electrical charge through current:

• Inductor, coil, choke
• Variable inductor
• Saturable inductor
• Transformer
• Magnetic amplifier (toroid)
• ferrite impedances, beads
• Motor / Generator
• Solenoid
• Loudspeaker and microphone

Electrical components that pass charge in proportion to magnetism or magnetic flux, and have the ability to retain a previous resistive state, hence the name of Memory plus Resistor.

• Memristor

Components that use more than one type of passive component:

• RC network – forms an RC circuit, used in snubbers
• LC Network – forms an LC circuit, used in tunable transformers and RFI filters.

1. Transducers generate physical effects when driven by an electrical signal, or vice versa.
2. Sensors (detectors) are transducers that react to environmental conditions by changing their electrical properties or generating an electrical signal.
3. The transducers listed here are single electronic components (as opposed to complete assemblies), and are passive (see Semiconductors and Tubes for active ones). Only the most common ones are listed here.

• Audio
  • Loudspeaker – Electromagnetic or piezoelectric device to generate full audio
  • Buzzer – Electromagnetic or piezoelectric sounder to generate tones
• Position, motion
  • Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) – Magnetic – detects linear position
  • Rotary encoder, Shaft Encoder – Optical, magnetic, resistive or switches – detects absolute or relative angle or rotational speed
  • Inclinometer – Capacitive – detects angle with respect to gravity
  • Motion sensor, Vibration sensor
  • Flow meter – detects flow in liquid or gas
• Force, torque
  • Strain gauge – Piezoelectric or resistive – detects squeezing, stretching, twisting
  • Accelerometer – Piezoelectric – detects acceleration, gravity
• Thermal
  • Thermocouple, thermopile – Wires that generate a voltage proportional to delta temperature
  • Thermistor – Resistor whose resistance changes with temperature, up PTC or down NTC
  • Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) – Wire whose resistance changes with temperature
  • Bolometer – Device for measuring the power of incident electromagnetic radiation
  • Thermal cutoff – Switch that is opened or closed when a set temperature is exceeded
• Magnetic field (see also Hall Effect in semiconductors)
  • Magnetometer, Gauss meter
• Humidity
  • Hygrometer
• Electromagnetic, light
  • Photo resistor – Light dependent resistor (LDR)

Antennas transmit or receive radio waves

• Elemental dipole
• Yagi
• Phased array
• Loop antenna
• Parabolic dish
• Log-periodic dipole array
• Biconical
• Feedhorn

Multiple electronic components assembled in a device that is in itself used as a component

• Oscillator
• Display devices
  • Liquid crystal display (LCD)
  • Digital voltmeters
• Filter

Main article: Electronics prototyping

• Wire-wrap
• Breadboard

Passive components that use piezoelectric effect:

• Components that use the effect to generate or filter high frequencies
  • Crystal – a ceramic crystal used to generate precise frequencies (See the Modules class below for complete oscillators)
  • Ceramic resonator – Is a ceramic crystal used to generate semi-precise frequencies
  • Ceramic filter – Is a ceramic crystal used to filter a band of frequencies such as in radio receivers
  • surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters
• Components that use the effect as mechanical transducers.
  • Ultrasonic motor – Electric motor that uses the piezoelectric effects
  • For piezo buzzers and microphones, see the Transducer class below

• Microelectromechanical systems
  • Accelerometer
  • Digital micromirror device

Devices to make electrical connection

• Terminal
• Connector
  • Socket
  • Screw terminal, Terminal Blocks
  • Pin header

Electrical cables with connectors or terminals at their ends

• Power cord
• Patch cord
• Test lead

Components that can pass current ("closed") or break the current ("open"):

• Switch – Manually operated switch
  • Electrical description: SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT, NPNT (general)
  • Technology: slide switches, toggle switches, rocker switches, rotary switches, pushbutton switches
• Keypad – Array of pushbutton switches
• DIP switch – Small array of switches for internal configuration settings
• Footswitch – Foot-operated switch
• Knife switch – Switch with unenclosed conductors
• Micro switch – Mechanically activated switch with snap action
• Limit switch – Mechanically activated switch to sense limit of motion
• Mercury switch – Switch sensing tilt
• Centrifugal switch – Switch sensing centrifugal force due to rate of rotation
• Relay or contactor – Electro-mechanically operated switch (see also solid state relay above)
• Reed switch – Magnetically activated switch
• Thermostat – Thermally activated switch
• Humidistat – Humidity activated switch
• Circuit breaker – Switch opened in response to excessive current: a resettable fuse
• Disconnector – Switch used in high- and medium-voltage applications for maintenance of other devices or isolation of circuits
• Transfer switch – Switch that toggles a load between two sources

Passive components that protect circuits from excessive currents or voltages:

• Fuse – over-current protection, one time use
• Circuit breaker – resettable fuse in the form of a mechanical switch
• Resettable fuse or PolySwitch – circuit breaker action using solid state device
• Ground-fault protection or residual-current device – circuit breaker sensitive to mains currents passing to ground
• Metal oxide varistor (MOV), surge absorber, TVS – Over-voltage protection
• Inrush current limiter – protection against initial Inrush current
• Gas discharge tube – protection against high voltage surges
• Spark gap – electrodes with a gap to arc over at a high voltage
• Lightning arrester – spark gap used to protect against lightning strikes
• Recloser – automatic switch that opens on an overcurrent (fault) condition, then closes to check if the fault is cleared, and repeats this process a specified number of times before maintaining the open position until it is manually closed
• Arc-fault circuit interrupter – circuit breaker that protects against arcs
• Network protector – protective device that disconnects a distribution transformer when energy flow reverses direction
• Magnetic starter – electromechanical switch used in motors

• Enclosure (electrical)
• Heat sink
• Fan

• Printed circuit boards
• Lamp
• Waveguide

• Carbon amplifier (see Carbon microphones used as amplifiers)
• Carbon arc (negative resistance device)
• Dynamo (historic rf generator)
• Coherer

Main article: Electronic symbol

On a circuit diagram, electronic devices are represented by conventional symbols. Reference designators are applied to the symbols to identify the components.

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