Classification of Electronic Components

An electronic component is any basic discrete device in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields. They are the elements of circuit which helps in its functioning. Electronic components have a number of electrical terminals. These terminals connect to other electrical components to create an electronic circuit.

Classification of Electronic Components: Components can be classified as passive, active, or electro-mechanic components.

Active components are devices that can amplify an electric signal and produce power. An active component functions as an alternating current circuit in devices. This helps the device to augment power and voltage. This component can execute its operations because it is powered by a source of electricity. All active components necessitate some source of energy which commonly is extracted from a DC circuit. Any characteristic active component will comprise an oscillator, transistor or an integrated circuit.Passive components can’t introduce net energy into the circuit. They also can’t rely on a source of power, except for what is available from the (AC) circuit they are connected to. As a consequence they can’t 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 component is one that uses an electrical signal to cause some kind of mechanical change, such as motor turning. These normally use an electrical current to create a magnetic field which causes a physical movement. All types of relays and switches are available in this category. Electromechanical devices have both electrical and mechanical processes. A manually operated switch is an electromechanical component due to the mechanical movement causing an electrical output.