Basic Electronic Components – Types,
Functions, Symbols
BY SANTOSH DAS | LAST UPDATED ON AUGUST 29, 2024
List of Types of Basic Electronic Components, Functions, Symbols.
Basic Electronic Components are electronic devices or parts usually packaged in a discrete
form with two or more connecting leads or metallic pads. These devices are intended to be
connected together, usually by soldering to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), to create
an electronic circuit with a particular function (for example an amplifier, radio receiver,
oscillator, wireless).
Types of Electronic Components
These are of 2 types: Passive and Active Components. Both these types of components can be
either Through-Hole or SMD.
1. Passive Components
These components are those that do not have gain or directionality. They are also called
Electrical elements or electrical components.
Example: Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes, Inductors.
2. Active Components
These components are those that have gain or directionality.
Example: Transistors, Integrated Circuits or ICs, Logic Gates.
Basic Passive Electronic Components
1. Resistor
A Resistor is an electrical device that resists the flow of electrical current. It is a passive
device used to control, or impede the flow of, electric current in an electric circuit by providing
resistance, thereby developing a drop in voltage across the device.
There are two basic types of resistors:
1. Linear Resistors: Resistors whose value changes with the applied voltage and
temperature. Linear resistors are further classified as Fixed and Variable resistors.
2. Non-Linear Resistors: When resistance do not behave linearly with parameters
such as voltage, current or temperature (Ohm’s Law).
2. Capacitor
A capacitor is a device used to store and release electricity, usually as the result of a chemical
action. Also referred to as a storage cell, a secondary cell, a condenser or an accumulator.
A Leyden Jar was an early example of a capacitor.
Capacitors are further divided into two mechanical groups: Capacitors with Fixed-capacitance
and variable capacitors.
3. Diode
A Diode is an electronic component that allows electric current to flow in one direction only. It
is a semiconductor device that consists of a p-n junction. It can be either forward biased or
reverse biased.
They are most commonly used to convert AC to DC, because they pass the positive (+) part of
the wave, and block the negative (–) part of the AC signal, or, if they are reversed, they pass
only the negative part and not the positive part.
Types of a diode:
1. Light Emitting Diode: Light is generated when electric current flows through it.
2. Laser diode: Generates coherent light. It is widely utilized in CD drives, DVD
players, laser printers etc.
3. Photodiode: Current flow when exposed to light.
4. Schottky Diode: Diode with low voltage drop.
5. Tunnel Diode: Diode in which electric current decreases with increase in voltage.
6. Varactor / Varicap Diode: Diode with Variable capacitance.
7. Zener Diode: Current flows in one direction, but also can flow in the reverse
direction when above breakdown voltage.
4. Inductor
An inductor is a passive electrical device (typically a conducting coil) that introduces
inductance into a electric circuit. It is basically a coil of wire with many winding, often wound
around a core made of a magnetic material, like iron. Simplest form of an inductor is made up
of a coil of wire.
The inductance measured in henrys, is proportional to the number of turns of wire, the wire
loop diameter and the material or core the wire is wound around.
Inductors are categorized into different types based on their core material and
mechanical construction:
1. Air Cored Inductor
2. Iron Cored Inductor
3. Ferrite Cored Inductor
4. Iron Power Inductor
5. Bobbin Based Inductors
6. Toroidal Inductors
7. Multilayer Ceramic Inductors
8. Film Inductors
9. Variable Inductors
10.Coupled Inductors
11.Molded Inductors
Basic Active Electronic Components
1. Transistor
A transistor is a semiconductor device that acts as an amplifier, a switch, or a signal
modulator. It consists of three layers – the emitter, base, and collector – each doped with
different materials to create either a positive (P-type) or negative (N-type) charge. This
ingenious design enables transistors to control the flow of current and amplify weak signals
with remarkable precision.
There are two primary types of transistors:
1. Bipolar junction transistors (BJTs); and
2. Field-effect transistors (FETs).
2. IC or Integrated Circuit
Integrated Circuit or IC is an SMD Electronic Component made up of combination of several
transistors, diode, resistor, capacitors in a tiny semiconductor chip. Integrated Circuit
Electronic Components or IC are of small size and very light weight. They produce excellent
results at low power.
Types of IC on the basis of technology:
1. Linear IC: This type of IC works on analog signal.
2. Digital IC: This type of IC works on digital signal.
Types of IC on the basis of external structure:
1. Single in-line pin package (SIPP).
2. Dual in-line pin package (DIPP).
3. Quard pin package (QPP).
4. Pin Grid Array Package (PGA).
5. Ball Grid Array Package (BGA).
6. Leadless Chip Carrier (LCC) Package.
List of Active and Passive Electronic
Components
Here is list of all the most commonly used basic electronic components:
Function of Basic Electronic Components
1. Terminals and Connectors: Components to make electrical connection.
2. Resistors: Components used to resist current.
3. Switches: Components that may be made to either conduct (closed) or not (open).
4. Capacitors: Components that store electrical charge in an electrical field.
5. Magnetic or Inductive Components: These are Electrical components that use
magnetism.
6. Network Components: Components that use more than 1 type of Passive
Component.
7. Piezoelectric devices, crystals, resonators: Passive components that use
piezoelectric. effect.
8. Semiconductors: Electronic control parts with no moving parts.
9. Diodes: Components that conduct electricity in only one direction.
10.Transistors: A semiconductor device capable of amplification.
11.Integrated Circuits or ICs: A microelectronic computer circuit incorporated into a
chip or semiconductor; a whole system rather than a single component.
Circuit Symbols of Electronic Components
What are basic electronic components?
Basic electronic components are fundamental building blocks used in
electronic circuits to perform specific functions. These components include
resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors, etc
What is the function of a resistor in an electronic circuit?
A resistor is used to control the flow of electric current in an electronic
circuit by providing resistance. It helps limit the current, divide voltage, and
adjust signal levels.
What does a capacitor do in an electronic circuit?
A capacitor stores and releases electrical energy. It is often used to filter
signals, smooth voltage fluctuations, and store charge for various
applications.
What is the role of a diode in electronics?
A diode allows current to flow in one direction only. It is used for rectification
(converting AC to DC), voltage regulation, and signal demodulation in
various electronic devices.
How does a transistor function in circuits?
A transistor acts as an amplifier or a switch in electronic circuits. It can
amplify weak signals, control larger currents, and perform logical operations,
making it a versatile component in modern electronics.
