General Tech Tips

Basic Electronic Components [Top 5] & Their Functions

You might work within a trade that requires basic knowledge of electronic components or even dabble in some home improvements that mean you need to know more. Whether you plan on doing work for clients, creating science projects with the kids, or even building your computer from scratch. You may first want to understand the basic electronic components associated with circuitry and electronics. Which can make the thought processes easier.

Parts can be procured from several places, such as electronic parts distributor Sourcengine. When gaining access to parts, you want to look into the provider’s reputation to make sure that the items you receive are of good quality. Poor quality items may lead to problems over time, not last as long as that specific part is meant to, or even not work to start with. Spending some time doing a little research into what you may need, as well as where to get it, before thinking about building your system or circuit can pay off in the long run.

Table of Contents

Top 5 Basic Electronic Components

Here are some basic electronic components, let’s get started:

Resistors

When running basic electronic components, you will likely want to reduce the risk of too much, or little, voltage passing through the circuit. The purpose of a resistor is to limit the amount of current that can pass through it. Generally, there are four types of fixed resistors: a carbon composition resistor, wire wound resistor, thin-film resistor, and thick film resistor. You may also choose to use an adjustable one.

The type you acquire will depend on the needs of your project. Its life span can also vary. When fitted correctly, with the right resistor used, there is the potential for them to last as long as you need the item for, if not longer. Poorly fitted resistors, or those of lesser quality, may very well expire sooner.

LEDs

LED, or light-emitting diode, bulbs can be used within the circuit and any other lighting needed in the item you are creating. These can help you see that the current is moving correctly, such as when a power switch is flipped to the On position. As far as lights go in general, LED bulbs are far more economical than their halogen or filament counterparts. Not only can they save you a little bit of money on your electric bill. But they can also use less battery power inside the circuit.

This can allow the circuit to run for that much longer before you need to charge or replace the battery. Usually, the average lifespan of an LED is also much better than its counterparts. So you can also save on needing to replace the bulb itself far less frequently.

These can be especially important for those who want to run sustainable business operations. By using LEDs in your circuitry and other works, you can also reduce your CO2 emissions through less electrical output and even less packaging and waste from needing to buy defective items more often.

Wiring

Many people might overlook the importance of good quality wiring when creating electronics. Without secure wiring, your project may be subjected to short-circuiting or even loose or fragile connections.

Setting your wires out before you begin can also be imperative to ensure that no tangles or kinks are evident when you need to fit or solder them.

Depending on the type of item you are creating, the wiring colors may vary. For low voltage appliances or systems, that are usually 120, 208, or 240 volts, and mains-powered. The live wire may be black, red, or blue, the neutral wire will be white. And the grounding wire will be green, green with a yellow stripe, or simply a bare wire.

For mains-powered appliances with a voltage level of 277 or 480, the live wire will be brown, orange, or yellow. The neutral wire will be gray. And the grounding wire will again be green, green with a yellow stripe, or simply bare.

When working with battery-operated systems, or even those that absorb energy through solar power, the positive wire will be red. The negative wire will be black. And the grounding wire will be either white or gray.

It is important to note that imported items may differ. Such as if they were originally made or bought in Europe or Canada. Due to this, it can be beneficial to educate yourself on the wire colors used here. So that you can be sure of choices when touching or soldering them in.

As a general safety rule, it is best to have the item switched off and unplugged or the fuse turned off. And use an electrical tester before handling, relocating, or cutting any wires.

Board Connectors

While the different parts of the circuit itself are important. You may also want to consider how you affix certain pieces. A steady hand when soldering can be imperative, but you may also want to think about using board connectors. Board connectors can be used to connect two different circuit boards through pins, holes, surface-mounting, or solderless stacking mezzanine technology.

This can allow you to line up pre-printed circuit boards to continue to work as designed but can also communicate with the other boards in your system. Board connectors tend to be made from copper alloy. This helps to improve and maintain the connection and is also unlikely to rust over time. Which can be vital for continued usage.

Earthing

Earthing or grounding can be essential to keeping yourself safe when building or using an electronic item. While this can be achieved by using the grounding wire. There are also other ways you can increase user safety. Such as through a circuit breaker or specific fuse that will shut off the entire electrical supply to the item.

Not only does this limit the amount of shock that you may receive should you touch something live. But it can also help to prevent fire and even show that there is a fault within the system.

Keeping yourself safe when working with electronics is the most important part, as the body can conduct electricity. Ideally, it is best to make sure that you are adequately trained before undertaking a project.

Learning about the different parts of a circuit or system and acknowledging their purpose can help you build something of better quality. Allowing for client or personal satisfaction once the job is complete.