Guide to the Top 10 Commonly Used Electronic Components

Electronic components are fundamental elements of electronic technology serving as the essential building blocks of electronic circuits. As technology and its applications advance rapidly, the number of components used in design processes is increasing daily.It is crucial for electronic engineers or enthusiasts to master the characteristics and applications of commonly used electronic components. This article introduces the top ten electronic components commonly used by engineers and provides guidance on selecting the appropriate components.

Resistor

It is the most commonly used component in a circuit. It is a current-limiting component. Resistors have a resistance effect on current. By changing the resistance value of the resistor, the current flowing through the connected branch can be controlled, thereby ensuring that various components in electronic equipment operate steadily at their rated current. Common resistors include thermistors, varistors, voltage divider resistors, color ring resistors, power resistors, and photoresistors. Resistors are typically represented in circuit diagrams by the symbol (a zigzag line) or labeled with the letter R, while resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).

Capacitors

In electronics, a capacitor stores electric charge under a specific voltage. This storage ability is called capacitance, represented by C, with the unit farad (F). The capacitance value determines how much charge it can store. In circuit diagrams, capacitors are usually labeled starting with the letter C, such as C01, C02, C03, C100, etc.

Diode

A diode, also known as a crystal diode or simply diode, consists of two electrodes (terminals). It has unidirectional conductive properties, allowing current to flow in only one direction. It can be used in applications such as rectification, protection, switching, and detection.

Zener Diode

A Zener diode is a special diode designed for operation in the reverse breakdown region. Unlike standard diodes, it conducts in the reverse direction when the voltage exceeds its breakdown voltage, providing stable voltage regulation. Common applications include voltage stabilizers, overvoltage protection, and power conditioning. By selecting appropriate breakdown voltage and power rating, it ensures circuit stability and reliability.

Inductor

An inductor is an electronic component used to store and release electrical energy. It consists of one or more coils, typically made of conductive material, wound into a spiral or ring shape. Inductors convert current into magnetic fields through the principle of electromagnetic induction and generate a reverse electromotive force when the current changes. Its main function is to resist changes in current and regulate the speed at which current rises and falls. Inductors play a crucial role in filtering, adjusting current and voltage, and storing energy in circuits. Common types of inductors include coil inductors, inductive sensors, and transformers. The characteristics of an inductor are determined by parameters such as its inductance value, current capacity, and frequency response. It is widely used in electronic equipment, communication systems, power supplies, automation control, and other fields.

Varicap Diode

It is a special diode that adjusts its capacitance value by varying the reverse voltage. Commonly used in applications such as tuned circuits and frequency synthesizers. It possesses the qualities of quick response, strong reliability, and compact size, making it suitable for applications in wireless communications, broadcasting, and other related fields. Provides flexibility and adjustability, allowing for frequency adjustment functionality within the circuit.

Transistor

The transistor is a semiconductor device that controls and can amplify the current. Its function is to amplify weak signals into electrical signals with larger amplitudes. It is widely used in electronic equipment, communication systems, computers, power control, and other fields. The small size and reliability of the transistor make it one of the indispensable components in modern electronic technology.

Field Effect Transistor

Also known as FET (Field Effect Transistor), it is commonly used in electronic circuits for amplification and switching applications. Field-effect transistors have the characteristics of high input impedance, low output impedance, and low power consumption. They can also provide high gain and fast switching speed. According to their different structures, common field effect transistors include MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) and JFET (junction field effect transistor). Field-effect transistors are widely used in analog circuits, digital circuits, power amplifiers, and other fields. They are an essential component of modern electronic equipment.

Sensor

A sensor, also known as a transducer, is a device (often composed of multiple components) that converts physical quantities into electrical signals or other forms for analysis, processing, and control. These signals are then used for analysis, processing, and control purposes. Sensors are extensively utilized in a wide range of industries, such as industrial automation, medical equipment, automotive, aerospace, environmental monitoring, and consumer electronics. Depending on the physical quantity being measured, common types of sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, acceleration sensors, humidity sensors, etc. The high precision, sensitivity, and reliability of the sensor make it a key technology for achieving intelligence, automation, and unmanned operation.

Transformer

It is an electrical device used to change the voltage of alternating current. It consists of two or more coils, known as primary and secondary coils, that share a magnetic iron core. Through the principle of electromagnetic induction, a transformer can convert the input voltage into the required output voltage while maintaining the power balance of electrical energy. Transformers are extensively utilized in power systems, electronic equipment, communication networks, and industrial sectors. It possesses the qualities of high efficiency, reliability, and energy savings, making it an essential piece of equipment in power transmission and distribution. They can be also used for isolation purposes as their input and output coils are fully isolated from one another.

How to Buy Electronic Components?

With the rapid development of the electronic components industry, engineers encounter numerous challenges when procuring suitable components. There are various types of components, numerous brands and manufacturers, and a shortage of components. So, how should engineers cope with the situation?

JLCPCB is a leading PCB manufacturer that offers high-quality PCB manufacturing and assembly solutions. They offer engineers a variety of services, including PCB design and layout, PCB manufacturing, PCB assembly, and testing, to provide them with convenient solutions.

In today's rapidly evolving electronic components industry, engineers face challenges in sourcing suitable parts due to variety, brands, and shortages. JLCPCB, a leading PCB manufacturer, offers high-quality PCB manufacturing, assembly, and over 430,000 components for selection. Engineers can pre-order parts, use a free private warehouse, and provide design files for sourcing and assembly, saving time, money, and energy while focusing on project essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.What are the top 10 commonly used electronic components introduced in the guide?

The guide covers: Resistor, Capacitor, Diode, Zener Diode, Inductor, Varicap Diode, Transistor, Field Effect Transistor (FET), Sensor, and Transformer. These are essential building blocks widely applied in modern electronic circuits.

2.What is the main function of a resistor in an electronic circuit?

A resistor limits current flow. By adjusting its resistance value, it controls the current in a branch, helping components operate stably at their rated current. It is the most fundamental and commonly used component.

3.How does a Zener diode differ from a standard diode, and why is it used for voltage regulation?

Unlike a standard diode that primarily conducts in one direction and blocks in the reverse, a Zener diode is designed to operate in the reverse breakdown region. When the reverse voltage exceeds its breakdown voltage, it conducts stably, providing precise voltage regulation for applications like voltage stabilizers and overvoltage protection.

4.What role do transistors play in modern electronics?

Transistors are semiconductor devices that amplify weak signals into larger electrical signals or act as switches. Their small size, high reliability, and ability to control current make them indispensable in amplification, switching, communication systems, computers, and power control.

5.What benefits does JLCPCB provide for engineers sourcing components and PCB assembly?

JLCPCB offers PCB manufacturing and SMT assembly services with online access to over 620,000 in-stock components from authorized distributors. Engineers can pre-order parts and hold inventory at JLCPCB to prevent shortages, submit design files and BOM for automated sourcing and assembly, and benefit from fast turnaround, DFM checks, and cost-effective prototyping without managing component procurement themselves.