Guide to the Top 10 Commonly Used Electronic Components

Electronic components are fundamental elements of electronic technology and serve as the essential building blocks of electronic circuits. With the rapid development of electronic technology and its application fields, the number of components used in the design process is increasing day by day. 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. These resistors can be represented by the symbol Ω or the letter R.

Capacitors

In circuit science, a capacitor has the ability to store electric charge at a specific voltage. This ability is called capacitance, represented by C. The unit of capacitance is the farad, labeled as F. The capacitance of a capacitor determines its ability to store charge. In circuit diagrams, capacitors are usually identified 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 component with unidirectional conduction characteristics. Its main function is to direct current from one direction to another. There are many types of diodes, including forward conducting diodes and reverse blocking diodes. It can be used in various applications, including voltage stabilizers, power conditioning, overvoltage protection, and more. Zener diodes can offer various voltage stabilization options by choosing the suitable breakdown voltage and power rating. It is an important component commonly used in electronic circuits. It ensures voltage stability and reliability in the circuit.

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 in the changing current. Its main function is to resist changes in current and regulate the speed at which current rises and fall speed of current. 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 detection device that can convert physical quantities into electrical signals or other identifiable forms. 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?

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By choosing JLCPCB, engineers can save significant time, money, and energy, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of the project. Simply provide the PCB design files and a list of required components, and JLCPCB will handle the sourcing and assembly of the components.

In today's rapidly evolving electronic components industry, engineers face the challenge of sourcing the correct components. As a leading PCB manufacturer, JLCPCB offers comprehensive PCB assembly services. Engineers can depend on JLCPCB's extensive inventory and professional team to efficiently source necessary components and take advantage of reliable, high-quality assembly services. By choosing JLCPCB, engineers can focus on other aspects of the project to ensure successful implementation.