Basic Electronic ComponentsTED 384Computer Applications in Industry (Robotics Education)

The ComponentsWireResistorsFixedVariableCapacitorsTransistorsDiodesSwitchesMotorsIntegrated Circuitshttp://www.bitsbox.co.uk/images/starterkit.jpg

WireUsed as a conductor; usually copper, Sometimes aluminum.

ResistorsSlows down or resists the flow of electrons. http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/

Fixed ResistorsCan only handle a certain amount of current. Typically made from a resistance wire, which is wound around a ceramic core and covered with some insulating material (Horn, p.23). Carbon FilmMetal FilmMetal Oxidehttp://www.bitsbox.co.uk/

Variable resistorsAlso known as rheostats, or potentiometersAllow you to regulate the amount of current flowing through the circuitResistors are non-polarized, which means there are no positive or negative endshttp://www.bitsbox.co.uk/

CapacitorsBasic job is to store electron current until needed by the circuit Charge and discharge electrons as required by the circuit Made up of two or more plates (conductors), each separated by a dielectric (insulator)Ceramic capacitors and mica capacitors are non-polarizedElectrolytic capacitors are polarized, meaning one lead is positive and the other is negative, as markedCeramicElectrolyticTantalum

TransistorsSolid-state device used for switching and/or amplifying the flow of electrons in a circuitTwo basic types of transistors are switching and amplifyingSwitching transistors are used in circuits, which are either on or offAmplifying transistors amply an electrical signal are used in places where the amount of signal is importantA phototransistor is a solid state component where the amount of light which passes through a lens controls the amount of current flowhttp://www.ramseyelectronics.com/support/default.asp?page=kbg&pagenum=4

DiodesA solid state device designed to permit the flow of electrons in one direction and block the flow in the opposite directionMade from germanium or siliconA zener diode is used to regulate voltageA light emitting diode (LED) is a solid state component that emits a tiny bit of light when current passes through ithttp://www.ramseyelectronics.com/support/default.asp?page=kbg&pagenum=4 http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/led-throwies-harmless-way-to-make-your-mark-154993.php

SwitchesA device which closes to complete an electrical circuit allowing electrons to flow through the circuit, or which opens or breaks a circuit, stopping the flowhttp://www.bedsiworld.com/wiki1-Switch

MotorsA device used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.The flow of electrons passing through a motor can be used to produce motion by turning gears and other mechanical deviceshttp://www.germes-online.com/direct/dbimage/50276380/DC_Micro_Motor.jpg

Integrated CircuitsThree common electronic components, which make up an integrated circuit, are resistors, transistors and capacitors. The main advantage of ICs is that so much electronic circuitry can be in such a small package. http://www.helicon.co.uk/images/samples/C01356.gif