Electrical systems can be of many types and vary in terms of complexity and other relevant features, too. These systems are made up of circuits, which in turn also have different kinds of components within them. These components may be classified by taking various factors into consideration. One such type is a passive electronic component. Find out more about them to gain a better understanding of how power circuits work.

What is a Passive Electronic Component?

A passive electronic component does not control or amplify an electric signal. Instead, it responds to the electric current that is already present within a circuit and influences it. These devices can work without their own independent power source. Basically, they use the electricity already present within the circuit to operate, as they cannot generate power on their own. 

An electrical circuit contains many different types of components. The more complex a circuit, the more different kinds of elements it will contain. Devices like custom transformers and inductors are common in more complex electrical systems. Passive elements within a circuit mainly store, release, or dissipate energy. Sometimes, passive elements can turn active within a circuit in certain situations, too.

Common Passive Electronic Parts that are Used in Circuits

There are many types of passive electronic parts that perform various important functions within a circuit. Let us take a look at some of them and what roles they perform within a circuit.

Capacitor

These are devices that are capable of storing electrical energy inside an electrical field. The stored energy is later used in the devices to which it is connected. It is an important passive electronic component and is a bit similar to a battery in some ways. It is made up of two electric conductors and an insulator separating them.

Upon connection to a battery or any other voltage source, electrons begin adding up on one plate to create a negative charge. On the other hand, electrons are simultaneously reduced on the other plate, making it positively charged. Thus, an electric field is formed between the plates. The flow of current stops once the capacitor is fully charged.

Conversely, they can be discharged as well by connecting the plates through a circuit (e.g., with a resistor). The stored charge then flows and releases energy into the circuit until the capacitor loses all its charge.

Resistor

The main role of a resistor is to regulate the flow of electricity and limit it when necessary. This passive electronic component helps with voltage control and protects other elements within the circuit, too. They are primarily called upon to help set voltage levels and prevent excessive current flow within a circuit.

As electric currents flow through a resistor, they begin to face resistance due to the material and structure of the resistor. This causes a dip in the voltage within the resistor, causing energy to be lost in the form of heat. This behavior follows Ohm’s Law.

Inductor

They are electrical elements that form a magnetic field when a current is passed through them. They are coil-like structures that are responsible for controlling spikes inside a circuit. These Inductor components play a crucial role in the overall functioning of the entire device. There are many different categories within these components based on several factors.

Basically, as the current increases, the inductor builds up a magnetic field. The device induces a voltage in opposition to the change in current. This phenomenon is also a part of Lenz’s Law. If a change in current occurs, the inductor will resist it by temporarily releasing or absorbing energy from its magnetic field. This makes inductors good at smoothing current and filtering signals.

Transformer

It is a device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits. It functions on the principles of electromagnetic induction and is primarily used to lower or raise voltage levels in an alternating current (AC) electrical system.

As AC voltages are applied to the primary coil, a changing magnetic field is formed in its core. This induces a voltage in the secondary coil. This is a part of Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction.

PN Junction Diode

It is a semiconductor device formed by joining P-type and N-type materials together to form a PN junction. It permits a flow of current in one direction only and is one of the more fundamental and essential components in electronics.

Going deeper into its structure, the P-type region has an excess of holes (positive charge carriers). The N-type region contains excessive levels of electrons (negative charge carriers). The junction where they meet is called the depletion region, which acts as a barrier to charge carrier movement.

Conclusion

At CET Technologies, we provide a wide range of products that primarily cater to the niche of electrical components and other such devices. Hence, if you need a passive electronic component, then our products can be the right fit for you.