Common Electronic Components: Types & Functions & Important Parameters for Buying

Electronic components are used in almost every electronic project - from small handheld calculators and watches to complex modern smartphones. These components act as a bridge between your higher-level ideas and the physical world. Although each component has a different purpose and varies in functions, common electronic components are found in just about any electronic project, and we are here to tell you everything about them from A to Z.

Common Electronic Components Classification

Common electronic components are discreetly packaged electronic devices or parts with two or more connecting leads or metallic pads. Active components, passive components, and electromechanical components—can be used to categorize them.

§ Active Components

Active components can control or modify electrical signals in the circuit. These come in different sizes and functions, from small parts that only perform one function to large ones that can perform many functions simultaneously.

For example, a transistor is an active component that can amplify electrical signals. Moreover, semiconductor devices like transistors, diodes, and IC electronic components (including IC batteries) make up the majority of active components.

§ Passive Components

Passive components do not rely on any external power source to work. They are used for energy consumption and storage. All passive elements are linear, which means their impedance is proportional to the input voltage.

The most common passive components are resistors and capacitors. Resistors, such as the chassis mount resistor, are used to change the current through a circuit, for example, to decrease or increase it. On the other hand, capacitors, including ceramic chip capacitors, store energy in their electric field and release it slowly over time.

§ Electromechanical Components

Electromechanical components are used to transmit electricity and control mechanical systems. These common electronic components are further categorized into electrical and mechanical components. They are usually made of semiconductors, amplifiers, and resistors used in electronic devices such as televisions, computers, lights, and many more.

Parameters to Be Considered to Choose Electronic Components

It is important to choose electronic components carefully, so you do not end up with faulty products. To help you choose the best common electronic components for your projects, we have listed some key factors you should consider. These parameters help determine the component's life cycle, traceability, reliability, or level of performance quality over time.

§ Electrical Parameters

Electrical parameters are one of the most important factors in choosing suitable common electronic components for projects. The electric parameter is essential not only for the circuit but also for the product itself. For example, it will be better if you use a more efficient power supply unit than a cheap one with low efficiency and a short life span. These parameters include dielectric constant, breakdown voltage, maximum voltage rating, and leakage current.

§ Mechanical Parameters

Another main consideration in choosing common electronic components is mechanical parameters. The mechanical parameters include the size, shape, and weight of electronic components.

§ Environmental Parameters

The common electronic components should also be selected based on the environment in which they will be used. For example, the humidity level in an environment affects how sensitive an electronic component will be to moisture and dust particles. Another example of this would be the pressure inside the device, which can affect how well it functions. That's why it is better to use a component with longer life when it is used in an industrial setting where people will be using it for long periods.

§ Other Parameters

When selecting an electronic component, there are also non-technical parameters one should consider. These parameters revolve around price, distributors, and supply quantity. It is beneficial for mass production to have a reliable electronic components distributor. The total cost of the solution is also an important consideration rather than just the cost of the specific component under consideration.

GEEFOOK: Your One-Stop Electronic Component Shop

GEEFOOK is a renowned electronic components distributor that provides a range of high-quality electronic parts for wide-ranging projects. Our broad-based line card includes millions of cutting-edge components across the board, covering every vertical market in full. To meet your various needs, we collaborate with a number of top manufacturers to provide you with a wide selection of common electronic components.