Basic Electronics

Resistor
A resistor is an electrical component that resists the flow of current. The electrical resistance is equal to the voltage drop across the resistor divided by the current that is flowing through the resistor. Resistors are used as part of electrical networks and electronic circuits. In general, a resistor is used to create a known voltage-to-current ratio in an electric circuit. If the current in a circuit is known, then a resistor can be used to create a known potential difference proportional to that current. Conversely, if the potential difference between two points in a circuit is known, a resistor can be used to create a known current proportional to that difference. A resistor has a maximum working voltage and current above which the resistance may change or the resistor may be physically damaged.

Capasitor

A capacitor is an interesting device that is used to store energy and increase the efficiency of circuit systems. Capacitors are usually surrounded by two conductor plates that hold equal but opposite charges. The measure of a capacitor is its capacitance, or the total amount of charge stored on each conductor. As energy is increased on both sides, the capacitor begins to carry a voltage.In modern technology, capacitors have a number of various uses. As mentioned already, a capacitor can be used to store energy temporarily, just like a battery would. More significantly, capacitors are used in power supply and signal processing situations important to the development and running of computer chips. As an example, capicitors can play key roles as the "on/off" switch used to represent binary code. Capacitors can be bought more cheaply in bulk from a major capacitor manufacturer or supplier. Electrical hobbiests may be able to find capacitors at a local electronics store, through mail order, or online.


Diode
The term diode usually implies a small signal device with current typically in the milliamp range. A semiconductor diode consists of a PN junction and has two(2) terminals, an anode(+) and a cathode(-). Current flows from anode to cathode within the diode. An ideal diode is like a light switch in your home. When the switch is closed, the circuit is completed; and the light turns on. When the switch is open, there is no current and the light is off.
However, the diode has an additional property; it is unidirectional; current flows in only one direction(anode to cathode internally). When a forward voltage is applied, the diode conducts; and when a reverse voltage is applied, there is no conduction. In electronics, a diode is a component that restricts the direction of movement of charge carriers. It allows an electric current to flow in one direction, but essentially blocks it in the opposite direction. Thus the diode can be thought of as an electronic version of a check valve.


Transistor
Transistors have revolutionized the electronic industry. Since their introduction devices such as phones, TVs, computers have been made possible. Transistors are solid state semiconductor devices that are used for voltage regulations, amplification and more. Because transistors are used in plethora of different electrical devices, its contribution to technology has been unprecedented. As electrical devices become more complex, transistors will continue to be incorporated into these devices.
In today’s market transistors have a variety of different electrical properties and packaging. Therefore, it is imperative to do the research to find the right packaging and electrical specifications desired. The manufacturing of a transistor is still a delicate process that doesn’t yield good results, therefore it wise to find a reliable transistor manufacturer. Generally there are many transistors within electrical boards, it important that all of them are of the highest quality.


Integrated Circuit
An integrated circuit, or IC, is a small electronic device made out of semiconductor material. Integrated circuits are used for a variety of devices including audio and video equipment, automobiles, and microprocessors. Integrated circuits are often classified according to the number of transistors and other electronic components they contain, including SSI, MSI, LSI, VLSI, ULSI. A basic integrated circuit is often referred to as a microchip or simply a chip. Essentially it is a miniaturized electronic circuit that has been manufactured on a thin wafer of semiconductor.
Types of integrated circuits include analog, digital, and mixed signal chips. The growth of complexity of integrated circuits follows Moore’s Law, which states that the numbers of transistors in an integrated circuit doubles every two years. Integrated circuits are fabricated in a layer process which includes imaging, deposition, and etching.