Dr APJ ABDUL KALAM SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Course Name: Basic Electronics Engineering

MODULE 1 – BASIC ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS HANDOUTS
TYPES OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

Types of electronic components

The electronic components are generally classified into two types:

 Passive components
 Active components

Passive component

The electronic component, which consumes energy in the form of voltage from the source,
but does not produce or supply energy is called passive electronic component.

1. Passive components cannot control the flow of electrons or electric current through a
circuit, but they limit the flow of electrons or electric current.
2. Passive components cannot amplify or increase the power of an electrical signal.
3. Passive components temporarily store the electrical energy in the form of static
electric field or magnetic field.
4. Passive components do not depend on the external source of energy or voltage to
perform a specific operation.

Different types of passive components

The different types of passive components include resistors, capacitors, and inductors

1. RESISTOR
A resistor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in
an electronic circuit. Resistors can also be used to provide a specific voltage for an active
device. The symbol of the resistor is as follows

OHM’S LAW
Ohm’s law states that the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current
flowing through it, provided all physical conditions and temperatures remain constant.
V∝I
 V = IR
Where R is resistance measured in Ω
Electrical resistance is directly proportional to length (L) of the conductor and inversely
proportional to the cross-sectional area (A). It is given by the following relation
𝐿
𝑅∝
𝐴
𝐿
𝑅=𝜌
𝐴
Where ρ is resistivity of the material and measured in Ωm

RESISTOR TYPES
Several different types of resistors exist. The most used resistors are fixed value resistors, but
variable resistors are also very common. The most used variable resistors are
the potentiometer and rheostat. On the other hand, there are also many types of resistors
which have a variable resistance that is dependent on external factors such as temperature
(thermistor), light (photoresistor), voltage (varistor) or magnetic fields (magneto resistor).
RESISTOR COLOUR CODE

3-BAND RESISTOR:
There are three colours in a group. These are the first, second are significant figures and last
colour denotes the multiplier.
4-BAND RESISTOR:
There are three colours in a group. These are the first, second are significant figures and last
colour denotes the multiplier. The final band is the resistor’s tolerance, a margin of error if
you will. Most common tolerance value is Gold (5%)
5-BAND RESISTOR:
A five-band resistor has an additional band, a third significant figure, which affords a greater
level of accuracy should a project require it. So, we have three significant figures, a multiplier
and the tolerance.

RESISTOR IN SERIES:

Resistors are said to be in series whenever the current flows through the resistors
sequentially. The three resistors are connected in series with an applied voltage equal to Vab.
Since there is only one path for the charges to flow through, the current is the same through
each resistor. The equivalent resistance of a set of resistors in a series connection is equal to
the algebraic sum of the individual resistances.
According to Ohm’s law, the potential drop V across a resistor when a current flows through
it is calculated using the equation V=IR, where I is the current in amps (A) and R is the
resistance in ohms (Ω)
Since energy is conserved, the potential drops across the individual resistors around a loop
should be equal to zero which is called Kirchoff’s Voltage Law.

𝑉=0

the sum of the potential drop of each resistor and the voltage supplied by the
voltage source should equal zero:
Vab = V1 + V2 + V3

= IR1 + IR2 + IR3

= I (R1 + R2 + R3)

V = I Req

Req = R1 + R2 + R3

RESISTOR IN PARALLEL:

The potential drop across each resistor is the same. Current through each resistor can be
found using Ohm’s law I=V/R, where the voltage is constant across each resistor. For
example, an automobile’s headlights, radio, and other systems are wired in parallel, so that
each subsystem utilizes the full voltage of the source and can operate completely
independently. The same is true of the wiring in your house or any building.
The current flowing from the voltage source depends on the voltage supplied by the voltage
source and the equivalent resistance of the circuit. In this case, the current flows from the
voltage source and enters a junction, or node, where the circuit splits flowing through
resistors R1 and R2. As the charges flow from the battery, some go through resistor R1 and
some flow through resistor R2. The sum of the currents flowing into a junction must be equal
to the sum of the currents flowing out of the junction which is called Kirchoff’s Current Rule.

𝐼 = 𝐼

I = I1 +I2
𝑉 𝑉
= +
𝑅 𝑅
1 1
=𝑉 +
𝑅 𝑅
𝑉
=
𝑅
1
𝑅 =
1 1
+
𝑅 𝑅

2. CAPACITOR:

The Capacitor consists of two conductors or electrodes separated by a dielectric material

of uniform thickness. The conductors can be any material that will conduct electricity
easily. The dielectric must be a poor conductor-an insulator.

Capacitors vary in shape and size, but the basic configuration is two conductors carrying
equal but opposite charges. Capacitors have many important applications in electronics.
Some examples include storing electric potential energy, delaying voltage changes when
coupled with resistors, filtering out unwanted frequency signals, forming resonant circuits
and making frequency-dependent and independent voltage dividers when combined with
resistors

In the uncharged state, the charge on either one of the conductors in the capacitor is zero.
During the charging process, a charge Q is moved from one conductor to the other one,
giving one conductor a charge +Q, and the other one -Q charge. A potential difference is
created, with the positively charged conductor at a higher potential than the negatively
charged conductor. Note that whether charged or uncharged, the net charge on the
capacitor as a whole is zero

The simplest example of a capacitor consists of two conducting plates of area, which are
parallel to each other, and separated by a distance d,
Experiments show that the amount of charge Q stored in a capacitor is linearly proportional

to, the electric potential difference between the plates. Thus, we may write

where C is a positive proportionality constant called capacitance. Physically, capacitance is a

measure of the capacity of storing electric charge for a given potential difference ∆V. The SI
unit of capacitance is the farad (F):

A capacitor stores electrical energy, blocks the flow of direct current, and permits the flow
of alternating or pulsating current to a degree dependent on the capacitance and the
frequency. The amount of energy stored is expressed as:

E = 1/2 CV
 The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is given by the equation

𝝐𝟎 𝑨
𝑪=
𝒅

Where A is the area of the plates

d is the spacing between the plates

𝝐𝟎 is the permittivity on the medium

CAPACITOR IN SERIES:

Consider n number of capacitors are connected in series. V volt is applied across this series
combination of capacitors. Let us consider capacitance of capacitors are C 1, C2, C3……. Cn
respectively, and equivalent capacitance of series combination of the capacitors is C. The
voltage drops across capacitors are considered to be V1, V2, V3……. Vn respectively.

By Kirchoff’s Voltage Law, the sum of the potential drop of each resistor and the voltage
supplied by the voltage source should equal zero

V = V1 + V 2 + … + V n
We know V = Q/C

𝑄 𝑄
+ +⋯
𝐶 𝐶
1 1
=𝑄 + +. .
𝐶 𝐶
𝑄
=
𝐶
1
𝐶 =
1 1
+ +⋯
𝐶 𝐶

CAPACITOR IN PARALLEL:

Let us consider the capacitance of the capacitors are C1, C2, C3…..Cn, respectively and
equivalent capacitance of the combination of the capacitor is C. As the capacitors are
connected in parallel, like current charge in each capacitor will be same. Total charge of the
parallel combination, will be divided in each capacitor according to its capacitance value but
voltage across each capacitor will be same and at steady state condition it is exactly equal to
the applied voltage.
Where Q1, Q2, Q3, ……. Qn are the charge of capacitor C1, C2, C3….. Cn respectively.

Now equation (2) can be written as,

3. INDUCTOR

An inductor is a two terminal passive electrical component that store energy in a magnetic
field. This magnetic field is produced due to the current flow through it.
It is basically made up of a coil surrounding a core. Every coil is an inductor essentially. The
change of current through the coil produces a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field,
according to Lenz’s law, induces an EMF across the coil that is opposite in direction to the
input current. Thus, an inductor opposes any change in supply current.
Chokes.
Another name used for an inductor is a "Choke". Inductors, being just coils of copper wire, will
allow DC to pass easily, but when AC is applied, inductors create an opposition to current flow
that increases, as the frequency of the alternating current increases. Therefore, AC is prevented
from flowing or is "Choked off" while DC is allowed to pass. This effect is used in power
supply circuits where the public AC mains (line) supply has to be converted to a DC supply
suitable for powering electronic circuits.

Inductance:
Inductance is the ability or property of inductor to produce an electromotive force (EMF or
voltage) due to change in the electric current.
It is the ratio of the voltage to the rate of change of current through the inductor.
L = V / (di/dt)
The SI unit of inductance is Henry named after American scientist Joseph Henry.
It is denoted by H.
The inductance of an inductor depends on many factors like number of turns, core material etc.
Inductors have inductance typically ranging from 1μH up to 20H.
Symbol of Inductor

Working of Inductor:
According to the electromagnetism rule, Oersted’s law, when a steady current is passing
through a straight conductor, it produces a magnetic field around it. The strength of the
magnetic field depends on the supply current. If the current through the conductor is changed,
the resulting magnetic field will also change. This magnetic field produced is perpendicular to
the conductor.

FLEMING’S RIGHT HAND RULE:

The direction of the magnetic field produced can be found using the Fleming’s right hand
rule or the right-hand grip rule. Curl your finger as if you are holding the conductor & point
your thumb in the direction of the current. The thumb shows the direction of the current
whereas the curly fingers show the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor.
As we know that an inductor is a conductor wrapped in the form of a coil. A varying magnetic
field is produced by varying the current passing through it. The changing magnetic field causes
the magnetic lines to cut across some of the conductor, which induces an EMF in the wires.
This phenomenon is known as Self-Induction.
LEN’S LAW:
According to Lenz’s law, this EMF induced in the coil is opposite in direction to the supply
current & opposes any change in the supply current. The higher the rate of change of supply
current, higher the rate of change of magnetic field & stronger the opposing induced current.
In simple words, the reactance (resistance) of the inductor increases with an increase in the
supply frequency. It increases to the point where it completely blocks the input current. So, an
inductor blocks AC current while it behaves as a shorts circuit for DC current.

Applications of Inductor

 Frequency Selective Circuits (Filters)

Inductor together with resistor & capacitor can be used in different frequency filter such
as high pass, low pass, band pass & band reject filter.
They frequency filters are used in separating unnecessary frequency component from
the signal.

 Tuning Circuit:
Inductor combined with the capacitor is used in the tuning circuit in radio & television etc. for
selecting the desired frequency.

 Sensor:
An inductor is used in sensors for detecting an object in proximity without any physical
contact. The inductor as we know creates a magnetic field around it when current flow through
it or any change in the magnetic field causes an induced current in the inductor.

 Transformers
A transformer is essentially two separate inductors in close proximity with a common core that
uses the magnetic flux created by one coil and induces EMF in the other coil through mutual
induction. Transformers are used for stepping up or stepping down of voltage in power
transmission.

 Electromagnetic Relay:
An electromagnetic relay is an electronic switch that has an inductive coil that creates a
magnetic field when the coil is energized. This magnetic field pulls the terminal’s contact
together allowing the current to flow.
 Induction Motors
In the induction motor, the rotor rotates due to the rotating magnetic field produced by the
winding across the stator. Its rotor speed depends on rotating magnetic field which depends on
the supply frequency. So, the only way to vary the speed is through the use of inductor.
Active component

The electronic component, which consumes energy in the form of voltage or current and
produces or supplies energy in the form of electric current or voltage is called active
component.

1. An active component not only controls the flow of electrons or electric current, but
also amplifies or increases the power of electronic signal.
2. Active components depend on the external source of energy or voltage to perform a
specific operation.
3. When the active components consume enough voltage, they start operating.

Different types of active components

The different types of active components include diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits
(IC).