The Difference Between Passive and Active Electronic Components
Passive and Active Electronic Components
As electronic circuits become more complex, the components that make up these devices are evolving to include more passive and active elements. This includes a variety of semiconductors, such as diodes, transistors, SCR, and integrated circuits ICs. These Electronic Components help amplify signals and process signals. They may also control the flow of current.
Passive devices, on the other hand, consume and store energy without affecting electrical signals in any way. Examples of these include resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Additionally, they do not require an external and conditional source to operate in a circuit.
These devices work similarly to water towers hooked up to a pipe system. When the town’s water system pumps out more water than is needed, the excess is stored in a water tower to keep the pressure up and ensure that enough water is available for when it is most needed. Similarly, a capacitor stores electrons when the electrical current is low to ensure that the next time it is needed, there is enough electricity.
The Difference Between Passive and Active Electronic Components
However, unlike a water tower, a capacitor can’t be used to store water for long periods of time. When the electric current is switched off, the capacitor will discharge immediately. For this reason, it is important to use a capacitor only when the device needs to remain on for an extended period of time.
While it is not as common as a water tower, a capacitor can still be useful for electronics manufacturers and designers when building a PCBA. This is because these devices can help to minimize parasitic effects and maintain a consistent signal. They can also help to improve the power efficiency of a design.
For example, in an AC circuit, a capacitor can be used to reduce the voltage at the point of transition from DC to AC. This can be beneficial in a number of ways, from reducing the size and cost of the transformer to increasing the output voltage of the power supply. In addition, capacitors can be used to provide voltage and current smoothing within a power supply.
Another reason that capacitors are an essential component in many electronic designs is that they can be used to store energy for a longer period of time. This can be helpful when building an AC circuit, as it helps to reduce the pulsing that occurs in the AC current. This can be beneficial to the life of the capacitor and can even help to increase its lifespan.
Generally, passive and active devices are identified by their specific markings or writings on their bodies or packaging. For example, a resistor will often be marked with bands of color that represent its value in ohms. This can be a quick and easy way to identify the correct resistance level for a particular project. Similarly, ICs and other semiconductors are usually marked with their part numbers and can be easily spotted on a printed circuit board.
Jinftry (JING FU CAI (HONGKONG) INTERNATIONAL CO., LIMITED) is a global professional one-stop procurement and service provider of electronic components. It uses independent distribution, platform distribution combined with the Internet online sales model to sell various products worldwide. Types of electronic components, providing one-stop component procurement and supply chain services to global OEM factory customers and brokers. Sales include integrated circuits, discrete semiconductors, IGBT modules, connectors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and other electronic components, covering power supply, automotive, communications, computers, consumer products, medical, industrial, mobile phone and other application fields.
Jinftry product line cards: TI, ONSEMI, Microchip, Maxim, NXP, STM, Xilinx, Intel, Infineon, Broadcom, Renesas, samtec, Souriau, CISSOID, Mitsubishi, FUJI, Semikron, etc.
Website: https://www.jinftry.com
Shenzhen Operation Center Address: 26F1, Building C, Electronic Technology Building, Shennan Middle Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Hong Kong company name: JING FU CAI (HONGKONG) INTERNATIONAL CO., LIMITED
Registered address of Hong Kong company: Unit No.A222,3F,Hang Fung Industrial Building,Phase2,No.2G Hok Yuen Street,Hunghom,Kowloon,Hong Kong
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +86-755-82518276