Understanding the Classification of Electronic Components

In simple terms, the basic parts used to manufacture or assemble electronic devices can be referred to as electronic components. Electronic components are independent entities within electronic circuits.

 

Technologically, the development of the electronics industry has led to two major branches of electronic circuits: integrated circuits and discrete component circuits.

 

Integrated circuits (ICs) are electronic components that integrate the transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and other components required for a type of circuit, along with their interconnecting wiring, onto a small piece or several small pieces of semiconductor chips or dielectric substrates, and are packaged as a single unit with circuit functionality.

The distinction between active and passive components

Internationally, electronic components are divided into active and passive components.

 

Active components: These are components that, when supplied with energy, can actively amplify, oscillate, control current, or distribute energy in response to electrical signals, or even perform data calculations and processing. Active components include various types of transistors, integrated circuits (ICs), image tubes, and displays.

 

Passive Components: In contrast to active components, passive components cannot amplify or oscillate electrical signals. Their response to electrical signals is passive and compliant, and electrical signals pass through the passive electronic component with their original basic characteristics intact. The most common passive components are resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

Common functions of electronic components

Resistors

Resistors can be divided into fixed resistors and adjustable resistors, the difference being whether the resistance value is adjustable. Based on the installation method, resistors can also be divided into through-hole resistors and surface-mount resistors. Additionally, according to material and manufacturing process, resistors can be classified into solid-state resistors, wire-wound resistors, film resistors, and sensitive resistors.

Unikeyic is a global authorized distributor and stockist of high-quality electronic components. We offer a diverse product portfolio, including active components, passive components, discrete components, connectors, and more. Our website, https://www.unikeyic.com, showcases over 200,000 in-stock components, ensuring you can find the right parts for your electronic projects. We are committed to providing our customers with more than just components—we offer comprehensive solutions to help them optimize their designs and reduce time-to-market. Our technical team is well-equipped to provide design guidance, component selection recommendations, and troubleshooting support. We also have a robust quality management system in place to ensure that every component we distribute meets the highest industry standards. With Unikeyic, you can trust that you will receive the best components supported by reliable service and expert support.