How Electronic Components Work

10/9/2020 How Electronic Components Work
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Most gadgets have tiny electronic circuits that can control machines and process information.
Simply put, electronic circuits are the lifelines of various electrical appliances. This guide explains in
detail about common electronic components used in electronic circuits and how they work.
In this article I will provide an overview on electronic circuits. Then I will provide more information
on 7 di erent types of components. For each type I'll discuss the composition, how it works, and
the function & signi cance of the component.
1. Capacitor
2. Resistor
3. Diode
4. Transistor
5. Inductor
6. Relay
7. Quartz Crystal
Electronic Circuit Overview

An electronic circuit is a structure that directs and controls electric current to perform various
functions including signal ampli cation, computation, and data transfer. It comprises several
di erent components such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes. Conductive
wires or traces are used to connect the components to each other. However, a circuit is complete
only if it starts and ends at the same point, forming a loop.
The Elements of an Electronic Circuit

The complexity and the number of components in an electronic circuit may change depending on its
application. However, the simplest circuit consists of three elements, including a conducting path, a
voltage source, and a load.
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Element 1: Conducting
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The electric current ows through the conducting path. Though copper wires are usedSIGNinME
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circuits, they are rapidly being replaced by conductive traces. Conductive traces are nothing but
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copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. They are often used in small and
complex circuits such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCB).

Element 2: Voltage Source
The primary function of a circuit is to allow electric current to pass through it safely. So, the rst key
element is the voltage source. It is a two-terminal device such as a battery, generators or power
systems that provide a potential di erence (voltage) between two points in the circuit so that
current can ow through it.

Element 3: Load
A load is an element in the circuit that consumes power to perform a particular function. A light bulb
is the simplest load. Complex circuits, however, have di erent loads such as resistors, capacitors,
transistors, and transistors.
Electronic Circuit Facts

Fact 1: Open Circuit
As mentioned before, a circuit must always form a loop to allow the current to ow through it.
However, when it comes to an open circuit, the current can’t ow as one or more components are
disconnected either intentionally (by using a switch) or accidentally (broken parts). In other words,
any circuit that does not form a loop is an open circuit.

Fact 2: Closed Circuit
A closed circuit is one that forms a loop without any interruptions. Thus, it is the exact opposite of
an open circuit. However, a complete circuit that doesn’t perform any function is still a closed circuit.
For example, a circuit connected to a dead battery may not perform any work, but it is still a closed
circuit.
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Fact 3: Short Circuit Sign Up for More Tips!

In the case of short-circuit, a low-resistance connection forms between two points SIGN
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circuit. As a result, the current tends to ow through this newly formed connection rather than
along the intended path. For example, if there is a direct connection between the battery’s negative
and positive terminal, the current will ow through it rather than passing through the circuit.
However, short circuits usually lead to serious accidents as the current can ow at dangerously high
levels. Hence, a short circuit can damage electronic equipment, cause batteries to explode, and even
start a re in commercial and residential buildings.

Fact 4: Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
Most electronic appliances require complex electronic circuits. That’s why designers have to arrange
tiny electronic components on a circuit board. It comprises a plastic board with connecting copper
tracks on one side and lots of holes to a x the components. When the layout of a circuit board is
printed chemically onto a plastic board, it is called a printed circuit board or PCB.
Figure 1: Printed Circuit Board. [Image Source]

Fact 5: Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Though PCBs can o er a lot of advantages, most modern instruments such as computers and
mobiles require complex circuits, having thousands and even millions of components. That’s where
integrated circuits come in. They are the tiny electronic circuits that can t inside a small silicon chip.
Jack Kilby invented the rst integrated circuit in 1958 at Texas Instruments. The sole purpose of ICs
is to increase the e ciency of the electronic devices, while reducing their size and manufacturing
cost. Over the years, integrated circuits have become increasingly sophisticated as technology
continues to evolve. That’s why personal computers, laptops, mobiles phones, and other consumer
electronics are getting cheaper and better by the day.
Figure 2: Integrated Circuits. [Image Source]
Electronic Components
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Thanks to modern technology, electronic forbuilding
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especially for building ICs and PCBs. The number and arrangement of components in a circuit may
vary depending on its complexity. However, it is built using a small number of standard
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The following components are used to construct electronic circuits.
Component 1: Capacitor
Capacitors are widely used to build di erent types of electronic circuits. A capacitor is a passive two-
terminal electrical component that can store energy in an electric eld electrostatically. In simple
terms, it works as a small rechargeable battery that stores electricity. However, unlike a battery, it
can charge and discharge in the split of a second.
Figure 3: Capacitors [Image Source]
A. Composition
Capacitors come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually have the same primary components. There
are two electrical conductors or plates separated by a dielectric or insulator stacked between them.
Plates are composed of conducting material such as thin lms of metal or aluminum foil. A
dielectric, on the other hand, is a non-conducting material such as glass, ceramic, plastic lm, air,
paper, or mica. You can insert the two electrical connections protruding from the plates to x the
capacitor in a circuit.

B. How Does It Work?
When you apply a voltage over the two plates or connect them to a source, an electric eld develops
across the insulator, causing one plate to accumulate positive charge while negative charge gets
collected on the other. The capacitor continues to hold its charge even if you disconnect it from the
source. The moment you connect it to a load, the stored energy will ow from the capacitor to the
load.
Capacitance is the amount of energy stored in a capacitor. The higher the capacitance, the more
energy it can store. You can increase the capacitance by moving the plates closer to each other or
increasing their size. Alternatively, you can also enhance the insulation qualities to increase the
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Though capacitors look like batteries, they
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as blocking direct current while allowing alternating current to pass or smooth the output from a
power supply. They are also used in electric power transmission systems to stabilize voltage and
power ow. One of the most signi cant functions of a capacitor in the AC systems is power factor
correction, without which you can’t provide su cient amount of starting torque to single phase
motors.
Filters Capacitor Applications
If you are using a microcontroller in a circuit to run a speci c program, you don’t want its voltage to
drop as that will reset the controller. That’s why designers use a capacitor. It can supply the
microcontroller with the necessary power for a split second to avoid a restart. In other words, it
lters out the noise on the power line and stabilizes the power supply.
Hold-Up Capacitor Applications
Unlike a battery, a capacitor releases its charge rapidly. That’s why it is used to provide power to a
circuit for a short while. Your camera batteries charge the capacitor attached to the ash gun. When
you take a ash photograph, the capacitor releases its charge in a split second to generate a ash of
light.
Timer Capacitor Applications
In a resonant or time-dependent circuit, capacitors are used along with a resistor or inductor as a
timing element. The time required to charge and discharge a capacitor determines the operation of
the circuit.
Component 2: Resistor
A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical device that resists the ow of current. It is probably the
simplest element in an electronic circuit. It is also one of the most common components as
resistance is an inherent element of nearly all electronic circuits. They are usually color-coded.
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Figure 4: Resistors [Image Source]

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conductors. So, a capacitor consists of a copper wire wrapped around an insulating material such as
a ceramic rod. The number of turns and the thinness of copper wire are directly proportional to the
resistance. The higher the number of turns and thinner the wire, the higher the resistance.
You can also nd resistors made of a spiral pattern of a carbon lm. Hence, the name carbon lm
resistors. They are designed for lower-power circuits because carbon lm resistors are not as
precise as their wire-wound counterparts. However, they are cheaper than wired resistors. Wire
terminals are attached to the both ends. As resistors are blind to the polarity in a circuit, the current
can ow through in either direction. So, there is no need to worry about attaching them in a forward
or a backward direction.

A resistor may not look like much. One may think it doesn’t do anything except consume power.
However, it performs a vital function: controlling the voltage and the current in your circuit. In other
words, resistors give you control over the design of your circuit.
When electric current starts owing through a wire, all the electrons start moving in the same
direction. It’s just like water owing through a pipe. Less amount of water will ow through a thin
pipe because there is less room for its movement.
Similarly, when the current passes through a thin wire in a resistor, it becomes progressively harder
for the electrons to wiggle through it. In short, the number of electrons owing through a resistor
goes down as the length and thinness of the wire increases.

C. Function and Signi cance
Resistors have plenty of applications, but the three most common ones are managing current ow,
dividing voltage, and resistor-capacitor networks.
Limiting the Flow of Current
If you don’t add resistors to a circuit, the current will ow at dangerously high levels. It can overheat
other components and possibly damage them. For example, if you connect an LED directly to a
battery, it would still work. However, after some time the LED will heat up like a reball. It will
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eventually burn as LEDs are less tolerant to heat.

But, if you introduce a resistor in the circuit, it will reduce the ow of current to an optimal level.
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Dividing Voltage
Resistors are also used to reduce the voltage to the desired level. Sometimes, a particular part of a
circuit such as a microcontroller may need a lower voltage than the circuit itself. This is where a
resistor comes in.
Let’s say your circuit runs o of a 12V battery. However, the microcontroller needs only a 6V supply.
So, to divide the voltage in half, all you have to do is place two resistors of equal resistance value in
series. The wire in between the two resistors will have halved the voltage of your circuit where the
microcontroller can be attached. Using appropriate resistors, you can lower the voltage within the
circuit to any level.
Resistor-Capacitor Networks
Resistors are also used in combination with capacitors to build ICs that contain resistor-capacitor
arrays in a single chip. They are also known as RC lters or RC networks. They are often used to
suppress electromagnetic Interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) in various
instruments, including input/output ports of computers and laptops, Local Area Networks (LANs),
and Wide Area Networks (WANs), among others. They are also used in machine tools, switchgears,
motor controllers, automated equipment, industrial appliances, elevators, and escalators.
Component 3: Diode
A diode is a two-terminal device that allows electric current to ow in only one direction. Thus, it is
the electronic equivalent of a check valve or a one-way street. It is commonly used to convert an
Alternating Current (AC) into a Direct Current (DC). It is made either of a semiconductor material
(semiconductor diode) or vacuum tube (vacuum tube diode). Today, however, most diodes are
made from semiconductor material, particularly silicon.
Figure 5: Diode [Image Source]
A. Composition 
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vacuum diodes and semiconductor diodes. A
vacuum diode consists of two electrodes (cathode and anode) placed inside a sealed vacuum glass
tube. A semiconductor diode comprises p-type and n-type semiconductors. It is, therefore, known
as a p-n junction diode. It is usually made
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Vacuum Diode
When the cathode is heated by a lament, an invisible cloud of electrons, called space charge, forms
in the vacuum. Though electrons are emitted from the cathode, the negative space charge repels
them. As electrons can’t reach the anode, no current ows through the circuit. However, when the
anode is made positive, the space charge vanishes. As a result, current starts owing from the
cathode to the anode. Thus, electric current within the diode ows only from the cathode to the
anode and never from the anode to the cathode.
P-N Junction Diode
A p-n junction diode comprises p-type and n-type semiconductors of silicon. The p-type
semiconductor is usually doped with boron, leaving holes (positive charge) in it. The n-type
semiconductor, on the other hand, is doped with antimony, adding a few extra electrons (negative
charge) in it. So, electric current can ow through both semiconductors.
When you put p-type and n-type blocks together, the extra electrons from the n-type combine with
the holes in the p-type, creating a depletion zone without any free electrons or holes. In short,
current can no longer pass through the diode.
When you connect the battery’s negative terminal to the n-type silicon and the positive terminal to
p-type (forward-bias), current starts to ow as electrons and holes can now move across the
junction. However, if you reverse the terminals (reverse-bias), no current ows through the diode
because holes and electrons are pushed away from each other, widening the depletion zone. So,
just like a vacuum diode, a junction diode can also allow current to pass in one direction only.

Though diodes are one of the simplest components in an electronic circuit, they have unique
applications across industries.
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AC to DC Conversion
The most common and important application of a diode is the recti cation of AC power to DC
power. Usually, a half-wave (single diode) or a full-wave (four diodes) recti er is used to convert AC
power into DC power, particularly in household power supply. When you pass AC power supply
through a diode, only half the AC waveform passes through it. As this voltage pulse is used to
charge the capacitor, it produces steady and continuous DC currents without any ripples. Di erent
combinations of diodes and capacitors are also used to build various types of voltage multipliers to
multiply a small AC voltage into high DC outputs.
Bypass Diodes
Bypass diodes are often used to protect solar panels. When the current from the rest of the cells
passes through a damaged or dusty solar cell, it causes overheating. As a result, the overall output
power decreases, creating hot spots. The diodes are connected parallel to the solar cells to protect
them against this overheating problem. This simple arrangement limits the voltage across the bad
solar cell while allowing the current to pass through undamaged cells to the external circuit.
Voltage Spike Protection
When the power supply is suddenly interrupted, it produces a high voltage in most inductive loads.
This unexpected voltage spike can damage the loads. However, you can protect expensive
equipment by connecting a diode across the inductive loads. Depending on the type of security,
these diodes are known by many names including snubber diode, yback diode, suppression diode,
and freewheeling diode, among others.
Signal Demodulation
They are also used in the process of signal modulation because diodes can remove the negative
element of an AC signal e ciently. The diode recti es the carrier wave, turning it into DC. The audio
signal is retrieved from the carrier wave, a process called audio-frequency modulation. You can hear
the audio after some ltering and ampli cation. Hence, diodes are commonly found in radios to
extract the signal from the carrier wave.
Reverse Current Protection
Reversing polarities of a DC supply or incorrectly connecting the battery can cause a substantial
current to ow through a circuit. Such a reverse connection can damage the connected load. That’s

why a protective diode is connected in series with the positive side of the battery terminal. The
diode becomes forward-biased inSign

the case
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circuit. However, in the event of a wrong connection, it becomes reverse-biased, blocking the
current. Thus, it can protect your equipment from potential damage.
Component 4: Transistor
One of the most crucial components of an electronic circuit, transistors have revolutionized the eld
of electronics. These tiny semiconductor devices with three terminals have been around for more
than ve decades now. They are often used as ampli ers and switching devices. You can think of
them as relays without any moving parts because they can turn something ‘on’ or ‘o ’ without any
movement.
Figure 6: Transistors [Image Source]
A. Composition
In the beginning, Germanium was used to build transistors which were extremely temperature-
sensitive. Today, however, they are made from Silicon, a semiconductor material found in the sand
because Silicon transistors are much more temperature-tolerant and cheaper to manufacture.
There are two di erent types of Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT), NPN and PNP. Each transistor has
three pins called Base (b), collector (c), and emitter (e). NPN and PNP refer to the layers of
semiconductor material used to make the transistor.

When you sandwich a p-type silicon slab between two n-type bars, you get an NPN transistor. The
emitter is attached to one n-type, while the collector is attached to the other. The base is attached to
the p-type. The surplus holes in the p-type silicon act as barriers, blocking the ow of the current.
However, if you apply a positive voltage to the base and the collector and negatively charge the
emitter, electrons start owing from the emitter to the collector.
The arrangement and number of p-type and n-type blocks remain inverted in a PNP transistor. In
this type of transistor, one n-type is sandwiched between two p-type blocks. As voltage allocation is
di erent, a PNP transistor works di erently. An NPN transistor requires a positive voltage to the
base, while a PNP requires a negative voltage. In short, the current must ow away from the base to
turn a PNP transistor on.
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Transistors function as both, switches and ampli ers in most electronic circuits. Designers often use
a transistor as a switch because unlike a simple switch, it can turn a small current into a much larger
one. Though you can use a simple switch in an ordinary circuit, an advanced circuit may need
varying amounts of currents at di erent stages.
Transistors in Hearing Aids
One of the most well-known applications of transistors is the hearing aid. Usually, a small
microphone in the hearing aid picks up the sound waves, converting them into uctuating electrical
pulses or currents. When these currents pass through a transistor, they are ampli ed. The ampli ed
pulses then pass through a speaker, converting them into sound waves once again. Thus, you can
hear a substantially louder version of the surrounding noise.
Transistors in Computers and Calculators
We all know that computers store and process information using the binary language of “zero” and
“one.” However, most people don’t know that transistors play a critical role in making something
called logic gates, which are the backbones of computer programs. Transistors are often hooked up
with logic gates to build a unique piece of an arrangement called a ip- op. In this system, the
transistor remains ‘on’ even if you remove the base current. It now ips on or o whenever new
current passes through it. Thus, a transistor can store a zero when it’s o or a one when it’s on,
which is the working principle of computers.
Darlington Transistors
A Darlington transistor is made of two PNP or NPN polar junction transistors placed together. It is
named after its inventor Sidney Darlington. The sole purpose of a Darlington transistor is to deliver
a high current gain from a low base current. You can nd these transistors in instruments that
require a high current gain at a low frequency such as power regulators, display drivers, motor
controllers, light and touch sensors, alarm systems, and audio ampli ers.
IGBT and MOSFET Transistors
The Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) transistors are often used as ampli ers and switches in
various instruments including electric cars, trains, refrigerators, air-conditioners, and even stereo
systems. On the other hand, Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-E ect Transistors (MOSFET) are 
commonly used in integrated circuits to control a device’s power levels or for storing data.
Component 5: Inductor
An inductor, also known as a reactor, is a passive component of a circuit having two terminals. This
device stores energy in its magnetic eld, returning it to the circuit whenever required. It was
discovered that when two inductors are placed side by side without touching, the magnetic eld
created by the rst inductor a ects the second inductor. It was a crucial breakthrough that led to
the invention of the rst transformers.
Figure 7: Inductors [Image Source]
A. Composition
It is probably the simplest component, comprising just a coil of copper wire. The inductance is
directly proportional to the number of turns in the coil. Sometimes, however, the coil is wound
around a ferromagnetic material such as iron, laminated iron, and powdered iron to increase the
inductance. The shape of this core can also increase the inductance. Toroidal (donut-shaped) cores
provide better inductance compared to solenoidal (rod-shaped) cores for the same number of
turns. Unfortunately, it is di cult to join inductors in an integrated circuit, so they are usually
replaced by resistors.

Whenever the current passes through a wire, it creates a magnetic eld. However, the unique shape
of the inductor leads to the creation of a much stronger magnetic eld. This powerful magnetic eld,
in turn, resists alternating current, but it lets direct current ow through it. This magnetic eld also
stores energy.
Take a simple circuit comprising a battery, a switch, and a bulb. The bulb will glow brightly the
moment you turn the switch on. Add an inductor to this circuit. As soon you turn the switch on, the
bulb changes from bright to dim. On the other hand, when the switch is turned o , it becomes very
bright, just for a fraction of a second before turning o completely.
As you turn the switch on, the inductor starts using the electricity to create a magnetic eld,
temporarily blocking the current ow. But, only DC current passes through the inductor as soon as
the magnetic eld is complete. That’s why the bulb changes from bright to dim. All this time, the
inductor stores some electrical energy in the form of magnetic eld. So, when you turn the switch 
o , the magnetic eld keeps the current

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before turning o .

Though inductors are useful, it is di cult to incorporate them into electronic circuits due to their
size. As they are bulkier compared to other components, they add a lot of weight and occupy plenty
of space. Hence they are usually replaced by resistors in integrated circuits (ICs). Still, inductors have
a wide range of industrial applications.
Filters in Tuned Circuits
One of the most common applications of inductors is to select the desired frequency in tuned
circuits. They are used extensively with capacitors and resistors, either in parallel or series, to create
lters. The impedance of an inductor increases as the frequency of signal increases. Thus, a stand-
alone inductor can only act as a low-pass lter. However, when you combine it with a capacitor, you
can create a notched lter because the impedance of a capacitor decreases as the frequency of
signal increase. So, you can use di erent combinations of capacitors, inductors, and resistors to
create various types of lters. They are found in most electronics including televisions, desktop
computers, and radios.
Inductors as Chokes
If an alternate current ows through an inductor, it creates an opposite current ow. Thus, it can
convert an AC supply into a DC. In other words, it chokes the AC supply but allows the DC to pass
through it, hence the name ‘choke.’ Usually, they are found in power supply circuits that need to
convert AC supply to DC supply.
Ferrite Beads
A ferrite bead or ferrite choke is used to suppress high-frequency noise in electronic circuits. Some
of the common uses of ferrite beads include computer cables, television cables, and mobile charge
cables. These cables can, sometimes, act as antennas, interloping with audio and video output of
your television and computer. So, inductors are used in ferrite beads to reduce such radio
frequency interference.
Inductors in Proximity Sensors

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Most proximity sensors work on the Up for More
principle Tips! An inductive proximity sensor
of inductance.
comprises four parts including an inductor or coil, an oscillator, a detection circuit and an output
circuit. The oscillator generates a uctuating magnetic eld. Whenever an object comes into the
proximity of this magnetic eld, eddy currents
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The detection circuit determines the strength of the sensor, while output circuit triggers the
appropriate response. Inductive proximity sensors, also called contactless sensors, are cherished for
their reliability. They are used at tra c lights to detect the tra c density and also as parking sensors
in cars and trucks.
Induction Motors
An induction motor is probably the most common example of the application of inductors. Usually,
in an induction motor, inductors are placed in a xed position. In other words, they are not allowed
to align with the nearby magnetic eld. An AC power supply is used to create a rotating magnetic
eld which then rotates the shaft. The power input controls the speed of rotation. Hence, inductions
motors are often used in xed speed applications. The induction motors are very reliable and
robust because there is no direct contact between the motor and the rotor.
Transformers
As mentioned earlier, the discovery of inductors led to the invention of transformers, one of the
fundamental components of power transmission systems. You can create a transformer by
combining the inductors of a shared magnetic eld. They are usually used to increase or decrease
voltages of the power lines to the desired level.
Energy Storage
Just like a capacitor, an inductor can also store energy. However, unlike a capacitor, it can store
energy for a limited time. As the energy is stored in a magnetic eld, it collapses as soon as the
power supply is removed. Still, inductors function as reliable energy storage device in switch mode
power supply such as desktop computers.
Component 6: Relay
A relay is an electromagnetic switch that can open and close circuits electromechanically or 
electronically. You need a relatively small current to operate a relay. Usually, they are used to
regulate low currents in a controlSign

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for More also use relays to control high electric
currents. A relay is the electrical equivalent of a lever. You can switch it on with a small current to
turn on Address
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(or leverage) another circuit using large current. Relays are either electromechanical UP
or solid-state relays.
Figure 8: Relays [Image Source]
A. Composition
An Electromechanical Relay (EMR) comprises a frame, coil, armature, spring, and contacts. The
frame supports various parts of the relay. The armature is the moving part of a relay switch. A coil
(mostly copper wire), wound around a metal rod generates a magnetic eld that moves the
armature. Contacts are the conducting parts that open and close the circuit.
A Solid-State Relay (SSR) consists of an input circuit, a control circuit, and an output circuit. The input
circuit is the equivalent of a coil in an electromechanical relay. The control circuit acts as a coupling
device between input and output circuits, while the output circuit performs the same function as the
contacts in an EMR. Solid-state relays are becoming increasingly popular as they are cheaper, faster,
and reliable compared to electromechanical relays.

Whether you are using an electromechanical relay or a solid-state relay, it is either a Normally
Closed (NC) or a Normally Opened (NO) relay. In case of an NC relay, the contacts remain closed
when there is no power supply. However, in a NO relay, the contacts remain open when there is no
power supply. In short, whenever current ows through a relay, the contacts will either open or
close shut.
In an EMR, power supply energizes the relay coil, creating a magnetic eld. The magnetic coil
attracts a ferrous plate mounted on the armature. When the current stops, the armature is released
into its resting position by spring action. An EMR can also have single or multiple contacts within a
single package. If a circuit uses only one contact, it is called a Single Break (SB) circuit. A Double
Break Circuit (DB), on the other hand, comes with tow contacts. Usually, single break relays are used
to control low power devices such as indicator lamps, while double break contacts are used to
regulate high-power devices such as solenoids.
When it comes to operating an SSR, you need to apply a voltage higher than the speci ed pickup
voltage of the relay to activate the input circuit. You have to apply a voltage less than the stipulated
minimum dropout voltage of the relay to deactivate the input circuit. Control circuit transfers the

signal from the input circuit to Sign

the output circuit.
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performs the desired action.

As they can control a high current circuit by a low current signal, most control processes use relays
as the primary protection and switching devices. They can also detect fault and irregularities
occurring in the power distribution systems. Typical applications include telecommunication,
automobiles, tra c control systems, home appliances, and computers among others.
Protective Relays
Protective relays are used to trip or isolate a circuit if any irregularities are detected. Sometimes,
they can also set o alarms when a fault is detected. Types of protection relays depend on their
function. For example, an overcurrent relay is designed to identify the current exceeding a
predetermined value. When such current is detected, the relay operates tripping a circuit breaker to
protect the equipment from potential damage.
A distance relay or impedance relay, on the other hand, can detect abnormalities in the ratio of
current and voltage rather than monitoring their magnitude independently. It swarms into action
when the V/I ratio falls below a predetermined value. Usually, protective relays are used to protect
equipment such as motors, generators, and transformers, and so on.
Automatic Reclosing Relay
An automatic reclosing relay is designed to cause multiple reclosures of a circuit breaker that is
already tripped by a protective relaying. For example, when there is a sudden voltage drop, the
electrical circuit in your home may experience several brief power outages. These outages occur
because a reclosing relay is trying to switch on the protective relay automatically. If it succeeds the
power supply will be restored. If not, there will be a complete blackout.
Thermal Relays
The thermal e ect of electrical energy is the working principle of a thermal relay. In short, it can
detect the rise the ambient temperature and switch on or o a circuit accordingly. It consists of a
bimetallic strip which heats up if an overcurrent passes through it. The heated strip bends and
closes the No contact, tripping the circuit breaker. The most common application of thermal relay is
overload protection of electric motor.
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Component 7. Quartz Crystal SIGN ME UP
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Quartz crystals have several applications in the electronics industry. However, they are mostly used
as resonators in electronic circuits. Quartz is a naturally occurring form of silicon. However, it is now
produced synthetically to meet the growing demand. It exhibits the piezoelectric e ect. If you apply
physical pressure on one side, the resulting vibrations generate an AC voltage across the crystal.
Quartz crystal resonators are available in many sizes according to the required applications.
Figure 9: Quartz Crystal [Image Source]
A. Composition
As mentioned earlier, quartz crystals are either synthetically manufactured or occur naturally. They
are often used to make crystal oscillators to create an electrical signal with a precise frequency.
Usually, the shape of quartz crystals is hexagonal with pyramids at ends. However, for practical
purposes, they are cut into rectangular slabs. The most common types of cutting formats include X
cut, Y cut, and AT cut. This slab is placed between two metal plates called holding plates. The outer
shape of a quartz crystal or crystal oscillator can be cylindrical, rectangular or square.

If you apply an alternating voltage to a crystal, it causes mechanical vibrations. The cut and the size
of the quartz crystal determine the resonant frequency of these vibrations or oscillations. Thus, it
generates a constant signal. Quartz oscillators are cheap and easy to manufacture synthetically.
They are available in the range from a few KHz to a few MHz. As they have a higher quality factor or
Q factor, crystal oscillators are remarkably stable with respect to time and temperature.

The exceptionally high Q factor enables you to use quartz crystals and the resonant element in
oscillators as well as lters in electronic circuits. You can nd this highly reliable component in radio
frequency applications, as oscillator clock circuits in microprocessor boards, and as a timing
element in digital watches as well.
Quartz Watches
The problem with traditional coil spring watches is that you have to keep winding the coil
periodically. Pendulum watches, on the other hand, depend on the force of gravity. Thus, they tell 
time di erently at di erent sea levels

Signand
Upaltitudes
for Moredue toTips!
changes in the gravitational force. The
performance of quartz watches, however, is not a ected by any of these factors. Quartz watches are
battery-powered. SIGN
Email Address Usually, a tiny crystal of quartz regulates the gears that control the ME UP
second, the
minute, and the hour hands. As quartz watches use very little energy, the battery can often last
longer.
Filters
You can also use quartz crystals in an electronic circuit as lters. They are often used to lter out
unwanted signals in radios and microcontrollers. Most basic lters consist of a single quartz crystal.
However, advanced lters may comprise more than one crystal to match the performance
requirements. These quartz crystal lters are far superior to the ones manufactured using LC
components.
Conclusion
From communicating with your loved ones living across continents to making a hot cup of co ee,
electronic gadgets touch almost every aspect of our lives. However, what makes these electronic
gadgets nish seemingly time-consuming tasks in just a few minutes? Tiny electronic circuits are the
foundation of all electronic equipment. Reading about the various components of an electronic
circuit will help you understand their function and signi cance. Do share your suggestions and
views about this in the comments section below.
// This article was published originally on ICRFQ.
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10/9/2020 How Electronic Components Work

Electronic gadgets have becomeSign Up for

Electronic Circuit Overview

The Elements of an Electronic Circuit

Electronic Circuit Facts

Fact 3: Short Circuit Sign Up for More Tips!

Figure 1: Printed Circuit Board. [Image Source]

Figure 2: Integrated Circuits. [Image Source]

The following components are used to construct electronic circuits.

Figure 3: Capacitors [Image Source]

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Filters Capacitor Applications

Hold-Up Capacitor Applications

Timer Capacitor Applications

Figure 4: Resistors [Image Source]

A resistor is not a fancy deviceByatsigning

Limiting the Flow of Current

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Figure 5: Diode [Image Source]

P-N Junction Diode

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Voltage Spike Protection

Reverse Current Protection

diode becomes forward-biased inSign

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Figure 6: Transistors [Image Source]

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Transistors in Hearing Aids

Transistors in Computers and Calculators

IGBT and MOSFET Transistors

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Figure 7: Inductors [Image Source]

o , the magnetic eld keeps the current

Filters in Tuned Circuits

Inductors in Proximity Sensors

regulate low currents in a controlSign

Figure 8: Relays [Image Source]

signal from the input circuit to Sign

Automatic Reclosing Relay

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Figure 9: Quartz Crystal [Image Source]

time di erently at di erent sea levels

// This article was published originally on ICRFQ.

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