Electronic Components
This page should contain brief descriptions of typical components sometimes used to make small circuits.
Contents
Capacitors
-An electric circuit element used to store charge temporarily, consisting in general of two metallic plates separated and insulated from each other by a dielectric.
Diodes
-An electronic device that allows current flow only one way, (polar)
LEDs
-Light Emitting Diode
Fuses
A safety device that protects an electric circuit from excessive current, consisting of or containing a metal element that melts when current exceeds a specific amperage, thereby opening the circuit(rendering the fuse useless after being blown)
Integrated Circuits
Also known as ICs, microchips, or simply chips - a miniaturized electronic circuit (consisting mainly of semiconductor devices, as well as passive components) which has been manufactured in the surface of a thin substrate of semiconductor material.
Relays
A relay is an electrical switch that opens and closes under control of another electrical circuit.
Resistors
A device used to control current in an electric circuit by providing resistance. (holds current back, like a knot in a water hose lowers the pressure that the water sprays out.)
Solenoids
A solenoid is a loop of wire, often wrapped around a metallic core, which produces a magnetic field when an electrical current is passed through it.
These devices are used to produce switchable movement. Pinball machines use solenoids extensively.
