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. Solenoids are important because they can create controlled magnetic fields and can be used as electromagnets.
These devices are used to produce switchable movement. Pinball machines use solenoids extensively.
