Electric components play a crucial role in the end-user industry, including consumer electronics & computing, communications, and automotive. Depending on their functionality and energy conversion features within a circuit, they can be divided into active and passive components.
So, what are active and passive components? How do they work to ensure the smooth function of the whole electric system? What is their difference? Let's focus on this page, which is themed active vs. passive components, to find out more!
Active vs. Passive Components: What are Active Electronic Components?
1. Introducing Active Components
Active components in electronics can inject power into a circuit and control the flow of electrons. Unlike passive components, they need external power to function. Active components can control signal strength and direction and perform complex signal-processing tasks.
For instance, they can switch electrical signals, modulate frequencies, and execute logical operations in modern electronics. The components are vital to electronic systems for efficient and agile devices.
2. Examples of Active Components
• Transistors
They can switch or amplify electrical impulses. Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) and Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) are among their numerous varieties. Each offers unique characteristics and applications. Transistors are amplifier and digital circuit building blocks.
Product shown in the picture: HCNR201-000E
• Integrated Circuits (ICs)
ICs, another category, are compact assemblies of multiple active and passive components. They contain transistors, resistors, capacitors, and other components on a chip (usually silicon). Some of their common types are microprocessors and memory modules.
Product shown in the picture: CSR8670C-IBBH-R
• Some Specialized Diodes
Additionally, some specialized diodes are categorized as active components. For instance, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes utilize electricity to produce light. LEDs are widely used in applications, including indicators and displays. At the same time, laser diodes are essential for optical communication and high-precision measurement systems.
To sum up, amplification, signal modulation, and energy conversion are some examples of how active components promote electronic technology.
Passive vs. Active Components: What are Passive Electronic Components?
1. Introducing Passive Components
Passive components do not need any external power to work. Instead, they count on the energy already present in the circuit. Such components do not amplify or generate electrical signals. Nevertheless, they manage and manipulate the flow of electrical current and voltage within a circuit. With different characteristics, they define the behavior of electronic circuits.
2. Examples of Passive Components
• Resistors
Resistors impede the flow of electric current and convert electrical energy into heat. They are defined by their resistance value in ohms (Ω) and control voltage and current levels. E.g., resistors split the voltage into specific ratios in voltage dividers.
• Capacitors
In contrast, capacitors store and release electrical energy in an electric field. Measured in farads (F), they suit filtering uses to smooth out fluctuations within power supply voltages. Capacitors also couple and decouple signals. They block DC and allow AC signals to pass.
• Inductors
Current-flowing inductors store energy in magnetic fields. Measured in henries (H), they outfit filters, transformers, and inductive sensors.
• Transformers
Similarly, transformers transfer electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction. Typically, they have primary and secondary windings and step up/down voltage levels in power supplies. Given their unique features, passive components are necessary for the electronic system's layout and operation.
Active vs. Passive Components: A Clear Table for You
| Aspect | Active Components | Passive Components |
| Functionality | Can amplify, switch, or modulate signals | Can store energy, resist current, or filter signals |
| Energy Interaction | Can add energy (voltage or current) to the circuit | Can absorb, store, or dissipate energy |
| Control | Can control the flow of electrons | Cannot control but can influence the flow of electrons |
| Linearity | Non-linear in operation in most cases | Linear in operation (under ideal conditions) |
| Gain | Provide gain (amplification) | Do not provide gain |
| Complexity | More complex with multiple functionalities | Simpler with basic functionalities |
| Voltage/Current Dependence | Performance can vary with changes in voltage or current | Performance is basically stable across changing voltages and currents |
| Temperature Sensitivity | More sensitive to temperature changes | Less sensitive to temperature changes (But some types of resistors, such as NTC thermistors, are specifically designed to be sensitive to temperature variations.) |
| Example Applications | Signal amplification, switching in digital circuits, power regulation, etc. | Filtering, energy storage, impedance matching, signal attenuation, etc. |
Conclusion
Here, we may reach the end of this page of active vs. passive components. However, information on active and passive components can keep upgrading with technological advancements. AIChiplink is a top electronic component distributor staying ahead of the electronic part market.
Our broad product range, which is 4.9 million models in stock, can cover almost all you need (even rare versions!). Contact us if you need more advice regarding electric components. If you need cheap, high-quality electronic parts, AIChipLink is a place worth your visit!
Written by Jack Zhang from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global authorized electronic component distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers. Whether you need assistance finding the right part or electronic components manufacturers for your design, you can contact us via phone, chat or e-mail. Our support team will answer your inquiries within 24 hours.
