electronic component battery
Let’s not go back to GCSE level Physics, but shouldn’t we all know about the electric components that serve as a backdrop to our everyday lives? Basically they rule! An electronic component may have two or more electrical leads (or terminals). These leads are usually soldered to a printed circuit board to create an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is then fit for purpose. That may be anything from a radio receiver, an oscillator or an Amp.
An electronic component can be classed as either active or passive. If it is active (like a battery for example) it can supply energy. If it is passive it cannot actually supply energy from within itself.
If you were to get interested in owning your own Starter Kit, it would probably consist of most of the following:
1. 0.25W carbon film resistors
2. Ten Capacitors – Low values: 0.01µF and 0.1µF metallised polyester
3. Five 1N4148 signal diode and 1N4001 rectifier diode
4. Ten Red, yellow and green 5mm standard LEDs
5. Five general purpose, low power, NPN transistors
6. Five general purpose, medium power, NPN transistors
7. Integrated circuits – chips and holders
8. Variable resistors
9. Battery and Crocodile clips
10. Wire
11. Stripboard and Breadboard
12. Assortment of switches
Once you’ve assembled your basic kit you’re ready to start soldering. Take care to stick all the components onto paper using tape and write their name under them to be sure not to get them mixed up. Watch out that you don’t mix the value of Capacitors as there are many different types. If your interest in electronic components is growing, then why not send for a catalogue, at the very least you can have fun browsing?!