{"id":4577,"date":"2020-05-15T10:31:26","date_gmt":"2020-05-15T17:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/?p=4577"},"modified":"2020-05-15T10:31:30","modified_gmt":"2020-05-15T17:31:30","slug":"how-electronic-components-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/how-electronic-components-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How Electronic Components Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Given how dependent we, as a society, are on electronics, it makes sense that more people are showing interest in understanding their basic composition. Whether it\u2019s out of career necessity or just pure curiosity, people want to know how gadgets like phones, laptops, televisions, radios, and tablets work. Beyond electronic entertainment, you also have the technologies used in industries like healthcare, aviation, education, and so on. So there\u2019s no denying that electronics play an integral role in the modern world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve landed on this article, then you probably have a vested (or casual) interest in how electronics work. We can tell you, as early as now, that the magic all happens in the electronic circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Table of contents:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Electronic Circuits<\/li><li>Elements of an Electronic Circuit<ul><li>Conducting Path<\/li><li>Voltage Source<\/li><li>Load<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Type of Electronic Circuits<ul><li>Closed Circuit<\/li><li>Open Circuit<\/li><li>Integrated Circuit<\/li><li>Short Circuit<\/li><li>Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Electronic Components<ul><li>Capacitors<\/li><li>Resistors<\/li><li>Diodes<\/li><li>Relays<\/li><li>Quartz Crystals<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Conclusion<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As always if you have any questions don&#8217;t hesitate to contact us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1-800-528-1417<\/li><li><a href=\"mailto:sales@circuitspecialists.com\">sales@circuitspecialists.com<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"mailto:sales@circuitspecialists.com\">support@circuitspecialists.com<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Electronic Circuits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Canva-Person-Soldering-Chip.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Electronic Circuits\" class=\"wp-image-4579\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All electronics depend on electronic circuits to function. These are basically small structures found inside machines that direct and control electric current in order to perform different functions. What they do can be broken down into two general steps: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(1) Process external information <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(2) Dictate the electronics\u2019 response based on that information<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the stimuli or on their programming, they can control the electric current to compute information, amplify signals, redirect power, or transfer data\u2014just to name a few processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Electronic circuits use a number of complex electronic components and elements to achieve their specified process-and-respond systems. However, generally speaking, all electronic circuit elements can be categorized into three basic functions:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A conducting path<\/li><li>A voltage source<\/li><li>A load<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Elements of an Electronic Circuit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conducting Path<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the system or pathway where the electric circuit in all electronic circuits flow. Earlier, we mentioned that electronic circuits control the flow of an electric current in order to process information and respond accordingly. The conducting path acts as the container that dictates the current\u2019s exact route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Voltage Source<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whereas the conducting path directs energy, the voltage source supplies it. This element is typically a two-terminal device that provides potential difference (aka voltage) between two points. Common examples of voltage sources include batteries, generators, and power systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Load<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The voltage source is the element that supplies energy; the load is the element that consumes it. The simplest example of this is a light bulb. If you\u2019re familiar with resistors, capacitors, or transistors (some of which we\u2019ll cover in great detail further on), then you\u2019re already familiar with more complex examples of a load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Types of Electronic Circuits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Canva-Engineers-Holding-Circuit-Board.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Types of Electronic Circuits\" class=\"wp-image-4584\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In order for a circuit to work, all three elements must be integrated or connected with each other in a closed loop. Everything starts and ends in the same place; no disconnections, interruptions, or dead-ends. However, there are some circuits that intentionally do not form a loop. These are known as open circuits, which is one type of circuit. Other types of circuits are the closed circuit, the integrated circuit, the short circuit, and the printed circuit board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Closed Circuit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most common type of circuit. All components are connected to form one uninterrupted loop which may or may not perform a function, depending on the situation (like a circuit connected to a dead power source).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Open Circuit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A circuit that doesn\u2019t form a loop. One or more electronic components are disconnected either intentionally (like how a light switch turns a light bulb on and off) or accidentally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Integrated Circuit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a tiny electronic circuit that can fit inside small silicon chips (like the ones found in laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and the like). Integrated circuits (or ICs) are sophisticated pieces of tech used to improve the efficiency of electronic devices by reducing their size and, consequently, their manufacturing costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Short Circuit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A short circuit happens when two points in an electric circuit form a low-resistance connection. The current typically prefer this new pathway over the intended route, which can, in turn, throw the circuit&#8217;s function off-balance. This is why short circuits are often equated to serious or damaging issues in electronic equipment (like batteries exploding or fuse boxes malfunctioning).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/commonly-used-components-on-pcbs\/\"><strong>Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PCBs, like integrated circuits, are tiny electronic circuits made up of tinier electronic components. They\u2019re typically made of a plastic board with connecting copper tracks and compartments for the components, hence the name. PCBs aren\u2019t as sophisticated as ICs, though, and are more commonly found in equipment with simpler circuits (i.e., radios, television sets, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Electronic Components<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Electronic circuits are basically the lifelines of all-electric appliances. Without them, the machine wouldn\u2019t function. However, they themselves wouldn\u2019t function either if not for their basic electronic components. There are a lot of known components\u2014easily over several dozen\u2014but we\u2019ll cover the five most common (and arguably most important) ones for now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Capacitors<\/li><li>Resistors<\/li><li>Diodes<\/li><li>Relays<\/li><li>Quartz Crystals<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Capacitors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Capacitors.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4569\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Capacitors.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Capacitors-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/passive-electronic-components-capacitors\">capacitor<\/a>, as we mentioned earlier, can be considered a load-type element in a circuit. It\u2019s a passive, two-terminal electronic component that basically stores energy electrostatically\u2014which basically refers to electric charges at rest. A capacitor is similar to a battery in the sense that it stores electricity. However, it isn\u2019t a voltage source. Unlike a battery, it\u2019s capable of charging and discharging the electric energy in a split second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is it made of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Two electrical conductors\/plates<\/li><li>One insulator (dielectric)<\/li><li>Two electrical connections<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How does it work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two electrical conductors or plates (typically made of conductive material like aluminum foil) separated by an insulator (a dielectric made of non-conductive material, like glass, paper, or ceramic). They have two protruding electrical connections that can be used to fix the electronic component in a circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When voltage is applied over the two plates\u2014or they\u2019re connected directly to a voltage source\u2014an electric field develops across the insulator. This, in turn, causes both plates to accumulate charges: one positive, one negative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When this happens, the capacitor then has a charge that it is capable of holding on to even if it\u2019s disconnected from the source. Once it\u2019s connected to another load, the stored energy in the capacitor can then flow to that load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Terms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Capacitanc<\/strong>e<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.electronics-tutorials.ws\/capacitor\/cap_4.html\" target=\"_blank\">Capacitance<\/a> refers to the amount of energy a capacitor is capable of storing. The higher the capacitance, the more energy it can store. Capacitance can be increased by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>moving the conductive plates closer together<\/li><li>increasing the size of the conductive plates<\/li><li>enhancing the dielectric\u2019s insulating qualities<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Resistors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Resistors.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4568\" width=\"294\" height=\"66\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As their name suggests, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/resistors\">resistors<\/a> are basically electrical components that can resist the flow of the current. Another two-terminal device that is found in practically every electrical circuit, resistors are perhaps the simplest in design and function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is it made of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>One (1) copper wire<\/li><li>One (1) insulating material<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How does it work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A copper wire is wrapped around an insulating material\u2014typically a ceramic rod\u2014as many times as needed, with the number of turns and the thinness of the wire being directly proportional to the electronic component\u2019s resistance. By forcing the current to flow through the wire, the resistor is able to control the voltage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of the voltage-current passing through the copper wire as water flowing through a pipe. Long thin pipes allow much less water to flow through compared to pipes that are shorter and wider. Similarly, a current passing through a thin wire will slow down considerably due to the electrons lacking sufficient room to travel. And as the wire continues to wrap around and around, more electrons are left behind or forced to stop, significantly reducing the resulting voltage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Resistors are necessary for controlling voltage and keeping the current at safe levels. This, in turn, prevents the equipment from potentially overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Terms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Polarity.<\/strong> Resistors are blind to circuit polarity (aka the positive\/negative charges), so the current can flow in either direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Resistor-Capacitor. <\/strong>Resistors, when used in combination with capacitors, are capable of suppressing electromagnetic interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) in certain instruments. These components are known as resistor-capacitor arrays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Diodes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Diode.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4570\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Diode.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Diode-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Diode-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Diode-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like resistors and capacitors, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/semiconductor-devices-diodes\">diodes<\/a> are two-terminal electronic components that allow electric currents to flow in only one direction. Think of them as the one-way streets of electric circuits. So going back to the different element categories, diodes are basically conducting path elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two common types of diodes; semiconductor diodes and vacuum tube diodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of practical application, diodes are most commonly used to convert Alternating Current (AC) into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/dc-power-supplies\/\">Direct Current (DC)<\/a>. But they\u2019re also good for providing protection against sudden voltage spikes in electronics. A surge of voltage can happen when a power supply is suddenly interrupted, and this sudden burst of energy can sometimes damage the load. Connecting a diode across the inductive loads can suppress or subdue unexpected power surges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is it made of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Semiconductor Diodes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Semiconducting material<\/li><li>Two (2) semiconductors (p-type and n-type)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vacuum Tube Diodes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>One (1) sealed vacuum glass tube<\/li><li>Two (2) electrodes (cathode and anode)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How does it work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Semiconductor Diodes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although semiconductor diodes are typically made of silicon, there are diodes out there that use other semiconducting materials like germanium and selenium. These types of diodes are also known as p-n junction diodes because they use both a p-type semiconductor (positive) and an n-type semiconductor (negative).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A semiconductor or p-n junction diode works in such a way that the extra electrons from the n-type semiconductor combine with the holes in the p-type semiconductor when both elements are brought together. This reaction causes a depletion zone with no free holes or electrons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, an electric current is typically capable of flowing through both semiconductors. However, this depletion zone makes it so that no current, regardless of strength or charge, can flow through it\u2014and, by extension, the diode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vacuum Diode<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A vacuum diode is made of two electrodes\u2014a cathode and an anode\u2014placed inside a vacuum-sealed glass tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By heating the cathode with a filament, a cloud of electrons\u2014also called a space charge\u2014forms inside the vacuum. This space charge effectively repels any further electrons that are typically emitted from the cathode, stopping them from reaching the other electrode (the anode). Ergo, the current flow is halted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It starts up again when the anode is made positive, effectively canceling out the cloud of electrons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s worth noting that in a vacuum tube diode, the electric current always flows from the cathode to the anode, and never the other way around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Terms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Forward-Bias.<\/strong> In a semiconductor diode, current can flow through the junction again when the battery of an electric circuit is connected to the respective semiconductors (in other words, negative terminal to the n-type and positive terminal to the p-type).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reverse-Bias. <\/strong>With respect to the forward-bias process, the reverse-bias process happens when the terminals are reversed\u2014as in, negative terminal to p-type semiconductor, positive terminal to n-type. This pushes the holes and electrons away from each other, further widening the depletion zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/ac-to-dc-universal-power-supplies\"><strong>AC to DC Conversion<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong> This is arguably the most important\u2014and most common\u2014application of a diode. When an Alternating Current <a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/what-is-an-ac-power-source\/\">(AC) power supply<\/a> is run through a diode, only half of the AC waveform actually passes through. This process, in turn, steadily produces continuous Direct Current (DC) without any ripples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Relays<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/relay.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4587\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/relay.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/relay-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/relay-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/relay-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/relays\">Relays <\/a>are basically electromagnetic switches that can open and close circuits through electromechanical or electronic means. They\u2019re typically used to regulate low currents in a control circuit, but they can also be used in circuits with higher electric currents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an electronic component, a relay is sort of a lever. It doesn\u2019t need a lot of power to operate, which means you can leverage it against another circuit with larger amounts of current.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two types of relays: electromechanical relays (EMRs) and solid-state relays (SSRs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is it made of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Electromechanical Relay (EMR)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>One (1) frame<\/li><li>One (1) coil (typically copper wire)<\/li><li>One (1) armature<\/li><li>Spring<\/li><li>Contacts<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solid-State Relay (SSR)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>One (1) input circuit<\/li><li>One (1) control circuit<\/li><li>One (1) output circuit<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How does it work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Electromechanical Relay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An EMR is made up of a frame, a coil, an armature, a spring, and conducting parts known as contacts. The frame basically holds all the other parts of the electronic component in place. The armature acts as the moving part of a relay switch. It\u2019s moved by a magnetic field generated by the coil\u2014which is typically a copper wire\u2014wound around a metal rod. The contacts then open and close the circuit accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A power supply energizes the coil and metal rod to create the magnetic field that moves the armature. The magnetic field magnetizes the coil, in turn causing it to attract a ferrous plate mounted on the armature (and effectively move it). When the current stops, the magnetic field subsides. The coil stops attracting the plate and the armature is released back into its resting position thanks to the spring.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EMRs can have single or multiple conducting parts or contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solid-State Relays<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SSRs are composed entirely of circuits; a control circuit, an input circuit, and an output circuit. The input circuit is activated only when a voltage higher than the relay\u2019s specified pickup voltage is applied. Conversely, any voltage lower than the relay\u2019s specified minimum amount deactivates it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The control circuit, on the other hand, takes the signal from the input circuit and transfers it to the output circuit. So think of the input circuit as the coil in an EMR. The output circuit, in turn, performs the electronic component\u2019s specified action (typically switching or activating the connected load). This makes it the equivalent of the contacts in an EMR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Solid-state relays are quickly becoming a fan favorite due to how simpler, cheaper, and considerably faster they are compared to electromechanical relays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Terms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Single Break (SB) Circuits &amp; Double Break (DB) Circuits. <\/strong>Electromechanical relays can have single or multiple contacts. Circuits that use only one contact are called Single Break circuits, or SB circuits. Double Break, or DB circuits, are ones that use two contacts. SB circuits are typically used for low-power devices. DB circuits, on the other hand, are more suited to high-power ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Normally Closed (NC) &amp; Normally Opened (NO) Relay. <\/strong>EMRs and SSRs are either Normally Closed (NC) or Normally Opened (NO) relays. NC relays refer to electronic components that have contacts that remain closed when there is no power supply. NO relays, on the other hand, use contacts that remain open without a power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quartz Crystals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Crystals.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4571\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Crystals.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Crystals-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Crystals-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Crystals-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As a naturally occurring form of silicon, quartz is a natural semiconductor. So although <a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/passive-electronic-components-crystals---oscillators\">quartz crystals<\/a> do have a dozen or so applications in electronics, they\u2019re most commonly known\u2014and used\u2014as resonators. They\u2019re one of the rare few natural materials that can exhibit the piezoelectric effect or the process of producing vibrations to generate a voltage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the demand for quartz crystals is quite high, people have taken to synthetically producing them in large quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is it made of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Synthetically manufactured crystals<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>OR<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Naturally occurring crystals<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How does it work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By applying pressure on one side of the crystal, vibrations start to take place. These vibrations eventually generate an AC voltage that travels across the crystal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This piezoelectric effect also makes quartz crystals an ideal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.circuitspecialists.com\/ttl-clock-oscillators\">oscillator<\/a>. The resulting electronic signal happens at a precise frequency, depending on the cut and size of the crystal. The reliability of this electronic component makes it an almost non-negotiable element in microprocessors and radio frequency equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quartz crystals can be cut into hexagons with end pyramids. However, rectangular slabs have proven to be an easier, more practical cut. As rectangular slabs, quartz crystals can then be placed between two metal holding plates for better security. Other common quartz cuts are cylinders, squares, and full rectangles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To recap here is what we covered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Table of contents:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Electronic Circuits<\/li><li>Elements of an Electronic Circuit<ul><li>Conducting Path<\/li><li>Voltage Source<\/li><li>Load<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Type of Electronic Circuits<ul><li>Closed Circuit<\/li><li>Open Circuit<\/li><li>Integrated Circuit<\/li><li>Short Circuit<\/li><li>Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Electronic Components<ul><li>Capacitors<\/li><li>Resistors<\/li><li>Diodes<\/li><li>Relays<\/li><li>Quartz Crystals<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As we mentioned earlier, there are definitely more than five electronic components that make up a typical electronic circuit. But these five\u2014capacitors, resistors, diodes, relays, and quartz crystals\u2014are the simplest and most common of them, by far. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you have a vested interest in understanding how they work or you\u2019re just satisfying your curiosity, it\u2019s always good to start with the basics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For professional electronic engineers and casual hobbyists, a solid grasp of the fundamentals before diving into the more complex structures is absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any questions about purchasing the best electronic components for your needs please don&#8217;t hesitate to contact us and check out our online store!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1-800-528-1417<\/li><li><a href=\"mailto:sales@circuitspecialists.com\">sales@circuitspecialists.com<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"mailto:sales@circuitspecialists.com\">support@circuitspecialists.com<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Given how dependent we, as a society, are on electronics, it makes sense that more people are showing interest in<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11313,"featured_media":4578,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Electronic Components Work | Simply Smarter Circuitry Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This guide covers fundamental electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, diodes, relays, and quartz crystals, that make up an electronic circuit.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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