Understanding The Fundamentals Of Electronic Parts

what constitutes an electronic part

An electronic part is a discrete electronic component or a circuit assembly. Discrete electronic components include transistors, capacitors, resistors, and diodes. Transistors, for example, are considered the invention of the twentieth century that changed electronic circuits forever. Integrated circuits, on the other hand, can serve a variety of purposes, including acting as a timer, performing digital-to-analog conversion, amplification, or being used for logical operations. Electronic parts are supplied by authorized suppliers, who have a contractual arrangement with the original manufacturer, or by contractor-approved suppliers, who are identified as trustworthy by a contractor or subcontractor.

Characteristics Values
Definition An electronic part is an integrated circuit, a discrete electronic component, or a circuit assembly.
Discrete Electronic Component Transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode
Integrated Circuit Semiconductor integrated circuits, hybrid integrated circuits, or thick film devices
Basic Discrete Electronic Device Part of an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields
Electrical Terminals Two or more terminals or leads that connect to other electrical components to create an electronic circuit with a particular function
Types of Components Passive, active, or electromechanical
Passive Components Cannot supply energy themselves; examples include resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers
Active Components Act as a source of energy; examples include batteries and transistors
Electromechanical Components Carry out electrical operations using moving parts or electrical connections
Sensors Transducers that react to environmental conditions by changing their electrical properties or generating an electrical signal

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Integrated circuits

The concept of integrated circuits dates back to 1949 when German engineer Werner Jacobi filed a patent for a semiconductor amplifying device with multiple transistors on a common substrate. However, the term "integrated circuit" was first used in 1956 by Geoffrey W.A. Dummer, a British radar scientist. The first working integrated circuits were invented by Jack Kilby at Texas Instruments and Robert Noyce at Fairchild Semiconductor in 1958 and 1959, respectively.

The uses of integrated circuits are diverse, ranging from children's toys and cars to computers, mobile phones, and even spacecraft. They are a fundamental building block in modern electronics, powering our everyday devices and driving innovation in various industries.

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Discrete electronic components

Examples of discrete electronic components include:

  • Transistors, which are housed in many kinds of casings and are the backbone of modern electronics. They are used to construct a sort of key activated by electrical energy and to amplify signals.
  • Capacitors, which are passive discrete components designed to store energy. They are used in power supply systems and in storing energy in discharge lamp circuits.
  • Diodes, which are semiconductor components made mostly of silicon. They are used in rectifying alternating current and are common in AC adapters.
  • Inductors, which are used to prevent sudden changes in electric current or to limit its value without power loss in alternating current circuits. They are used in power supply systems and in discharge lamps as ballasts.

These discrete electronic components are fundamental to modern electronics and are used in a wide range of applications.

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Circuit assemblies

An electronic part is defined as an integrated circuit, a discrete electronic component (such as a transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode), or a circuit assembly. Circuit assemblies, also known as printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) or printed circuit assemblies (PCAs), are an integral part of electronic devices. They serve as the backbone of most electronic devices, providing the necessary connectivity for their components.

The process of assembling a circuit board requires both active and passive components. It involves several stages, starting with the application of solder paste to specific portions of the board. This is a crucial step as the solder paste, composed primarily of tin, copper, and silver, will hold the electrical components in place. The next step, known as the pick and place process, involves placing the electronic components on the printed circuit board (PCB) using either automated or traditional methods.

One common method of creating circuit assemblies is through surface mount technology (SMT). SMT utilizes automated machines to assemble electronic components onto the PCB. This process involves using cable assembly, molded plastics, wire harnesses, and looms to effectively assemble the components. SMT is widely preferred in the PCB industry due to its efficiency and ability to reduce the size and weight of the final assembly.

Another method of assembly is through-hole construction, which was more common in the past. This process involves inserting the component leads through drilled holes in the PCB and soldering them to the copper traces. Through-hole construction often results in larger and heavier assemblies compared to SMT.

Overall, circuit assemblies are a critical aspect of electronic devices, ensuring the smooth functioning of the various components. The assembly process requires precision and attention to detail, utilizing various techniques and components to create the complex circuitry that powers our modern devices.

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Obsolete electronic parts

An electronic part is defined as an integrated circuit, a discrete electronic component (such as a transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode), or a circuit assembly. Obsolete electronic parts are those that are no longer available from the original manufacturer or an authorized aftermarket manufacturer. This could be due to the part being discontinued or the manufacturer no longer being in business.

Sourcing obsolete electronic parts can be challenging and risky. The market for obsolete electronic components is often fraught with issues such as counterfeit parts, faulty or damaged components, and unethical or fraudulent business practices. It can be difficult to verify the authenticity and quality of obsolete parts, especially when dealing with suppliers who may not have a direct relationship with the original manufacturer.

To mitigate these risks, it is important to work with reputable and authorized distributors or suppliers who specialize in obsolete electronic components. These distributors often have extensive knowledge and experience in sourcing and authenticating obsolete parts. They may have access to large inventories of obsolete parts from various manufacturers, increasing the chances of finding the required components. Additionally, they should follow industry standards and best practices for inspection, testing, and authentication to ensure the quality and authenticity of the parts they supply.

Some distributors, such as 4 Star Electronics and AERI, have developed proprietary search utilities and global vendor networks to locate hard-to-find obsolete parts. They also maintain state-of-the-art labs and inspection processes to ensure the quality and authenticity of the electronic components they supply. These distributors often work closely with organizations to navigate the challenges of sourcing obsolete parts and protect them from the risks associated with the obsolete electronics market.

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Active and passive components

An electronic component is any basic discrete electronic device or physical entity that is part of an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields. These components are mostly industrial products available in a singular form.

Every electric circuit is composed of many circuit components, and these circuit components are the basic building blocks of an electrical or electronic circuit. Depending on their power-delivering or absorbing ability, circuit components can be classified into two types: active and passive.

Active components are parts of a circuit that rely on an external power source to control or modify electrical signals. They use electricity to control electricity, allowing a small input to generate a matching, larger output. Active components include amplifiers, vacuum tubes, transistors, and silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs).

Passive components, on the other hand, do not require an external power source to function. They influence the flow of power but do not deliver power to the circuit. Instead, they absorb the power in the circuit. Examples of passive components include resistors, inductors, capacitors, transformers, and diodes.

It is important to note that both active and passive components are fundamental to electronics design and energy conservation. While active components enable the amplification of power, passive circuits will always lose some amount of power due to the conservation of energy.

Frequently asked questions

An electronic part is an integrated circuit, a discrete electronic component, or a circuit assembly. Discrete electronic components include a transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode.

A discrete electronic component is a basic electronic device or physical entity that is part of an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields. Discrete components only perform one function each, for example, a transistor.

An integrated circuit is a package that contains multiple electronic components. Integrated circuits can serve a variety of purposes, including acting as a timer, performing digital-to-analog conversion, performing amplification, or being used for logical operations.

A circuit assembly is a combination of electronic components that work together to create an electronic circuit with a particular function, such as an amplifier, radio receiver, or oscillator.

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