# electronic component

> basic discrete device or physical entity in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields

**Wikidata**: [Q11653](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11653)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_component)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/electronic-component

## Summary
An electronic component is a basic discrete device or physical entity in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields. It serves as a fundamental building block in electronic circuits, enabling the control, amplification, or conversion of electrical signals. These components can be active (like transistors) or passive (like resistors), and they are essential for constructing electronic devices and systems.

## Key Facts
- An electronic component is a basic discrete device or physical entity in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields.
- It is a fundamental building block in electronic circuits, enabling the control, amplification, or conversion of electrical signals.
- Electronic components can be classified as active (e.g., transistors, diodes) or passive (e.g., resistors, capacitors).
- It is part of an electronic system and is used by electronic circuits.
- Notable examples of electronic components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.
- The concept of electronic components is related to electrical elements, which are the smallest basic components of an electrical circuit.
- Electronic components can be connected to leads, which are electrical connections consisting of rigid wires or metal pads.
- The term "electronic component" is used in various languages, including Spanish ("componente electrónico"), German ("elektronisches Bauteil"), and Chinese ("电子组件").
- The term "electronic component" is also known by other aliases, such as "physical electronic component," "concrete electronic component," and "componente eletronico."
- The term "electronic component" is part of the product category and is a subclass of electrical elements and electronic products.
- The term "electronic component" is different from the term "electrical element" in terms of concreteness.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electrical function, concreteness, and type of electronic component.
- The term "electronic component" is associated with the Wikimedia navigational template "Template:Electronic components" and the Wikimedia infobox template "Template:Infobox electronic component."
- The term "electronic component" is linked to the concept of electrical terminal, which is a connection point in electronic circuits.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic system, which operates by controlling, amplifying, or converting the flow of electric current.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic device, which is an electric device where the main functionality is provided by electronic circuits.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic hardware, which consists of interconnected electronic components.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of magnetic storage, which involves the storage of data on a magnetized medium.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of optical module, which is an optical transceiver used in high-bandwidth data communications applications.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of cryptographic primitive, which is an established cryptographic algorithm used as a building block for more complex cryptosystems.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of integrated circuit, which is an electronic circuit formed on a small, flat piece of semiconductor material.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of transistor array, which consists of two or more transistors on a common substrate.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of multi-chip module, which is a discrete electronic assembly containing multiple integrated circuits that behaves as a unit.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of chiplet, which is a small integrated circuit contained in a multi-chip module.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of resistor, which is a passive electronic component used for its resistance.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of capacitor, which is a passive, two-terminal electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of antenna, which is an electrical device that converts electric power into radio waves and vice versa.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of photoelectric sensor, which is equipment used to discover the distance, absence, or presence of an object by using a light transmitter and a photoelectric receiver.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of snubber, which is a device used to suppress some phenomenon.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of active electronic component, which is an electronic component that can amplify, according to some definitions, even such that can rectify.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of triode, which is a single-grid amplifying vacuum tube having three active electrodes.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of discrete component, which is an electronic component manufactured as a discrete package, not integrated into a larger package or IC.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Datapath, which is the CPU's internal components except the control unit.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electrical connector, which is an electro-mechanical device used to join electrical conductors.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of inductor, which is a passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in its magnetic field.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of diode, which is an abstract electronic component with two terminals that allows current to flow in one direction.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of semiconductor device, which exploits the electronic properties of semiconductor materials.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of inductive sensor, which uses electromagnetic induction to sense objects.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of infrared detector, which reacts to infrared (IR) radiation.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of trimmer, which is a miniature adjustable electrical component.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of passive electronic component, which lacks the ability to amplify, according to some definitions, even such to rectify.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of analog switch, which behaves in a similar way to a relay but has no moving parts.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Transient voltage suppressor.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of active laser medium, which allows amplification of power (gain) of waves passing through.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of passive infrared sensor, which measures infrared light.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of band-pass filter, which passes signals within a certain frequency range and attenuates signals outside that range.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic vacuum device, which includes gas-filled, vacuum, cathode-ray, X-ray tubes, and other vacuum devices.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of varistor, which has an electrical resistance that varies with the applied voltage.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of crystal resonator, which is a quartz crystal with conductive plates and electrodes in case as an electronic component.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of voltage regulator, which automatically maintains a constant voltage level.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of battery holder, which has one or more compartments or chambers for holding a battery.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of SMD, which is a type of electronic component using surface-mount technology packaging.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of charge-coupled device, which is used for the movement of electrical charge.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of transducer, which converts a signal in one form to another form.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of lead, which is a connecting wire or pad within an electronic device.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of cable gland, which is a device designed to attach and secure the end of a cable to the equipment.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of surface-mount technology, which is a method for producing electronic circuits.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic color code, which is an indicator for the values or ratings of electronic components.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of through-hole technology, which is a mounting scheme used for electronic components.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic system, which operates by controlling, amplifying, or converting the flow of electric current.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic device, which is an electric device where the main functionality is provided by electronic circuits.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic hardware, which consists of interconnected electronic components.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electrical terminal, which is a connection point in electronic circuits.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic component, which is a basic discrete device or physical entity in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electronic circuit, which is an electrical circuit containing active components such as transistors, valves, or integrated circuits.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of D-subminiature, which is a type of electrical connector.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of DZTL, which is an electrotechnical component.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of die, which is a naked single chip, microchip, or semiconductor chip.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of unbalanced-unbalanced.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of PLED, which is a type of diode.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Unicore, which is a type of toroidal transformer.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of DB-15, which is a type of D-sub connector.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Multiwire, which is a printed circuit board in which the connections between solder pads are mainly realized via wires.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Random flip-flop, which is an unconventional logic circuit.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of delta connection, which is a 3-phase circuit.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of power splitter.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of H-plane waveguide tee.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of E-plane waveguide tee.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of flap attenuator, which is a waveguide component.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of feeder, which is used in radio technology.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Output coupler, which is a partially reflective mirror used in lasers.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Darlington transistor, which is a compound structure consisting of two bipolar transistors.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of axle counter, which is a system used in railway signaling.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of ULSI.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of pentode, which is an electronic device having five active electrodes.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of tetrode, which is an electronic device having four active electrodes.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of flip-flop, which is a circuit that has two stable states and can be used to store state information.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of video display controller, which is a type of integrated circuit.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of three-state logic, which is a buffer in digital electronics.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of tuner, which is used in electronics.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Schottky transistor, which is a combination of a transistor and a Schottky diode.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of star connection, which is a 3-phase circuit.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Radiotron, which is a radio tube.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of deflection yoke, which is a kind of magnetic lens used in cathode ray tubes (CRT).
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of magnetic tunnel junction.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of electrode array, which is a configuration of electrodes used for measuring either an electric current or voltage.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of strain gauge, which is an electronic component.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of L pad, which is an analog switching element.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of parametron, which is a logic circuit.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Socket 423, which is a 423-pin CPU socket.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of MPS Diode, which is a diode with an integrated structure.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of USRT, which is an integrated circuit type.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Samsung Group, which is a South Korean multinational conglomerate.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Willard Boyle, who is a Canadian physicist and inventor.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of ASIX Electronics Corp., which is an IC design company for industrial/embedded networking and I/O connectivity solutions.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Actions Technology, which is a Chinese fabless semiconductor company.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Andrew Grove, who is a Hungarian-born American businessman, engineer, and author.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of George E. Smith, who is a Nobel prize-winning American physicist.
- The term "electronic component" is related to the concept of Richardson Electronics, which is an American manufacturer of electronic components.

## FAQs
- What is an electronic component?
  An electronic component is a basic discrete device or physical entity in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields. It serves as a fundamental building block in electronic circuits, enabling the control, amplification, or conversion of electrical signals.

- What are the types of electronic components?
  Electronic components can be classified as active (e.g., transistors, diodes) or passive (e.g., resistors, capacitors). They can also be categorized based on their function, such as amplifiers, switches, and memory devices.

- What is the difference between active and passive electronic components?
  Active electronic components, such as transistors and diodes, can amplify or generate electrical signals. Passive electronic components, such as resistors and capacitors, only affect the flow of electrical signals without amplifying or generating them.

- What are some common examples of electronic components?
  Common examples of electronic components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. These components are essential for constructing electronic devices and systems.

- How are electronic components used in electronic circuits?
  Electronic components are used in electronic circuits to control, amplify, or convert electrical signals. They are interconnected to form complex electronic systems that perform various functions, such as signal processing, data storage, and communication.

- What is the role of electronic components in electronic devices?
  Electronic components are the fundamental building blocks of electronic devices. They enable the functionality of electronic devices by controlling, amplifying, or converting electrical signals. Without electronic components, electronic devices would not be able to perform their intended functions.

- What is the difference between electronic components and electrical elements?
  Electronic components are specific types of electrical elements that are used in electronic systems to affect electrons or their associated fields. Electrical elements are the smallest basic components of an electrical circuit, while electronic components are more specialized and used in electronic circuits.

- What are some notable electronic components?
  Notable electronic components include the Darlington transistor, which is a compound structure consisting of two bipolar transistors, and the strain gauge, which is an electronic component used to measure mechanical strain. Other notable components include the flip-flop, which is a circuit that has two stable states, and the voltage regulator, which automatically maintains a constant voltage level.

- What is the significance of electronic components in modern technology?
  Electronic components are the foundation of modern technology, enabling the development of electronic devices and systems that are essential for communication, computing, and automation. They are used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial equipment, and are crucial for the advancement of technology.

- What are some notable achievements or firsts associated with electronic components?
  Some notable achievements or firsts associated with electronic components include the invention of the transistor, which revolutionized electronics by enabling the development of smaller, more efficient electronic devices. Other notable achievements include the development of integrated circuits, which allowed for the miniaturization of electronic components and the creation of complex electronic systems.

## Why It Matters
Electronic components are the fundamental building blocks of electronic systems and devices, enabling the control, amplification, or conversion of electrical signals. They are essential for the development of modern technology, as they are used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial equipment. Electronic components are crucial for the advancement of technology, as they enable the creation of complex electronic systems that are essential for communication, computing, and automation. Without electronic components, modern technology would not be possible, as they are the foundation of electronic devices and systems.

## Notable For
- Being the fundamental building blocks of electronic systems and devices, enabling the control, amplification, or conversion of electrical signals.
- Enabling the development of modern technology, as they are used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial equipment.
- Being essential for the advancement of technology, as they enable the creation of complex electronic systems that are essential for communication, computing, and automation.
- Including notable examples such as the Darlington transistor, the strain gauge, the flip-flop, and the voltage regulator, which are essential for the functionality of electronic devices and systems.
- Being the foundation of modern technology, as they are the fundamental building blocks of electronic devices and systems.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
An electronic component is a basic discrete device or physical entity in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields. It serves as a fundamental building block in electronic circuits, enabling the control, amplification, or conversion of electrical signals. Electronic components can be classified as active (e.g., transistors, diodes) or passive (e.g., resistors, capacitors). They can also be categorized based on their function, such as amplifiers, switches, and memory devices.

### Types of Electronic Components
Electronic components can be classified as active or passive. Active electronic components, such as transistors and diodes, can amplify or generate electrical signals. Passive electronic components, such as resistors and capacitors, only affect the flow of electrical signals without amplifying or generating them. Other types of electronic components include integrated circuits, which are complex electronic circuits formed on a small, flat piece of semiconductor material, and multi-chip modules, which are discrete electronic assemblies containing multiple integrated circuits that behave as a unit.

### Applications and Uses
Electronic components are used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial equipment. They are essential for the development of modern technology, as they enable the creation of complex electronic systems that are essential for communication, computing, and automation. Some common examples of electronic components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. These components are interconnected to form complex electronic systems that perform various functions, such as signal processing, data storage, and communication.

### Notable Electronic Components
Some notable electronic components include the Darlington transistor, which is a compound structure consisting of two bipolar transistors, and the strain gauge, which is an electronic component used to measure mechanical strain. Other notable components include the flip-flop, which is a circuit that has two stable states, and the voltage regulator, which automatically maintains a constant voltage level. These components are essential for the functionality of electronic devices and systems, as they enable the control, amplification, or conversion of electrical signals.

### Significance and Impact
Electronic components are the foundation of modern technology, as they are the fundamental building blocks of electronic devices and systems. They enable the development of complex electronic systems that are essential for communication, computing, and automation. Without electronic components, modern technology would not be possible, as they are the foundation of electronic devices and systems. Electronic components are also crucial for the advancement of technology, as they enable the creation of smaller, more efficient electronic devices and systems.

### Related Concepts and Entities
Electronic components are related to a wide range of concepts and entities, including electrical elements, which are the smallest basic components of an electrical circuit, and electronic systems, which operate by controlling, amplifying, or converting the flow of electric current. They are also related to electronic devices, which are electric devices where the main functionality is provided by electronic circuits, and electronic hardware, which consists of interconnected electronic components. Other related concepts include magnetic storage, optical modules, cryptographic primitives, integrated circuits, transistor arrays, multi-chip modules, chiplets, resistors, capacitors, antennas, photoelectric sensors, snubbers, active electronic components, triodes, discrete components, Datapaths, electrical connectors, inductors, diodes, semiconductor devices, inductive sensors, infrared detectors, trimmers, passive electronic components, analog switches, Transient voltage suppressors, active laser media, passive infrared sensors, band-pass filters, electronic vacuum devices, varistors, crystal resonators, voltage regulators, battery holders, SMDs, charge-coupled devices, transducers, leads, cable glands, surface-mount technology, electronic color codes, through-hole technology, and electronic circuits.

### Notable People and Organizations
Electronic components are related to notable people and organizations, including Willard Boyle, a Canadian physicist and inventor, and Andrew Grove, a Hungarian-born American businessman, engineer, and author. Other notable people include George E. Smith, a Nobel prize-winning American physicist, and Marco Tartagni, a scientist and electrical engineer. Notable organizations include Samsung Group, a South Korean multinational conglomerate, ASIX Electronics Corp., an IC design company for industrial/embedded networking and I/O connectivity solutions, and Actions Technology, a Chinese fabless semiconductor company. Richardson Electronics, an American manufacturer of electronic components, is also notable in this context.

## References

1. Google Product Taxonomy
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Nuovo soggettario
4. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
5. BabelNet
6. National Library of Israel
7. KBpedia
8. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)