Passive components are electronic components that can only accept or receive energy. It may decide to store, absorb, or dissipate this energy in a magnetic or an electric field. In addition, the passive elements don’t require any electrical power to function or operate.
From the name, passive devices don’t provide amplification or gain. Furthermore, passive components in electronics will not be able to generate, oscillate or amplify any electrical signal. In addition, the passive components have the ability to influence electricity flow that run through them. Take for instance, they have the ability to resist electricity flow, store the needed energy for use later and they can produce inductance. Moreover, they will not be able to amplify or control the electricity themselves.
What are the Main Passive Components in Electronics?
The well-known examples of the passive components in electronics are:
- Inductors
- Resistors
- Transformers
- Capacitors
Resistors
The resistor is viewed as a form of passive element. This is because it will not be able to deliver energy to any given circuit. Rather resistors will only be able to receive energy that they will be able to dissipate as heat so far there is a flow of current through it.
Inductors
The inductors are also viewed as the passive elements of a given circuit. This is because it has the ability to store some energy as magnetic field. Also, it has the ability to deliver this energy into the circuit; however, this will not happen continually. In addition, the energy delivering and absorbing capacity of the inductor is transient and limited in nature. This is one good reason why the inductor is usually seen as a circuit’s passive element.
Capacitors
The capacitor is viewed as one of the passive elements. This is because it has the ability to store some energy as electric field. A capacitor’s energy dealing ability and capacity is transient and limited. This means that it isn’t actually involved in the supply of energy. It is involved in storing it for use later on.
This is why the component isn’t viewed as an active one. This is because there is no energy being amplified or supplied.
Transformers
The transformer is one of the passive components in electronics. Though, this could look surprising because the transformers are usually useful in raising the levels of voltage, take note that the power stays constant
Anytime these transformers step down or step up the voltage, the energy and power doesn’t change on the secondary or primary side. As the energy isn’t actually amplified, you can classify the transformer as an example of passive element.
What are the Applications of Passive Components in Electronics?
Regarding the passive components, a very good example of transducers are the incandescent light bulbs. They help in the conversion of electrical energy to heat and light energy. Furthermore, the loud-speakers make use of transducers in converting electrical input to mechanical output. This causes the vibration of the speakers present in the cones.
This causes the generation of sound waves, which we are able to hear. Furthermore, the sensors are a different form of transducer which has been used for long in scientific research. Also, they are now becoming ubiquitous on a daily basis via the ‘smartification’ of many machines and appliances.
Other applications of passive components in electronics include radio frequency and microwave applications. These include keyless remote entry systems that rely on inductors.
The antennas are passive as well and can be seen in GPS devices, radios, satellites, wireless routers and modems, public transport, etc.
What are the Differences Between Passive Components in Electronics and Active Components?
Passive and active components are usually differentiated with respect to different factors such as the source’ nature, power gain, its functions, and controlling the current flow. These also include different examples, nature and type of energy, as well as external resistance requirement.
You can differentiate electronic components in so many types. Moreover, the major matter involves just the passive components in electronics and active ones. Some factors help in differentiating the passive components in electronics from the active ones. These factors are applications and their functions, the way they act towards energy, the impedances of the resistances, and the current, power, and voltage features.
Taking a look at the above differences, their major differences are seen in their ability to conserve energy. Creating or destroying energy is impossible. However, the conversion of energy into a different form of energy is possible.
The passive components in electronics absorb and convert energy into a different form. This contrasts the active components that utilizes small energy for the control of much larger energy found in these circuits.
Main Differences Between the Passive Components in Electronics and the Active Components
- The active components are usually those producing or delivering power or energy in form of current or voltage. On the other hand, the passive components use or store energy in the form of voltage or current.
- Some examples of passive components in electronics include inductor, capacitor, and resistor. Similarly, examples of active components are transistors, diodes, integrated circuits, SCR, etc.
- Passive components in electronics don’t have what it takes to provide power gain, while active components can provide power gain.
- The passive components in electronics can’t control current flow. The active components, on the other hand, can control current flow.
- Passive components in electronics are known to be energy acceptors, while active components are known as energy donors
- Passive components need an external operation source, while the active components do not require one
What are the Similarities Between Passive Components in Electronics and Active Components?
Never look down on any of them because both the passive and active components play an important role in electronics. They don’t have the same meaning, but they are similar in some ways. These include:
- They deliver energy to the other parts of a circuit
- Both of them controls energy
- They absorb energy
- Both of them help in converting energy
Conclusion
This article reveals what passive components in electronics are. We have also explained what the differences are when compared with the active components.
