Basic devices made with electronic components

Timers

A timer is a device that operates for a certain period of time and then shuts itself off automatically.

Integrated circuits

Integrated circuits consist of miniature electronic components, such as transistors, resistors and capacitors.

Transistors

Transistors are basic components of electrical circuits. They are made from semiconductor materials and have three electrodes called the base, the collector and the emitter.

Diodes

A diode is an electronic component made from semiconductor materials. a diodes has two electrodes: an anode and a cathode.

A LED only gives off light when an electric current flows through it.

Capacitors

Capacitors are components that can store an electrical  charge.

The value of a capacitor indicate the charge in volts that it can store. This is measured in farads (F). 

Resistance that depends on a physical factor

Resistance that depends on temperature is called a thermistor. There are two types of thermistor:

- Negative temperature coefficient (NTC): The resistance decreases as the temperature rises.

- Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) The resistance increases as the temperature rises.

LDR: Resistance that varies according to the amount of light received. THe resistance decreases as the amount of light increases.

Variable le resistance or pontentiometer

The value of a variable resistance or pontetiometer can be adjusted between zero and the maximun value specified by the manufacter.