In-depth analysis of electronic components: a wonderful journey into the microscopic world ​

In-depth analysis of electronic components: a wonderful journey into the microscopic world

In the microscopic world of modern technology, electronic components are like tiny architects, building complex and sophisticated electronic devices and systems through the interaction of current, voltage and electromagnetic fields. Today, we will explore several common electronic components in depth to understand their internal structure, working principles and unique characteristics.

Resistors: Precision regulators of current flow

Resistors, referred to as resistors, are indispensable components in electronic circuits. Its main function is to limit the flow of current and has a certain resistance value, usually in ohms (Ω). The resistance value of a resistor determines the difficulty of current passing through, and is the key to regulating current, dividing voltage, and protecting other components from overcurrent damage.

1. Internal structure and working principle

Resistors are usually made of conductive materials (such as carbon film, metal film or metal wire), with pins connected at both ends to form a current path. When current passes through a resistor, the conductive material interacts with the current to generate heat energy, thereby converting electrical energy into heat energy. In this process, the resistor plays a role in limiting the flow of current.

2. Types and characteristics

There are many types of resistors. According to the material, they can be divided into carbon film resistors, metal film resistors, wirewound resistors, etc.; according to the function, they can be divided into fixed resistors, variable resistors (potentiometers) and sensitive resistors (such as photoresistors, varistors), etc. Among them, the resistance of photoresistors changes with the intensity of the incident light. When the incident light is enhanced, the resistance decreases significantly; when the applied voltage reaches a certain critical value, the resistance of varistors will decrease sharply, and they are often used as overvoltage protection components.

Capacitors: Storage and release of electrical energy

Capacitors are components that can store and release electrical energy. They are composed of a layer of insulating dielectric sandwiched between two metal electrodes. It has a certain capacitance (unit: Farad F). When a voltage is applied between the two metal electrodes, the electrodes will store charge, that is, store electrical energy.

1. Internal structure and working principle

The internal structure of a capacitor usually consists of two parallel metal plates (electrodes) and a layer of insulating dielectric. When voltage is applied between metal plates, positive charges gather on one metal plate and negative charges gather on another metal plate, forming an electric field. This electric field is the electric energy stored in the capacitor. When the electric energy needs to be released, the charge can be made to flow under the action of the electric field force by connecting an external circuit, thereby releasing the electric energy.

2. Types and characteristics

There are many types of capacitors. According to the dielectric material, they can be divided into electrolytic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, paper capacitors, etc.; according to the structural form, they can be divided into disc capacitors, tubular capacitors, rectangular capacitors, etc. Among them, aluminum electrolytic capacitors have the characteristics of large capacity and ability to withstand large pulsating currents, but they have large capacity errors, large leakage currents, and poor stability. They are often used for AC bypass and filtering; ceramic capacitors are widely used in electronic precision instruments with the advantages of small size, stable capacitance, high temperature resistance, and good insulation.

Diode: a unidirectional conductive semiconductor device

The diode is an electronic device made of semiconductor materials (silicon, selenium, germanium, etc.) with unidirectional conductivity. It has two electrodes: a positive electrode (anode) and a negative electrode (cathode). When a forward voltage is applied between the two poles of the diode, the diode is turned on; when a reverse voltage is applied, the diode is turned off.

1. Internal structure and working principle

The diode is composed of a PN junction plus corresponding electrode leads and a tube shell package. The PN junction is formed by combining a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor through a certain process. When there is a forward voltage bias from the outside, the carrier diffusion current on the PN junction increases, causing a forward current; when there is a reverse voltage bias from the outside, the electric field on the PN junction is further strengthened, forming a reverse saturation current. When the reverse voltage reaches a certain level, the PN junction will break down, generating a large number of electron-hole pairs, forming a reverse breakdown current.

2. Types and characteristics

There are many types of diodes, which can be divided into silicon diodes, germanium diodes, etc. according to materials; they can be divided into rectifier diodes, detector diodes, voltage regulator diodes, etc. according to functions. Among them, rectifier diodes are mainly used to convert AC to DC; detector diodes are used to detect the original signal from the modulated signal; voltage regulator diodes have stable voltage characteristics and are often used in voltage regulator circuits for power supply voltages.

Integrated Circuit: The Master of Microelectronic Devices

An integrated circuit is a microelectronic device or component that uses a certain process to interconnect the transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors and other components and wiring required in a circuit, and is made on a small piece or several small pieces of semiconductor wafers or dielectric substrates, and then packaged in a tube shell. It has the advantages of small size, light weight, few lead wires and welding points, long life, and high reliability.

1. Internal structure and working principle

The internal structure of the integrated circuit is complex and precise, consisting of thousands of tiny electronic components and wiring. These components are interconnected through specific processes and layouts to form a complete circuit system. When an external signal is input, the electronic components inside the integrated circuit will perform operations and processing according to the predetermined logic and function, and output the corresponding results.

2. Types and characteristics

There are many types of integrated circuits, which can be divided into two categories according to their functions: analog integrated circuits and digital integrated circuits. Analog integrated circuits are used to generate, amplify and process various analog signals; digital integrated circuits are used to generate, amplify and process various digital signals. In addition, integrated circuits can also be classified according to different manufacturing processes, integration levels, and conductive types. Among them, bipolar integrated circuits have complex manufacturing processes and high power consumption; unipolar integrated circuits have simple manufacturing processes, low power consumption, and are easy to make into large-scale integrated circuits.

Through this exploration journey, we have a deep understanding of the internal structure, working principles, and unique characteristics of several common electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and integrated circuits. These components are like architects of the microscopic world, working together to build complex and sophisticated electronic devices and systems.