Components

Components are the basic building blocks of circuits. An individual component can be thought of as a single physical device in a circuit. We used to think of them as the resistors, capacitors, diodes, and other discrete components that make up our electronics, but as technology has advanced more and more devices have been added to this category. Components can be categorized in a variety of ways. Sometimes this might be by their electrical characteristics, like resistors and capacitors, while other devices, like sensors, are categorized by their use. In some cases this can result in a component that is listed twice. For example, a temperature sensing resistor is both a resistor and a sensor.

Compound components known as modules have steadily increased in popularity, making it easier than ever to add specific functionality to a circuit, whether it be in the form of a power supply, wireless radio, or one of the many other types of modules. Microcontroller Boards are but one example. Integrated circuits are another form of compound components, and there are hundreds of kinds available for a wide range of applications.

In this listing Integrated Circuits, Modules, Microcontroller Boards are listed as one item, but note that they come in a huge number of flavors with a huge number of purposes.

Active Components

These are components capable of producing or amplifying energy in a circuit.

Batteries

Power Up.

Diodes

These devices conduct very differently in one direction versus the other.

demo board

Lots of people put a microprocessor and most of the other essential stuff on a tiny little demo board, easy to plug into your solderless breadboard (or your custom PCB) that has just a few more things that make your project special.

Integrated Circuits

Op Amps, Voltage Regulators, Drivers, Digitally Programmable Potentiometers, 555 Timers ... For motor drivers see Motors below. Lots of parts in a package to do something useful.

Optoelectronics

LEDs, photodiodes, optoisolators, LCDs, IR proximity detectors,...

Microcontrollers and Microcontroller Boards or Modules

Little Computers for your entertainment.

Transistors

Devices used to switch and amplify electricity.

Triacs

Capable of conducting in either direction when triggered.

Sensors

Accelerometers, Gyroscopes, Temperature Sensors, Pressure Sensors, ... Find out what is going on.

Passive Components

These components can use and manipulate energy in a circuit, however they cannot add or amplify.

Resistors

and Potentiometers Resistance is not futile. In there simplest form passive components, but now some are IC using forming variable resistors and potentiometers.

Capacitors

Store charge and energy, block dc, filter. In their simplest form passive components, but now some are IC using switched capacitors to synthesize other and variable values.

Inductors

Stores energy in a magnetic field.

Transformers

Two coils where one coil induces a current in the other via a magnetic field.

Electromechanical Components

These can carry out electrical processes by using mechanical processes or electrical connections, or have mechanical processes that are driven by electricity.