Catalog / Electronic Components Cheat Sheet
Electronic Components Cheat Sheet
A quick reference guide to common electronic components, their symbols, functions, and basic parameters. This cheat sheet provides a concise overview for electronics enthusiasts, students, and professionals.
Basic Passive Components
Resistors
Symbol: |
[Image of Resistor Symbol] |
Function: |
Limits current flow; provides a voltage drop. |
Units: |
Ohms (Ω) |
Types: |
Fixed, Variable (Potentiometer, Trimmer), Thermistor, Photoresistor. |
Color Code: |
Bands indicate resistance value and tolerance. |
Power Rating: |
Specifies the maximum power the resistor can dissipate without damage (e.g., 1/4W, 1/2W, 1W). |
Capacitors
Symbol: |
[Image of Capacitor Symbol] |
Function: |
Stores electrical energy in an electric field; blocks DC, passes AC. |
Units: |
Farads (F) |
Types: |
Ceramic, Electrolytic, Tantalum, Film, Variable. |
Voltage Rating: |
Maximum voltage that can be applied without damage. |
Tolerance: |
Indicates the acceptable variation from the stated capacitance value. |
Inductors
Symbol: |
[Image of Inductor Symbol] |
Function: |
Stores energy in a magnetic field; blocks AC, passes DC. |
Units: |
Henries (H) |
Types: |
Air-core, Iron-core, Ferrite-core, Variable. |
Current Rating: |
Maximum current that can be passed without saturation or damage. |
Self-Resonance Frequency (SRF): |
The frequency at which the inductor behaves as a resonant circuit. |
Diodes and Transistors
Diodes
Symbol: |
[Image of Diode Symbol] |
Function: |
Allows current flow in one direction only. |
Types: |
Rectifier, Zener, LED, Schottky, Signal. |
Forward Voltage (Vf): |
Voltage drop across the diode when conducting. |
Reverse Breakdown Voltage (Vr): |
Maximum reverse voltage the diode can withstand. |
Maximum Forward Current (If): |
Maximum current that can flow through the diode in the forward direction. |
Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)
Symbol: |
[Image of NPN and PNP BJT Symbols] |
Function: |
Current-controlled current source; used for amplification and switching. |
Types: |
NPN, PNP. |
Current Gain (hFE or β): |
Amplification factor (collector current / base current). |
Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE): |
Voltage between collector and emitter terminals. |
Base-Emitter Voltage (VBE): |
Voltage between base and emitter terminals. |
Field-Effect Transistors (FETs)
Symbol: |
[Image of JFET and MOSFET Symbols] |
Function: |
Voltage-controlled current source; used for amplification and switching. |
Types: |
JFET (N-channel, P-channel), MOSFET (N-channel, P-channel, Enhancement, Depletion). |
Gate-Source Voltage (VGS): |
Voltage between gate and source terminals. |
Drain-Source Voltage (VDS): |
Voltage between drain and source terminals. |
Drain Current (ID): |
Current flowing through the drain terminal. |
Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps)
Symbol: |
[Image of Op-Amp Symbol] |
Function: |
Amplifies the difference between two input voltages. |
Key Parameters: |
Open-loop gain, bandwidth, slew rate, input bias current, input offset voltage. |
Common Configurations: |
Inverting amplifier, non-inverting amplifier, voltage follower, summing amplifier, difference amplifier. |
Supply Voltage: |
Voltage range within which the op-amp operates correctly. |
Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): |
Measure of the op-amp’s ability to reject common-mode signals. |
Logic Gates
Types: |
AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR. |
Function: |
Performs Boolean logic operations. |
Truth Table: |
Defines the output for all possible input combinations. |
Voltage Levels: |
High (1) and Low (0) voltage levels representing logical states. |
Fan-out: |
Number of similar gates that the output of a gate can drive. |
Propagation Delay: |
Time delay between the change of input and the corresponding change in output. |
Microcontrollers
Function: |
Small computer on a single IC, used to control electronic devices. |
Key Components: |
CPU, memory (RAM, ROM, Flash), I/O ports, timers, ADC, DAC, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C). |
Programming Languages: |
C, C++, Assembly, MicroPython. |
Clock Speed: |
Frequency at which the microcontroller operates (MHz). |
Memory Size: |
Amount of RAM and Flash memory available. |
Operating Voltage: |
Voltage required for the microcontroller to function properly. |
Other Essential Components
Crystals and Oscillators
Function: |
Provides a stable clock signal for timing circuits. |
Types: |
Crystal oscillators, ceramic resonators, RC oscillators. |
Frequency: |
Operating frequency of the oscillator (MHz, kHz). |
Stability: |
Measure of how constant the frequency remains over time and temperature. |
Load Capacitance: |
Capacitance required for the crystal to oscillate at its specified frequency. |
Tolerance: |
Acceptable variation from the stated frequency. |
Switches
Function: |
Controls the flow of current in a circuit by opening or closing a connection. |
Types: |
SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT, Pushbutton, Toggle, DIP. |
Contact Rating: |
Maximum voltage and current the switch contacts can handle. |
Actuation Force: |
Force required to operate the switch. |
Contact Resistance: |
Resistance across the switch contacts when closed. |
Lifespan: |
Number of switching cycles the switch can perform before failure. |
Connectors
Function: |
Provides a detachable connection between two electronic circuits or devices. |
Types: |
Headers, Terminals, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Audio Jacks, Power Connectors. |
Pin Count: |
Number of individual connections the connector provides. |
Current Rating: |
Maximum current that can flow through each pin. |
Voltage Rating: |
Maximum voltage that can be applied between pins. |
Mounting Style: |
Through-hole, Surface Mount (SMT), Panel Mount. |