Anatomy of Electronic Components: Resistors, Capacitors, and Microcircuits

Every electronic device is a harmony of thousands of tiny elements. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the functions of the key components available in Artek's extensive warehouse.

1. Resistors: Restraining Current

A resistor is not just a resistor. Its power (Watt) and tolerance (Tolerance) are important.

1. SMD and Through-hole: Modern thin devices use SMD (Surface Mount Device) resistors. Their sizes start from 0402 and require soldering under a microscope.
2. Variable resistors (Potentiometers): Used to adjust sound level or light brightness.

2. Capacitors: Energy storage

Capacitors keep the voltage in the circuit stable and filter out noise.

1. Electrolytic capacitors: Used where high capacitance is required (e.g. power supplies).
2. Ceramic and Tantalum capacitors: Placed around microcircuits that require fast response.

3. Microcircuits (Integrated Circuits - IC)

Microcircuits are a combination of thousands of transistors on a single crystal. Microcircuits represented in Artek are divided into the following groups:

1. Logic ICs: For processing digital signals.
2. Microcontrollers: They are programmable "brains" (Arduino, STM32, etc.).
3. Voltage regulators: Elements that provide a constant voltage.