Difference Between Active And Passive Components In Electronics

Hello guys, welcome back to my blog. In this article, I will discuss the difference between active and passive components in electronics, applications of active components, applications of passive components, etc.

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Difference Between Active And Passive Components

As we all know that nowadays electronics playing a major role in the development and there is a large number of basic electronic components which are used to build electronic circuits. An electronic circuit is a combination of various types of components which are classified into two types. They are,

Active components
Passive components

01. Active elements

The element which is capable of delivering or producing the energy independently at an infinite period of time.

The capability to supply an average power to some external device over an infinite time interval. Ex:- Voltage source, current source, transistor, diodes, generators, operational amplifier, etc.

The voltage and current may be stepped down based on the flow of electrons that are injected by the active device. An active element amplifies the power of a signal i.e., either voltage or current.

There are voltage-controlled and current-controlled sources in which the voltage-controlled devices produce their output current depending upon the input voltage given. For example, BJT is a voltage-controlled device in which it supplies static voltage as a control signal.

The current controlled active devices are the devices that work on the input current restraining another current. For example, FET is considered a Current Controlled device as its input impedance is high and it needs little current to operate. If the difference between input and output signals is amplified then the component is said to be active.

Voltage sources:-

The voltage source is the foremost example of active elements in an electronic circuit. The current enters through the positive terminal and when current flows from the positive terminal of the voltage source, then the energy is supplied to the circuit. A battery is also considered an active element that continuously delivers energy to the circuit while discharging.

Current Sources:-

The current which is being supplied to the circuit by an ideal current source is independent of circuit voltage. As the current source is controlling the flow of charge in a circuit, it is considered an active element.

Transistors:-

A transistor is one of the semiconductor devices. The main purpose of the transistor is to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is considered an active element.

Applications of Active elements:-

01. Active elements are hidden inside lights, sound systems, computers, mobile phones, cars, etc.

02. Active elements are used in Integrated Chips.

02. Passive element

The element which receives energy at an infinite period of time is known as the passive element. Ex:- Resistor, Inductor, Capacitor.

In the case of the V-I plane characteristics of passive elements always offer positive impedance and characteristics of active elements offer negative impedance. Passive elements require assistance from active devices.

Inductors and capacitors have the capability to store the energy for a longer time and discharge. Passive elements absorb energy and active element delivers energy. If there is a decline in power then the component is passive. They are not capable to control the current on their own. They are impervious in nature means they cannot supply any energy.

Resistor:-

A resistor is a two-terminal device or electronic component which gives the electrical Resistance of the given circuit as a circuit element. Resistors are used to reduce the flow of current particularly used to lower voltages.

Inductor:-

An inductor is a coil or chokes that store energy in a magnetic when current flows through it.

Capacitor:-

The capacitor is an electronic component used to store electrical energy in an electric field.

Transformer:-

A transformer is a static or constant frequency device that is used to increase or decrease the voltage levels. Step-up Transformer is used to increase the voltage and a step-down transformer is used to decrease the voltage level.

Applications of Passive elements:-

01. Passive elements are used in incandescent light bulbs which use transducers that convert electrical energy into light and heat energy.

02. Passive elements are used in loudspeakers which convert electrical input into mechanical output.

03. Also used in sensors for scientific research.

04. It also includes microwave and radiofrequency applications such as remote keyless entry systems which are based on inductors.

04. Passive elements are used in antennas, radios, GPS devices, satellites, public transport, routers, etc.

Difference Between Active And Passive Components

SI. No	Active Component	Passive Component
01.	They require an external power source or supply to operate.	They don’t need an external power source or supply to operate.
02.	They have a function of gain.	They have no function of gain.
03.	They generate energy in the form of voltage and current.	They store power in the form of voltage or current.
04.	Ex: Semiconductor devices, transistors, Integrated Circuits, etc.	Ex: Resistor, Inductor, Capacitor (R-L-C).
05.	Active components are energy donors.	Passive components are energy acceptors.

Active element always controls the flow of energy and passive elements dissipates energy. I hope this article ” Difference Between Active And Passive Components ” may help you all a lot. Thank you for reading.

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Chetan Shidling

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