DesignForElectronics/week1/Readme.md

Difference Between Active and Passive Components in Electronics

🔋 Active Components

Active components are electronic devices that can amplify signals, control current, or produce energy. They require an external power source to function.

Examples:

• Transistors – Amplify or switch electronic signals
• Diodes (including LEDs) – Allow current in one direction, used in rectification
• Integrated Circuits (ICs) – Contain multiple active and passive components

Key Features:

• Require external power to operate
• Can inject power into a circuit
• Can control the flow of electricity
• Used for amplification, signal processing, and switching

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🔌 Passive Components

Passive components cannot amplify or generate power. They only respond to the electrical signals applied to them.

Examples:

• Resistors – Limit current flow
• Capacitors – Store and release energy as an electric field
• Inductors – Store energy in a magnetic field
• Transformers – Transfer energy between circuits via magnetic fields

Key Features:

• Do not require external power to operate
• Cannot amplify signals
• Used for filtering, energy storage, tuning, and impedance matching

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⚖️ Quick Analogy

• Passive Component: Like a valve or container — it regulates or stores energy.
• Active Component: Like a pump — it can add energy and control the system dynamically.

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🔋 10 Active Electronic Components

🔌 10 Passive Electronic Components

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🔁 Use in a Timer Circuit

🔧 555 Timer LED Blinker Circuit (Astable Mode)

This project uses a 555 timer IC in astable mode to blink an LED on and off at a regular interval.

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🧰 Required Components

Component	Value	Quantity
555 Timer IC	NE555	1
Resistor R1	10 kΩ	1
Resistor R2	10 kΩ	1
Resistor R3	470 Ω	1
Capacitor C1	10 µF (electrolytic)	1
LED	Any color	1
Power Supply	5V – 9V DC	1
Breadboard + jumper wires	—	—

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🔁 How It Works

The 555 timer is configured in astable mode, which means it continuously switches between high and low states:

• The output pin (pin 3) alternates between HIGH and LOW.
• This causes the LED to blink on and off.
• The timing interval is determined by R1, R2, and C1.

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⏱️ Blinking Frequency Formula

To change the blink rate:

T = 0.693 × (R1 + 2×R2) × C1

Where:

• T is the period in seconds
• R1, R2 in ohms
• C1 in farads

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🔌 Circuit Schematic

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✅ Assembly Tips

• Ensure pin 1 is connected to GND
• Pin 8 goes to Vcc
• Make sure the capacitor polarity is correct (− side to GND)
• Use a current-limiting resistor (R3) with the LED to prevent damage

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This is a perfect beginner project to understand timers, oscillation, and basic LED control.

Resources:

https://elonics.org/adjustable-led-flasher-using-555-timer/