Electronics

Electronics

Electronics (pronunciation: /ɪˌlekˈtrɒnɪks/) is a branch of physics, engineering and technology dealing with electrical circuits that involve active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive electrical components and interconnection technologies.

Etymology

The term "electronics" was first used in the 1900s and stems from the Greek word "electron" (meaning amber) and the English suffix "-ics", to mean "the science and technology of electrons".

Related Terms

• Semiconductor: A material that has a resistivity between a conductor and an insulator. Semiconductors are used extensively in electronic circuits.

• Circuit: A closed path in which electrons from a voltage or current source flow.

• Microprocessor: An integrated circuit that contains functions of a central processing unit of a computer on a single chip.

• Resistor: A passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element.

• Capacitor: A passive two-terminal electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.

• Inductor: A passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.

• Transistor: A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.

• Diode: A two-terminal electronic component that conducts current primarily in one direction.

• Integrated Circuit: A set of electronic circuits on one small flat piece of semiconductor material, usually silicon.

• Printed Circuit Board (PCB): A board made from a non-conductive material with conductive lines printed or etched. Electronic components are mounted on the board and the traces connect the components together to form a working circuit or assembly.

See Also

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Telecommunications
• Signal Processing
• Control Systems

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Electronics
• Wikipedia's article - Electronics

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