BASIC ELECTRONIC SKILLS
ASSIGNMENT 1
1. State and explain the primary purpose of an electronic component in an electronic
system.
The primary function is to limit the flow of electric current in a circuit and are used to
control the voltage and current within a circuit.
Every electronic system is designed to perform a specific task e.g. computing.
2. State and explain the characteristics of electronic components that distinguish them from
electrical elements .
i) Behavior in circuits- electronic components’ response to voltage or current is
indirectly proportional while electrical elements’ response is directly
proportional
ii) Power- electronic components work efficiently at low voltage and currents
while electrical elements operate at high power levels.
iii) Material- electronic components are often made from semi-conductors while
electrical elements are typically made from conductors.
iv) Application- electronic components are found in systems focusing on
information technology i.e. computers while electrical elements are used in
systems focusing on energy delivery and infrastructure like motors.
v) Functionality- Electronic Components operate primarily on low-power while
electrical Elements handle high-power electrical energy
3. State and explain how electronic components are connected in circuits to perform specific
functions.
Series Connections: Components are connected end-to-end, with the same
current flowing through each.
Parallel Connections: Components are connected such that they share the same
voltage but allow different currents to flow through each.
4. State and explain the classification of electronic components based on their behaviour
and energy interaction.
a) Passive components- they do not require an external power source to operate and cannot
introduce energy into a circuit like capacitance.
b) Active components- they require an external power source to operate and can control,
amplify or generate electrical signals e.g. transistors
5. State and explain the characteristics that differentiate active components from passive
components.
I) Energy control and generation
Active components can control the flow of electrons or amplify electrical signals while
passive components cannot control or amplify electrical signals.
II) Power requirement
Active components require external power source to operate while passive components
do not require external power source to operate.
III) Material
Active components are made from semi-conductors while passive components are
made from conductors
6. State and explain the role of electromechanical components in electronic systems.
i. Conversion of energy
Electromechanical components convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and
vice versa like motors.
ii. Conversion of signals
They convert physical or mechanical signals into electrical signals for processing in
an electronic system.
iii. Storage of energy
They manage or distribute mechanical energy in conjunction with electrical systems.
7. State and explain the concept of passivity in the context of circuit analysis by electronic
engineers.
The concept of passivity refers to the behaviour of a component or system that cannot
generate energy. It helps engineers understand and design circuits that comply with energy
conservation principles.
8. State and explain the differences between fixed resistors and variable resistors, providing
examples of each.
Fixed resistors provide a constant resistance, ensuring predictable and consistent
circuit behaviour e.g. Carbon film, metal film etc. while variable resistors offer
adjustable resistance, enabling flexibility and control in circuit operation, particularly
for tuning or user interaction e.g. rheostats, trimmers, etc.
9. State and explain how a resistor operates and its function in limiting voltage and current
in a circuit.
A resistor operates by impeding electron flow, converting electrical energy into heat, and
following Ohm’s Law. Its functions include:
-Limiting current to protect components.
-Dividing voltage for specific circuit needs.
-Stabilizing and conditioning signals.
10. State and explain why active components are considered to inject power into circuits,
citing examples like transistors and diodes.
Active components are considered to inject power because they utilize energy from
an external source to amplify, control, or modify electrical signals. Examples like
transistors (for amplification and switching) and diodes (for rectification and
regulation) demonstrate how these components actively contribute energy to
circuits, enabling advanced functionality and efficient energy management in
electronic systems.
