Electronic Components & Connectors (3679-EC)

Electronic Components & Connectors - An electronic component is any basic discrete device or physical entity in an electronic system used to affect electrons or their associated fields. Electronic components have two or more electrical terminals (or leads) aside from antennas which may only have one terminal. These leads connect to create an electronic circuit with a particular function (for example an amplifier, radio receiver, or oscillator). Components can be classified as passive, active, or electromechanic. An electrical connector is an electro-mechanical device for joining electrical circuits as an interface using a mechanical assembly. Connectors consist of plugs (male-ended) and jacks (female-ended). The connection may be temporary, as for portable equipment, require a tool for assembly and removal, or serve as a permanent electrical joint between two wires or devices. An adapter can be used to effectively bring together dissimilar connectors. There are hundreds of types of electrical connectors. Connectors may join two lengths of flexible copper wire or cable, or connect a wire or cable to an electrical terminal. Professional Plastics offers a number of materials which are used in these components and connectors for their ability to insulate or transfer an electrical change in a controlled manner. These materials include: Teflon® PTFE, G-10/FR4, PEEK, Macor®, and Ultem®.