This can amplify or interpret a signal. Diodes, transistors and integrated circuits are an example of this.

What is an active component?

I can change capacitance by turning a screw that causes the plates to move closer or farther apart.

What is a variable capacitor?

I am polarized with inward formed L - type leads that almost touch the body of the component. Inside the metal plates store and discharge electricity.

What is a tantalum capacitor?

I often have 4 or 5 color bands.

What is a axial resistor value?

I am measured in volts, current, or amps.

What is electricity?

This component cannot change an electrical signal except to reduce it in size or delay it. This includes resistors, capacitors and inductors.

What is a passive component?

I can only allow current to flow in one direction like a one way street. I can convert alternating current to direct current.

What is a diode?

I am a leadless component without metallized terminals at both ends of a cylindrical body.

What is a MELF?

I specify value and tolerance.

What is color bands or number codes?

I am created by attaching and soldering the components by hand or by machine.

What is a electronic assembly?

The distance between the center or one lead to the center of the next.

What is pitch?

I emit light and typically have radial leads. My polarity can be indicated by a short lead which is referred to as the cathode lead.

What is a light emitting diode (LED)?

My family is made up of a variety of dual in-line (leaded on 2 sides) rectangular body sizes, several lead pitches and lead styles.

What is a SOIC / SOP?

I read resistors using 4, 5, or 6.

What is a band?

I come with the assembly drawing and parts list and list all of the components by part number, quantity, and reference designators.

What is a bill of material (BOM)?

My positive lead is called the anode and my negative lead is called the cathode.

What is polarity?

I keep output voltage constant during variations of the output load or the input voltage.

What is a voltage regulator?

My family has J-bend type leads and has both square and rectangular configurations. I can be put into sockets or soldered directly to a circuit board.

What is a Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC)?

My value is measured in megahertz or kilohertz.

What is a crystal oscillator?

I identify the component to be placed in the holes or onto the lands next to each designation.

What is the component legend?

My marks or symbols on a component's body include a notch, dimple, wedge, stripe or number.

What is orientation?

I can amplify, oscillate and provide switching action on electrical signals.

What is a transistor?

I have high lead counts than a PLCC and have finer pitches from a high of 1.00 mm to a low of 0.40 mm.

What is a quad flat pack (QFP)?

My value is is microfarads, nanofarads, or orpicofarads.

What is a Capacitor?

I consist of primary and secondary coils wound on a common core of feromagnetic material.

What is a transformer?