What is the Difference Between Active and Passive Components?

The main difference between active and passive components lies in their ability to deliver or absorb power and their role in an electronic circuit. Here are the key differences between active and passive components:

1. Function:

• Active components deliver or produce energy or power in the form of a voltage or current, and they are energy donors. Examples of active components include diodes, transistors, SCR, and integrated circuits.
• Passive components utilize or store energy in the form of voltage or current, and they are energy acceptors. Examples of passive components include resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

1. Power Gain:

• Active components are capable of providing power gain, which means they can amplify a signal.
• Passive components do not have the ability to provide power gain, and therefore, they cannot amplify the signal.

1. Control of Current Flow:

• Active components can control the flow of current in a circuit.
• Passive components cannot control the flow of current in a circuit.

1. External Source Requirement:

• Active components do not require an external source for operation.
• Passive components require an external source for operation.

In summary, active components are energy donors and can provide power gain, control current flow, and do not require an external source for operation. On the other hand, passive components are energy acceptors, cannot provide power gain, cannot control current flow, and require an external source for operation.

Comparative Table: Active vs Passive Components

The main difference between active and passive components lies in their ability to generate power or produce power gain. Active components can supply energy to a circuit, while passive components cannot generate power or produce power gain, but only consume power. Here is a comparison table of the differences between active and passive components:

Active components can amplify the signal and have a gain of more than 1, while passive components cannot amplify the signal and have a gain of less than 1. Active components require an external power source for their operation, while passive components do not require any external source to operate in the circuit.