Difference between active and passive components in electronics with examples
In electronic circuits, components are categorized into two main types: active and passive components. Each type plays a unique role in determining the circuit’s overall functionality and performance. Active components, such as transistors and diodes, are capable of controlling current and voltage, thereby amplifying signals or performing complex operations. In contrast, passive components, like resistors and capacitors, are used to store or dissipate energy without the need for an external power source. This page compares active components vs passive components and mentions difference between active and passive components in electronics with examples.
Introduction:
Electronic and electrical components are categorized into following types.
• Active and passive
• Reciprocal and non-reciprocal
• Lossy and lossless
Active Components
Active components are electronic devices that can control the flow of electricity. They require an external power source to operate and can amplify signals or provide power gain.

Characteristics of active components are as follows.
• Amplification: Can amplify signals.
• Power Control: Capable of modulating or switching electrical signals.
• External Power: Requires an external power supply for operation.
• Unidirectional: Usually conduct in one direction (like a diode).
• Non-linear Response: Exhibit non-linear voltage-current characteristics.
Examples of active components:
• Transistor • Diode • LED • Photodiode
• Integrated circuit • Operational Amplifier
• 7-segment display • Battery
Passive Components
Passive components do not require external power to operate. They cannot amplify signals and are typically used for storing energy or resisting the flow of current.

Characteristics of passive components are as follows.
• No Amplification: Cannot amplify or produce gain.
• Energy Storage: Store or dissipate energy (e.g., capacitors store electrical energy, inductors store magnetic energy).
• No External Power: Operates without an external power source.
• Bidirectional: Can conduct current in both directions.
• Linear Response: Exhibit linear voltage-current characteristics.
Examples of passive components:
• Resistor • Inductor • LDR • Switch
• Thermistor • Variable resistor
• Capacitor • Transformer
Active components Vs. Passive components
Following table mentions difference between Active components and Passive components.
Parameter | Active Components | Passive Components |
---|---|---|
Definition | Can amplify signals and control current flow. | Cannot amplify signals |
Power requirement | They require external power supply to operate. | They do not require external power supply to operate. |
Gain | They have function of gain. | They do not have function of gain. |
Functionality | Can amplify, oscillate, and modulate signals. | Can resist, store, or filter signals. |
Directionality | Usually unidirectional (e.g., diodes, transistors). | Bidirectional (e.g., resistors, capacitors). |
Non linear characteristics | Exhibits non-linear characteristics. | Exhibits linear characteristics. |
Control & Modulation | Can control the flow of current and signals. | Cannot control current or modulate signals. |
Examples | Semiconductor diodes, transistors, Op Amps, ICs etc. | Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers |
Conclusion
Active components can amplify and control signals using external power, while passive components store or dissipate energy without power. Understanding their differences is essential for optimizing circuit designs and ensuring the effective operation of electronic systems in various applications.
Different types of Sensors Related links
Proximity Sensor
Occupancy Sensor vs Motion Sensor
LVDT and RVDT sensor
Position, displacement and level sensor
force sensor and strain sensor
temperature sensor
pressure sensor
Humidity sensor
MEMS sensor
Touch sensor
Haptic sensor
Wireless sensor
Advantages and Disadvantages of other Sensor Types
What is Difference between
Difference between SC-FDMA and OFDM
Difference between SISO and MIMO
Difference between TDD and FDD
FDMA vs TDMA vs CDMA
FDM vs TDM
CDMA vs GSM