A discrete component contains exactly one fundamental electrical element, such as a single resistor, capacitor, diode, or transistor, packaged in its own enclosure with its own external leads. Engineers use them for prototyping, high-power applications, or specialized analog circuits where integrated circuits are impractical or too noisy. They stand in contrast to integrated circuits, which pack thousands or billions of elements into one package.
Heard on the job
We can't find an IC that handles 500 volts, so we'll have to build the output stage using discrete components.
Insider tip
When a datasheet says a chip requires external discretes, it means you will need to add your own resistors or capacitors around the IC to make it work.
Also heard as
- discrete