A passive is any fundamental electronic component that consumes, stores, or dissipates energy without the ability to amplify a signal or require a separate bias voltage. Resistors, capacitors, and inductors are the primary passives. They form the foundational filtering, timing, and biasing networks around active components like transistors and ICs.
The BOM cost is mostly in the main ICs, but placing all these 0402 passives is what drives up our assembly time.
Also heard as
- passive component
Related terms
Active
Describes an electronic component that requires an external power source to function or can amplify a signal.
Resistor
A passive two-terminal component used to limit current flow, divide voltages, or terminate transmission lines.
Capacitor
A passive two-terminal component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
Inductor
A passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.