ACTIVE DEVICE Meaning and
Definition
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An active device is a term commonly used in the field of electronics and refers to a component or unit that actively controls or amplifies the flow of electrical current within a circuit. It is an essential element in electronic systems as it enhances the signal strength or regulates the power flowing through the circuit.
Active devices have the ability to increase the amplitude of electrical signals, making them crucial for amplification purposes. They are usually powered by an external source of energy, such as a power supply, and require this energy to function effectively. Transistors, operational amplifiers, and vacuum tubes are typical examples of active devices.
Active devices function by manipulating electrical current or voltage to produce the desired outcome. They can regulate the flow of current or amplify signals to a desired level, achieving tasks like switching, amplification, modulation, or oscillation.
Active devices differ from passive devices in that they are capable of controlling electrical energy flow within a circuit, whereas passive devices do not have control or power-amplifying properties. Though both active and passive devices are critical for electronic systems to operate, the active devices play a more dynamic and involved role in manipulating electrical signals.
In summary, an active device is an electronic component that actively controls or amplifies electrical signals within a circuit, requiring an external power source to perform its functions. It is fundamental in a wide range of applications involving signal amplification, modulation, switching, and oscillation.
Etymology of ACTIVE DEVICE
The word "active" in the context of technology originated from the Latin word "activus", which means "causing motion" or "involved in action". The term "device" can trace its roots back to the Latin word "dispositivus", derived from "disponere", meaning "to arrange" or "to set in place". When combined, the term "active device" refers to a component or element within a system that can control, produce, or amplify electrical signals or current.
