A good understanding of car audio electronics helps you make better buying decisions -- As far as your car audio system is concerned. In addition, you can more easily install whichever system you settle for. It is therefore necessary that I walk you through.

In this article, I'll dwell on a few components of a car audio system -- Giving attention to the electronics behind them. I'll do my best to write in English.

Car audio electronic components

Car audio electronic components consist of many parts. They include . . .

• Diode - A diode allows current to pass in one direction. They are very useful in isolating current flow. They are often used in automotive security systems as well.

• LEDS - A LED is a special diode. LED stands for light-emitting diode. You are probably familiar with these as they are commonly used as turn on indicators for most electronic equipment too.

• Relay- A relay is an electro mechanical switch. It is most widely used for car security systems. It is also commonly used as a way of protecting your head unit from damage. Normally a relay allows a small current to control a much larger current.

A little more on relays
A relay consists of four main parts . . .

1. A coil denoted by terminals 85 and 86.

2. A common terminal denoted by terminal 30.

3. A normally closed terminal that is labeled terminal 87

4. And a normally open terminal labeled terminal 87.

Depending on whether your controlling voltage is negative or positive, the terminal 85 or 86 will be grounded or connected to +12 volts. If you have a positive controlling voltage like a head unit remote turn-on lead, then you will need to ground either terminal 85 or 86.

It does not matter which one you choose, the other terminal will be connected to the remote turn-on lead of your head unit. The common lead that is terminal 30 would be connected to +12 volts because that is what we want to apply to terminal 87 when the relay coil is energized.

The audio system in our cars is an assortment of different parts. Each and every part in the system performs a specific function. It is with the co-ordination of all the parts, that you can hear the system play those fantastic tracks as you drive along. In the entire system, car audio capacitors have a significance of their own.

What are car audio capacitors?

Car audio capacitors are basically power storages in the car. These capacitors accumulate that power which is essential for the amplifier to produce great sounds. You can hear the booming bass sounds and songs with that much needed punch only because of audio capacitors. Car audio capacitors are also known as stiffening capacitors.

More on car audio capacitors

• Audio capacitors accumulate power whenever it is not required. This power is released when the demand for power exceeds the supply capacity of the power system of the car.

• Audio capacitors are necessary to supplement the regular power supply of the car in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the amplifier. Car audio capacitors usually range from 0.5 farads to 3 farads.

• You have to install a car audio capacitor that complements your amplifier. It is also necessary to place the capacitor as near as possible to the amplifier. For 500 RMS of power output, it is necessary to have an audio capacitor of 0.5 farads.

• There are also digital audio power capacitors. These can also be installed in cars. A digital audio capacitor (usually from 1.5 farads) consists of a turn on and turn off circuitry along with a 24-volt DC.

If you car lights dim when your car audio system produces a deep bass note, then your amp will be greatly helped with a car audio capacitor.