Transistor

Definition

A transistor is a semiconductor device that can amplify and switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is a fundamental building block of modern electronic devices, enabling the control of current flow in circuits and forming the basis for integrated circuits used in everything from computers to smartphones.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transistors can be classified into two main types: bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs), each having distinct operational characteristics.
2. The invention of the transistor in 1947 by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley marked a significant advancement in electronics, leading to the miniaturization of circuits.
3. Transistors are used in various applications, including signal amplification, switching, voltage regulation, and as building blocks in logic gates.
4. They have replaced vacuum tubes in most electronic applications due to their smaller size, greater efficiency, lower power consumption, and improved reliability.
5. Transistors operate based on the principle of controlling the flow of charge carriers (electrons and holes) within semiconductor materials through the application of voltage or current.

Review Questions

• How do transistors function as amplifiers and switches in electronic circuits?
  • Transistors function as amplifiers by using a small input signal to control a larger output signal. In this way, they increase the strength of an electrical signal. As switches, transistors can turn on or off the flow of electricity in a circuit by responding to input signals; when a certain voltage is applied to the base terminal of a transistor, it allows current to flow between the collector and emitter terminals. This capability enables them to perform critical roles in digital logic circuits.
• What are the differences between bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs), particularly in terms of their operation and applications?
  • BJTs operate by using both electron and hole charge carriers for conduction and require a current at the base terminal to allow current to flow from collector to emitter. FETs, on the other hand, control current flow using an electric field created by voltage applied to the gate terminal, which influences the conductivity of a channel. Because of these differences, BJTs are often used for analog applications requiring linear amplification, while FETs are more commonly found in digital circuits due to their high input impedance and efficiency.
• Evaluate the impact of transistor technology on modern electronics and how it has shaped various industries.
  • Transistor technology has fundamentally transformed modern electronics by enabling the creation of smaller, faster, and more efficient devices. The ability to integrate millions of transistors onto a single chip has led to advancements in computing power and data storage capacities, allowing for the development of smartphones, computers, and other digital devices that dominate today’s market. Additionally, transistors have facilitated innovations in industries such as telecommunications, automotive (for control systems), and healthcare (in medical devices), revolutionizing how we communicate, travel, and maintain health.

Related terms

Semiconductor: A material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, used in the manufacturing of transistors and other electronic devices.

Diode: A semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only, often used for rectifying alternating current to direct current.

Integrated Circuit (IC): A set of electronic circuits on a small flat piece of semiconductor material, which can contain millions of transistors, diodes, and other components.