Transistors Functions
Date: 2025-03-30 Categories: What is a Transistor? Views: 25
Transistors have the function of amplifying and switching electrical signals. Transistors play a crucial role in modern electronic devices, making them more compact and efficient. In the case of radio, the extremely weak electronic signals transmitted through the air are magnified (amplified) before playing through speakers. This is the amplification action of a transistor. A transistor also acts as a switch, operating only when a predetermined signal arrives. An IC or LSI is a collection of transistors that provides the basic function of a transistor.
Transistor as a switch
Describes switching operation when the Emitter is grounded. Once a voltage (approx. 0.7V or more) is applied to the Base terminal of the transistor, a small current will flow, causing the transistor to turn ON and current to flow between the Collector and Emitter. The emitter-base junction is forward-biased in this state, allowing the base current to control the larger currents at the emitter and collector. Conversely, when the applied voltage to the Base is low (less than 0.7V), the Collector and Emitter are OFF and no current flows between them. Switching a transistor is like turning the current flow from the Collector to the Emitter ON and OFF using the Base as a switch.
Transistor as an Amplifier
Let’s compare the function of a transistor to the mechanism of a water supply. A transistor, including bipolar junction transistors, is comprised of three legs, with the Base the tap, the Emitter the faucet, and Collector the tank. By controlling the tap with a small force (input signal to the Base), a large amount of water flows from the tank (Collector) to the faucet (Emitter)…Using this analogy makes transistor operation easier to understand.
Field effect transistors (FETs), such as MOSFETs, also play a crucial role in amplification. Unlike bipolar junction transistors, which rely on current flow through both NPN and PNP types, FETs use voltage to control the current flow, making them highly efficient for integrated circuits and digital technology.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the principle of transistor amplification using Figs. 1 and 2. A current (IC) hFE* times the current (IB) proportional to the Base-Emitter voltage (VBE) created by the input voltage e and bias voltage E1 flows through the Collector. This Collector current IC flows through the resistor RL, and a voltage of IC x RL appears at both ends of the resistor RL. Eventually, the input voltage e is converted (amplified) into a voltage ICRL, which appears at the output.
*hFE: DC current gain of the transistor
Transistor Mechanism and Semiconductor Material
A transistor consists of a PN junction made of semiconductor material, with current flowing between the Collector and Emitter when current is applied to the Base. Here, we will explain the operating principle using an NPN transistor as an example. When a forward voltage (VBE) is applied between the Base and Emitter, electrons (- charge) in the Emitter flow into the Base, where some of them combine with holes (+ charge), resulting in an extremely small Base current (IB). As the Base (P-type semiconductor) is structurally thin, many of the electrons flowing into the Base from the Emitter escape to the Collector. The Collector-Emitter voltage (VCE) induces electrons (- charge) to move toward the Collector electrode, generating a Collector current IC. <Current flows in the direction opposite to electron motion>
Different semiconductor materials, such as silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, and silicon-germanium, play a crucial role in the construction and performance of transistors. The unique properties of these semiconductor materials allow transistors to control and amplify electrical signals effectively.
NPN Transistor and PNP Transistors
There are two main types of transistors: NPN and PNP. As you can see from the figure on the right, the difference is whether the Collector terminal is drawing or delivering current in the circuit. An NPN type with Emitter common is used when wanting to switch by input signals. On the other hand, it is standard to use a PNP type when using the power supply side for control. NPN type carriers are electrons, while PNP carriers are holes (+ charge). In the PNP type, a voltage is applied so that the Emitter is positive and Base negative, causing holes in the Emitter to flow into the Base, some of which combine with electrons in the Base to form a small Base current, and the rest escaping to the Collector to become Collector current.
Field Effect Transistors (FETs) are known for their high input impedance, which is advantageous for achieving low noise. This higher input resistance makes FETs suitable for applications requiring low noise performance.
History of Transistors
1. Created in 1948 at Bell Telephone Laboratories
The invention of the transistor, which has had a profound impact on the electronics industry, was first developed in 1948. This moment marked the dawn of the electronic age. Subsequent years saw rapid development of computers and other electronics technologies. Considering that this contribution has enriched all of our lives, it should come as no surprise that the three inventors, physicists W. Shockley, J. Bardeen, and W. Brattain, were awarded the Nobel Prize. I wonder if there will be any future inventions that could rival the transistor... At any rate, it is clear that the transistor has had a revolutionary impact on the modern world.
2. From germanium to silicon
Transistors were initially made of a substance (semiconductor) called germanium. However, germanium has the drawback of breaking down at around 80°C, so most of it is now silicon. Incidentally, silicon can withstand heat up to around 180°C.
