Back to: ELECTRONICS
Transistors are small but mighty components used in electronics. They are made from special materials called semiconductors, which allow them to control the flow of electrical current. Transistors can amplify signals (make them stronger), act as switches (turn things on or off), or even modulate signals (change their strength or frequency). They come in different types, like bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs), but they all work in similar ways to control electricity.
How Do They Work?
A transistor has three main parts, or terminals, which are the points where wires connect:
- For BJTs (Bipolar Junction Transistors):
- Collector: The part where the current flows to.
- Base: The control part. When a small current is applied here, it lets a bigger current flow between the collector and emitter.
- Emitter: The part where the current flows out.
- For FETs (Field-Effect Transistors):
- Drain: The part where the current flows out.
- Gate: The control part. A small electrical signal applied here lets a larger current flow between the source and drain.
- Source: The part where the current comes in.
In both cases, when a small electrical current is applied to the base (BJT) or gate (FET), it allows a larger current to flow through the other two terminals. This lets the transistor act as a switch (turning electricity on or off) or an amplifier (making signals stronger).
Photo credit: byjus.com
Where Are They Used?
Transistors are in almost all modern electronics, from computers to radios and televisions. Here’s how they’re used:
- Amplifying Signals: In audio devices like radios, transistors make sounds louder by amplifying weak signals.
- Switching Operations: Transistors act as switches in computers, turning things on and off rapidly, which is key for processing information in digital circuits.
- In Digital Circuits: Transistors are used in logic circuits to create computers and smartphones, controlling how information is processed and stored.
Transistors are the building blocks of modern electronics, making devices smarter and more powerful. They may be small, but they do some very important jobs in making everything from music players to video games work!