Transistors Explained

Transistors are common semiconductor devices that are used as a building block in a wide range of electronic devices. Transistors typically act as amplifiers, though there are several other lesser known types. Below are listed the types and their various functions and advantages.

Field-Effect Transistor - A field effect transistor, or FET, as it is referred to in its classification, is also referred to as a unipolar transistor. The FET consists of four terminals; source, gate, drain, and body. FETs are further divided into two families which are junction FET (JFET) and insulated gate FET (IGFET). IGFET, or more commonly know as MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor FET), are especially useful for high frequencies such as microwaves, up to several GHz.

Bipolar Junction Transistors - Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) was the first transistor to be massed produced. It consists of three terminals including emitter, base, and collector. The p-n junctions of the terminals within the BJT create an exponential relationship that gives BJT a much higher mutual conductance than FET.

Unijunction - The Unijunction ; Transistor or UJT, has three terminals Base 1 and Base 2, and the Emitter, yet only one junction, hence the name. The PUT, or Programmable Unijunction Transistor, has an Anode and Cathode connected to the junction layer and a gate. Though somewhat different than the UJT, it does perform a similar function.

About the author: Angela Oliver is an author for HRent.com;. H and R Enterprises specializes in the distribution of hard to find and obsolete electronic components. Visit the site to view a complete inventory of electronic components including transistors.