How Transistor Works and Their 5 Types


What exactly is a transistor and how does a transistor work?

In simple terms, a transistor can be interpreted as a device that will flow and disconnect the electric current in the absence of a driving mechanic. But it's not that simple, there is still an understanding and how to work even more complex. For more details, you must listen to the explanation below.

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What Is a Transistor?

A transistor is an electronic component with various functions ranging from breakers, connectors, voltage modulation, and signal modulation. But not only that, the transistor also functions as an electric faucet. In this case, the transistor can perform an accurate diversion of electricity coming from a power source.

In addition, transistors are also one of the very important components in electronics in modern times. One example of its use in analog circuits is in amplifiers. The analog circuit consists of stabilizers, radio signal amplifiers, and loudspeakers.


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Types of Transistors

You know, it turns out that transistors also have their own types based on their function. When reviewed based on their function, the types of transistors consist of five types as follows.

1. Small Signal Transistor

A small signal transistor is a type of universal transistor that has a gain of 10 to 500 and a collector current between 80mA to 600mA. Generally, small signal transistors are only used on circuits that amplify small signals. Even small signal transistors are often used as switches. Even so, this transistor has better efficiency and is able to work up to 30 MHz

2. Small Switching Transistor

Small Switching Transistors or transistors for small current switches are transistors that have specifications similar to small signal transistors.  However, when compared to the previous transistor, the small switching transistor has a much higher speed. This is what makes Small Switching Transistors often used to run electronic declarations.

3. Power Transistor

Power transistors or high-power transistors are transistors used for power amplifiers such as voltage amplifiers and current amplifiers.  The power transistor can work at high currents so that it generates heat at the time of work. Therefore, the power transistor is made with metal packaging and attached aluminum cooling to the back.

4. High Frequency Transistor

The next transistor is a high frequency transistor or a high-frequency transistor. Transistors of this type are used only for working on high-frequency circuits. In general, high frequency transistors are used for radio, smartphones, and televisions.

5. Phototransistors

The last type of transistor is a phototransistor or phototransistor which is a transistor with a unique function. In shape, phototransistors are not much different from other transistors. The only thing that distinguishes it is the periphery through which there is glass for light to pass through. 


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How Transistors Work

Transistors are non-linear devices so they have a way of working in 4 different modes. Here is the answer.

  • Cut-off. The transistor works as an open circuit, so there is no current flowing into the emitter to the collector. 
  • Saturation. The transistor acts as a short circuit, which makes the current from the collector to the emitter flow freely.
  • Active. The current directly proportional to the current flowing to the base is the current from the collector to the emitter.
  • Reverse active.  Inversely proportional to the previous mode, the current flows inversely from the emitter to the collector.

In addition, If the type of transistor seen from the function consists of 5 as described above, then in general the transistor is divided into two namely bipolar and JFET or Junction FET. The workings of these two transistors are also different. To find out more about how these two transistors work, please continue to explain below.


1. How Bipolar Transistors Work

Bipolar transistors are one of the most popular types of transistors so they are widely used. This bipolar transistor consists of 3 legs namely the emitter, base, and collector. In the leg, there is a barrier voltage of about 0.5 to 0.7 V which means that it takes a minimum electrical voltage of 0.5 to 0.7 to be able to make the electric current flow through the legs of the bipolar transistor.

The way bipolar transistors work is by making active components and three terminals made of semiconductor materials can act as insulators and conductors. This way of working is what makes bipolar transistors often used for switches or amplifiers.

2. How JFET Transistors Work

JFET transistors or junction field effect transistors are transistors that use voltage at their input terminals. This kind of thing in the world of electronic circuits is known as a gate. This gate will produce an output current comparable to controlling the current that will flow through the legs of the component terminals. This is what makes JFET transistors also known as transistors that can regulate voltage. 

Similar to bipolar transistors, JFET transistors also have three terminal legs made of semiconductor materials. However, the three have different names, namely gate, source, and drain. In addition, the three terminals also have unique characteristics that can flow current to the drain and source areas. However, the current flowed is controlled by a certain voltage given to the gate.


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Transistor function

Then what are the functions of transistors? Let's find the answer together below.

1. Switch

The first function of the transistor is as an electronic switch. This happens because transistors can regulate the bias from one transistor to another. Therefore, a short connection can be obtained between the connector legs.

2. Current Amplifier

The next function of the transistor is the current amplifier. However, to be able to amplify the current, the transistor must get used to a constant voltage. This is very necessary so that the emitter that comes out with a voltage of a fixed magnitude.

3. DC Motor Driver

The last function of the transistor is as a DC motor driver. The DC motor can be on or off if the transistor is in a cut off state. In addition, the transistor also serves as a determinant of the direction of rotation of dc.


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Thus the explanation of how transistors work and their functions. Hopefully, this information can help you understand how it's works and the various types of transistors.


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