Transistors: Basics and Applications

Configuration

• Transistors can be configured in three ways:
  • Common Emitter (CE): Most commonly used, provides high current gain and voltage gain.
  • Common Collector (CC): Also known as emitter follower, provides high current gain but no voltage gain.
  • Common Base (CB): Provides high voltage gain but no current gain.

Amplification

• Transistors can amplify weak electrical signals:
  • Voltage Amplification: Transistor amplifies the input voltage, resulting in a higher output voltage.
  • Current Amplification: Transistor amplifies the input current, resulting in a higher output current.
  • Power Amplification: Transistor amplifies both voltage and current, resulting in a higher output power.

Applications

• Transistors have numerous applications in:
  • Electronics: Amplifiers, switches, and logic gates.
  • Computing: CPU, memory, and input/output devices.
  • Communication: Radio, telephone, and digital communication systems.
  • Power Systems: Power supplies, inverters, and motor control systems.

Switching

• Transistors can be used as electronic switches:
  • On/Off Switching: Transistor acts as a switch, allowing or blocking the flow of current.
  • Analog Switching: Transistor acts as a switch, but also allows for analog signals to be switched.

Biasing

• Biasing is the process of setting the operating point of a transistor:
  • Forward Bias: Applying a positive voltage to the base, allowing the transistor to conduct.
  • Reverse Bias: Applying a negative voltage to the base, preventing the transistor from conducting.
  • Fixed Bias: Using a fixed voltage source to bias the transistor.
  • Self-Bias: Using the transistor's own output to bias itself.

Learn about the configurations, amplification, applications, switching, and biasing of transistors. Test your knowledge of these fundamental electronics concepts.