Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 18: Problem 45

What are the two functions that a transistor may perform in an electronic circuit?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The two main functions of a transistor in an electronic circuit are amplification and switching. Amplification refers to the transistor's ability to increase the amplitude of an input signal without distorting its shape, as a small change in input voltage can cause a larger change in output voltage. Switching involves the transistor acting as a switch in turning electronic components or pathways on or off, depending on the voltage applied to the Base.

Step by step solution

01

Function 1: Amplification

In an electronic circuit, a transistor can be used for amplification. This means that it is capable of increasing the amplitude of an input signal without distorting its shape. An input current in the Base region controls a larger current flowing between the Collector and the Emitter. This property allows for a small change in input voltage to cause a larger change in output voltage, thus amplifying the input signal.
02

Function 2: Switching

Another function of a transistor in an electronic circuit is as a switch. In this role, the transistor is used to turn a particular electronic component or pathway on or off. For example, it can be set up so that when a certain voltage is applied to the Base, there is a conducting path from the Collector to the Emitter, allowing current to flow through this pathway. Conversely, when a lower voltage is applied to the Base, the transistor is considered 'off', preventing current flow between the Collector and Emitter and effectively acting as an open switch.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Cite the differences in operation and application for junction transistors and MOSFETs.

At temperatures near room temperature, the temperature dependence of the conductivity for intrinsic germanium is found to cqual $$\sigma=C T^{-3 / 2} \exp \left(-\frac{E_{g}}{2 k T}\right)$$ where \(C\) is a temperature-independent constant and \(T\) is in Kelvins. Using Equation \(18.36,\) calculate the intrinsic electrical conductivity of germanium at \(175^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\)

(a) The room-temperature electrical conductivity of a silicon specimen is \(500(\Omega-\mathrm{m})^{-1}\) The hole concentration is known to be \(2.0 \times 10^{22} \mathrm{m}^{-3}\). Using the electron and hole mobilities for silicon in Table \(18.3,\) compute the electron concentration. (b) On the basis of the result in part (a), is the specimen intrinsic \(n\) -type extrinsic, or \(p\) -type extrinsic? Why?

Estimate the electrical conductivity, at \(75^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) of silicon that has been doped with \(10^{22} \mathrm{m}^{-3}\) of phosphorus atoms

A parallel-plate capacitor using a dielectric material having an \(\epsilon_{r}\) of 2.2 has a plate spacing of \(2 \mathrm{mm}(0.08\) in.). If another material having a dielectric constant of 3.7 is used and the capacitance is to be unchanged, what must be the new spacing between the plates?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Electrostatics

Read Explanation

Physical Quantities And Units

Read Explanation

Translational Dynamics

Read Explanation

Quantum Physics

Read Explanation

Force

Read Explanation

Wave Optics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free