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 ability of a transistor to take a small input signal and amplify it into a larger output signal. Switching allows a transistor to control the flow of current between two terminals, effectively turning an electronic component ON or OFF depending on the input signal.

Step by step solution

01

Function 1: Amplification

A transistor can act as an amplifier in an electronic circuit. It takes a small input signal and amplifies it into a larger output signal. This amplification function is essential in various electronic devices like audio systems, televisions, and radio communication systems. For instance, amplifying a weak audio signal so that it can be played back at a higher volume output.
02

Function 2: Switching

Another important function of a transistor is to act as a switch in an electronic circuit. In this role, a transistor can control the flow of current between two terminals, effectively turning an electronic component ON or OFF depending on the input signal. Transistors find extensive applications as switches in digital logic circuits and power control circuits. Examples include microprocessor-based systems and devices like mobile phones, computers, and power management circuits in various appliances.

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

(a) Using the data presented in Figure 18.16, determine the number of free electrons per atom for intrinsic germanium and silicon at room temperature \((298 \mathrm{~K})\). The densities for Ge and \(\mathrm{Si}\) are \(5.32\) and \(2.33 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}\), respectively. (b) Now explain the difference in these freeelectron-per-atom values.

Briefly explain why the ferroelectric behavior of \(\mathrm{BaTiO}_{3}\) ceases above its ferroelectric Curie temperature.

Estimate the temperature at which GaAs has an electrical conductivity of \(3.7 \times 10^{-3}\) \((\Omega \cdot \mathrm{m})^{-1}\), assuming the temperature dependence for \(\sigma\) of Equation 18.36. The data shown in Table \(18.3\) may prove helpful.

Is it possible for compound semiconductors to exhibit intrinsic behavior? Explain your answer.

(a) Compute the electrical conductivity of a 5.1-mm- (0.2-in.-) diameter cylindrical silicon specimen \(51 \mathrm{~mm}\) ( 2 in.) long in which a current of \(0.1\) A passes in an axial direction. A voltage of \(12.5 \mathrm{~V}\) is measured across two probes that are separated by \(38 \mathrm{~mm}\) (1.5 in.). (b) Compute the resistance over the entire \(51 \mathrm{~mm}\) ( \(2 \mathrm{in} .)\) of the specimen.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Translational Dynamics

Read Explanation

Electric Charge Field and Potential

Read Explanation

Wave Optics

Read Explanation

Thermodynamics

Read Explanation

Fluids

Read Explanation

Waves Physics

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