The Junction Transistor

A bipolar junction
transistor consists of
three regions of doped
semiconductors. A
small current in the
center or base region Index
can be used to control a
larger current flowing Semiconductor
between the end concepts
regions (emitter and
collector). The device Semiconductors
can be characterized as for electronics
a current amplifier,
having many Electronics
applications for concepts
amplification and
switching.

Constraints on operation Transistor operating conditions

Varieties of Transistors Details about conduction in transistors
Determining collector current Details about base-emitter junction

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 Transistor as Current Amplifier
The larger collector current IC is proportional to the base current IB
according to the relationship IC =βIB , or more precisely it is
proportional to the base-emitter voltage VBE . The smaller base current
controls the larger collector current, achieving current amplification.
Index

Semiconductor
concepts

Semiconductors
for electronics

Electronics
concepts

Reference
Diefenderfer
/Holton
p156
The analogy to a valve is sometimes helpful. The smaller current in the
base acts as a "valve", controlling the larger current from collector to
emitter. A "signal" in the form of a variation in the base current is
reproduced as a larger variation in the collector-to-emitter current,
achieving an amplification of that signal.

Constraints on operation Comments on structure To pnp version

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 Transistor Structure

Index

Semiconductor
concepts

Semiconductors
for electronics

Electronics
concepts

The junction transistor Current amplifier operation Constraints on operation

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HyperPhysics***** Condensed Matter R Nave
 Transistor as Current Amplifier
The larger collector current IC is proportional to the base current IB
according to the relationship IC =βIB , or more precisely it is
proportional to the base-emitter voltage VBE . The smaller base current
controls the larger collector current, achieving current amplification. Index

Semiconductor
concepts

Semiconductors
for electronics

Electronics
concepts

Constraints on operation To npn version

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Constraints on Transistor Operation

Index

Semiconductor
concepts

Semiconductors
for electronics

Electronics
concepts

The bold text and the "buttons" are active links to further details.

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Transistor Maximum Values

Index
Part of the manufacturer's data for transistors is a set of maximum
values which must not be exceeded in its operation. These form some of Semiconductor
the constraints on transistor operation which are a part of the design of concepts
any circuit. A typical set, for the silicon transistor 2N2222:
Semiconductors
• Collector-Base Voltage = 60 v for electronics
• Collector-Emitter Voltage = 30 v
• Base-Emitter Voltage = 5 v Electronics
• Power dissipation = 500 mW concepts

• Temperature 125 C