1 What is a Digital Circuit? (Continued) • An analog transistor circuit concentrates on the linear mode of operation of the transistor. • In the linear mode, the output current of the transistor, is a linear multiple (b) of the input current.
• A digital transistor circuit concentrates on
the “cut-off” and “saturation” modes. • In the cut-off mode, the output current is almost 0 no matter how the input current changes. • In the saturation mode, the output current is mostly constant (non-0) no matter how the input current changes.
2 What is a Digital Circuit? (Continued)
• In digital circuits, the transistor switches back and
fourth between cut-off and saturation.
• Cut-off mode is where the transistor as a switch is
considered off. • Saturation mode is where the transistor as a switch is considered on.
3 What is an Integrated Circuit? • An integrated circuit is a “complete circuit” that performs a “complete task” and has been reduced tremendously and manufactured on one piece of “semi-conductor”. • Integrated circuits are manufactured on very thin, circular plates of semiconductor called “wafers”.
• The complement of an Integrated Circuit is a
Discrete Circuit. In a discrete circuit, each circuit element is a discrete package and the packages are connected to each other with external wires.
4 What is a semi-conductor?
• A conductor is a metal that carries current
constantly. Like Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe).
• A semi-conductor is a metal that carries
current under certain conditions and acts almost like an open circuit under others. Examples are: Silicon (Si) Gallium Arsenide (GaAs).
5 What is a semi-conductor? (Continued)
• Manufacturing an Integrated Circuit starts
with “pure” semiconductor. Then impurities are added to form the different types needed for the circuit. • Negative ions (extra electrons) are added to form N- Type semiconductor. • Positive ions (missing electrons, also known as holes) are added to form P-Type semiconductor. • The extra electrons and the holes are known as “carriers”. They are the means by which current flows in the circuit.
