Transistors

Transistors are essential components in modern electronics. They are used as switches or amplifiers to control, amplify and generate electrical signals. Thanks to their compact size and efficient operation, transistors are the building blocks of virtually all electronic devices, from simple circuits to complex microprocessors.

How does a transistor work?

A transistor consists of three layers of semiconductor material and has three terminals :

1. Emitter: An emitter transistor gives off electrons.
   
2. Base: A base transistor controls the current supply.
   
3. Collector: A collector transistor collects the electrons.

By applying a small signal to the base, a transistor can pass a much larger signal to the collector, acting as an amplifier. As a switch, a transistor can quickly toggle between on and off, essential for digital circuits and computers.

Applications of transistors

• Power electronics: Used in power supplies, amplifiers and inverters.
  
• Microprocessors & Memory: Millions of transistors work together in integrated circuits (ICs).
  
• RF & Communications: Essential in radio and broadcasting equipment.
  
• Energy management: Applied in solar panels, electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Types of transistors

• Bipolar transistors (BJT): Widely used in amplifiers and switching circuits.
  
• MOSFETs: Efficient switching components for power electronics.
  
• IGBTs: Combine the properties of BJTs and MOSFETs for high-power applications.

Thanks to continued miniaturization, transistors are becoming more powerful and efficient. According to Moore's Law, the number of transistors in an IC doubles approximately every two years, leading to faster and more powerful electronic devices.

At Deltron.nl you will find a range of transistors and power electronics for various applications.