Transistors PDF
Transistors PDF
Transistors PDF
(i) Emitter. The section on one side that supplies charge carriers
(electrons or holes) is called the emitter. The emitter is always
forward biased w.r.t. base so that it can supply a large number of
majority carriers.
(ii) Collector. The section on the other side that collects the
charges is called the collector. The collector is always reverse biased.
Its function is to remove charges from its junction with the base.
(i) Working of npn transistor. Fig. shows the npn transistor with
forward bias to emitter base junction and reverse bias to collector-
base junction. The forward bias causes the electrons in the n-type
emitter to flow towards the base. This constitutes the emitter
current IE. As these electrons flow through the p-type base, they
tend to combine with holes. As the base is lightly doped and very
thin, therefore, only a few electrons (less than 5%) combine with
holes to constitute base current IB.
The remainder (more than 95%) cross over into the collector
region to constitute collector current IC. In this way, almost the
entire emitter current flows in the collector circuit. It is clear that
emitter current is the sum of collector and base currents i.e.
I E = IB + IC
(ii) Working of pnp transistor. Fig. below shows the basic
connection of a pnp transistor. The forward bias causes the holes
in the p-type emitter to flow towards the base. This constitutes the
emitter current IE. As these holes cross into n-type base, they tend
to combine with the electrons. As the base is lightly doped and
very thin, therefore, only a few holes (less than 5%) combine with
the electrons. The remainder (more than 95%) cross into the
collector region to constitute collector current IC. In this way,
almost the entire emitter current flows in the collector circuit. It
may be noted that current conduction within pnp transistor is by
holes. However, in the external connecting wires, the current is
still by electrons.
Transistor Symbols
Transistor Connections: