| English | Transistor |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Transistor |
| 中文 | 晶体管 |
Definition
A semiconductor device with three terminals used to amplify signals or to act as an electronic switch.
In exam terms
A transistor is a semiconductor device with three terminals used to amplify signals or to act as an electronic switch. In a common junction transistor the three terminals are the base, collector and emitter; a small current into the base controls a much larger current through the collector and emitter.
Example of correct use: in a switching circuit, when the base current is large enough the transistor turns on and lets current flow through the collector, so a small input can switch on a lamp.
Do not confuse it with…
Do not confuse a transistor with a diode. A diode has two terminals and only lets current pass one way; a transistor has three terminals and uses a small base current to control a larger current, so it can amplify or switch.
In Paper 2 you may be asked to state the two uses of a transistor or to explain how it works as a switch; name the base, collector and emitter and describe the base current controlling the main current.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)