4. Transistor
A small electronic
device that controls
the flow of an electric
current.
A transistor acts as
a switch which can
open and close many
times per second.
5. Transistor
Transistors are manufactured in
different shapes but they have
three leads (legs).
The BASE - which is the lead
responsible for activating the
transistor.
The COLLECTOR - which is the
positive lead.
The EMITTER - which is the
negative lead.
6. How does a transistor
work?
Transistors are composed of
three parts a base, a collector,
and an emitter. The base is the
gate controller device for the
larger electrical supply. The
collector is the larger electrical
supply, and the emitter is the
outlet for that supply.
8. NPN Transistor
NPN transistors may serve as
amplifiers. Different levels of electrical
current are sent from the base lead,
which may be used to control a larger
amount of current to amplify electrical
power.
NPN transistors may also serve as
switches, turning currents on or off.
9. PNP Transistor
A small electrical current flowing to the
transistor's base and emitter leads
controls a larger current from the emitter
to the collector. A PNP transistor turns
on its emitter-collector connection if the
voltage at the base is lower than that at
the emitter.