Question

discussion about transistor

- what is the definition of the transistor ( introduction)

- why do we use transistors

- how can we use it in the Arduino system

- its advantages and disadvantages

- a simple example in using it with the Arduino coding

what is the definition of transistor

why do we use a transistor

transistor advantages and disadvantages

a simple example of Arduino coding using transistor

Answer 1

The transistor is defined as an electronic signal regulator that rapidly replaced the vacuum tube.

A transistor is an electronic device that regulates current or voltage flow and acts as a switch for electronic signals. Transistors consist of three layers of a semiconductor material that are capable of carrying a current. Transistors are the basic elements in integrated circuits (IC), which consist of very large numbers of transistors interconnected with circuit into a single silicon chip.

Transistors are used for many purposes because its specific features and utilities. Following are some of the common uses of transistors:-

• Transistors are used in our day to day lives in various ways as amplifiers and switching apparatus. As amplifiers, they are being used in various oscillators, modulators, detectors and in any circuit in order to perform a function.

• In a digital circuit, transistors are used as switches.

• The main purpose for which transistors are used includes switching applications or both as amplification and switching.

• Transistors has much higher ability to gain current. Because of its sensitivity, it can pick currents from human skin which are used in creating a touch-sensitive button.

• Transistors has the capability of switching high currents in less than nanosecond transition times.

Transistors are used for number of purposes and have its specifications and usefulness. Eventhough they are used in day to day lives they have their specific advantages and disadvantages.

Following are some of its advantages:

• It is very easy to turn ON and turn OFF the transistor.

• The transistor can carry large currents in ON state and block very high voltage in OFF state.

• The power transistor can be operated at switching frequencies in a specific range.

• ON state voltage drops across transistor is low.

• It can be used to control power delivered to the load, in inverters and choppers.

Some of the disadvantages of transistor are given below:

• The transistor cannot be operating satisfactorily above switching frequency range.

• It can be damaged due to thermal runway or second breakdown.

• It has reverse blocking capacity very low.