A solid state substance that can be electrically altered. Certain elements in nature, such as silicon, perform like semiconductors when chemically combined with other elements. A semiconductor is halfway between a conductor and an insulator. When charged with electricity or light, semiconductors change their state from nonconductive to conductive or vice versa. The most significant semiconductor is the transistor, which is simply an on/off switch. See chip.
Conceptual View of a Transistor
Semiconductor material normally acts as an insulator. When it is pulsed with electricity, it becomes electrically conductive for that moment. It simply acts as an electrical bridge.
Conceptual View of a Transistor
Semiconductor material normally acts as an insulator. When it is pulsed with electricity, it becomes electrically conductive for that moment. It simply acts as an electrical bridge.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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