In the analog world of continuously varying signals, a transistor is a device used to amplify voltage or current or sometimes function as an on/off switch. In the binary digital world of computing, a transistor is mostly a switch and is the fundamental building block of computer circuitry. Like a light switch on the wall that lets electricity flow to a light bulb, the transistor acts as a simple electronic switch, either preventing or allowing current to flow through.
Made of Semiconductor Material
The active part of the transistor is made of silicon or some other semiconductor material that can change its electrical state when pulsed. In its normal state, the material may be not conductive or conductive, either impeding or letting current flow. When voltage is applied to it, it changes its state to the opposite. The gate is the triggering line, and the source and drain are the two end points.
Transistors to Gates to Circuits to Systems
Transistors, as well as resistors, capacitors and diodes, are wired in patterns that make up logic gates. Logic gates wired in patterns make up circuits, and circuits wired in patterns make up electronic systems. To learn more about the transistor, see chip. See phototransistor and High-K/Metal Gate.
Conceptual View of a Transistor
In an "enhancement mode" transistor, the semiconductor material normally acts as an insulator. When it is pulsed with electricity, it becomes electrically conductive for that moment. In computer circuitry, it acts as a simple electrical bridge. It can also function like a relay to amplify signals, transferring a smaller current at the gate to a larger current at the source.
The First Silicon Transistor
The first transistors had five times the mass of an entire chip today. In 1954, Texas Instruments pioneered the commercial production of silicon transistors. (Image courtesy of Texas Instruments, Inc.)
Transistors Get Smaller
When IBM announced the System/360 in 1964, its Solid Logic technology tied three transistors together. With the top of the module removed, you can see the three silvery transistors. This half-inch square space today can hold millions of transistors. (Image courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation. Unauthorized use not permitted.)
Made of Semiconductor Material
The active part of the transistor is made of silicon or some other semiconductor material that can change its electrical state when pulsed. In its normal state, the material may be not conductive or conductive, either impeding or letting current flow. When voltage is applied to it, it changes its state to the opposite. The gate is the triggering line, and the source and drain are the two end points.
Transistors to Gates to Circuits to Systems
Transistors, as well as resistors, capacitors and diodes, are wired in patterns that make up logic gates. Logic gates wired in patterns make up circuits, and circuits wired in patterns make up electronic systems. To learn more about the transistor, see chip. See phototransistor and High-K/Metal Gate.
Conceptual View of a Transistor
In an "enhancement mode" transistor, the semiconductor material normally acts as an insulator. When it is pulsed with electricity, it becomes electrically conductive for that moment. In computer circuitry, it acts as a simple electrical bridge. It can also function like a relay to amplify signals, transferring a smaller current at the gate to a larger current at the source.
The First Silicon Transistor
The first transistors had five times the mass of an entire chip today. In 1954, Texas Instruments pioneered the commercial production of silicon transistors. (Image courtesy of Texas Instruments, Inc.)
Transistors Get Smaller
When IBM announced the System/360 in 1964, its Solid Logic technology tied three transistors together. With the top of the module removed, you can see the three silvery transistors. This half-inch square space today can hold millions of transistors. (Image courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation. Unauthorized use not permitted.)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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