PUSAT TUISYEN SINARAN INTENSIF

38A, Jalan Perkasa 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah

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Part 3: Transistor

❑ A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify

and switch electronics signals and electrical power.
❑ It can be used to amplify current, acts as a switch, voltage
stabilizer and signal modulator.
 Transistor
❑ Transistor is a double p–n junctions with three terminals:
✓ Emitter (E),
✓ Base (B)
✓ Collector (C)

❑ The emitter emits or sends charge carriers through the

thin base layer to be collected by the collector.
❑ The controlled output (power) can be higher than the
controlling input, a transistor can amplify a signal.
 NPN vs PNP Transistor
❑ There is two-type of
transistor: npn transistor
and pnp transistor.
❑ In an npn transistor the
emitter sends negative
electrons to the collector.
❑ In an pnp transistor, the
emitter sends positive
holes to the collector.
❑ In both cases, the arrow
on the emitter shows the
direction of current flow.
 NPN vs PNP Transistor
❑ The output current, of a
transistor flows between the
emitter and the collector.
❑ The current in the collector
lead is called as collector
current, IC
❑ The base current, IB is used to
control the collector current
through the transistor.
❑ The base current can be used
to switch the collector current
on or off.
NPN vs PNP Transistor
 NPN vs PNP Transistor
❑ Transistor should always be connected in such a way that:
✓ Emitter base circuit is always forward biased
✓ Collector base circuit is always reversed biased
Working Principle of a Transistor
Working Principle of a Transistor
 Potential Divider Circuit
❑ If the variable resistor in the transistor is replaced by a
device such as light dependent resistor (LDR), a
thermistor or a microphone, the transistor can be used as
an automatic switch controlled by light, heat or sound.
 Potential Divider Circuit (Automatic Switch)
❑ Choose a suitable resistor R1 and a variable resistor R2.
❑ The voltage at base terminal can be adjusted to switch the
transistor on or off.
❑ If the variable resistor = 0, base voltage = 0 and the
transistor remains off.
❑ If the variable resistor is increased, the base voltage
increases.
❑ When the base voltage reaches certain minimum value,
the base current switches the transistor on.
❑ The large collector current flows through the transistor
causing the bulb to light up.
Potential Divider Circuit (Calculations)
Potential Divider Circuit (Calculations)
Potential Divider Circuit (Calculations)
 Potential Divider Circuit (Light – Control Switch)

❑ Transistor as Light – Control Switch

❑ This circuit uses Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) which
is a type of resistor and very sensitive towards light.
❑ Important point about LDR that you MUST understand:
✓ In a bright condition, its resistance decrease
✓ In a dark condition, its resistance increase.
❑ It is important to understand that in a potential divider
circuit, when resistance increases, voltage (potential
difference) increases.
 Transistor as Light Control Switch
❑ Bulb automatically switches ON during the DAY
 Transistor as Light Control Switch
❑ Bulb automatically switches ON during the NIGHT
 Potential Divider Circuit (Heat – Control Switch)

❑ Transistor as Heat – Control Switch

❑ This circuit uses Thermistor which is a type of resistor
and very sensitive towards heat.
❑ Important point about Thermistor that you MUST
understand:
✓ When temperature increases, its resistance decreases
✓ When Temperature decreases, its resistance increase.
Heat – Control Switch (Fire Alarm System)
Heat – Control Switch (Fire Alarm System)
Alternative
Transistor as an Amplifier
 Transistor as an Amplifier

Component Function
Microphone To change sound signal to electrical signal.
Capacitor To block a steady current from flowing into the
transistor and microphone.

Potential Divider To apply a proportion of total potential difference

of the total voltage across the emitter-base
junction so that the junction is forward-biased.
Transistor To amplify the input wave form.
Loudspeaker To change electrical signal to sound wave
 Integrated Circuits (IC)

❑ Consists of transistors, resistors, diodes and capacitors combined

together and formed microchips
❑ Advantages of IC:
❖ Only small amount of electrical energy is consumed
❖ Heat generated is less
❖ Size is small, occupies small space
❖ Low cost