The NPN transistor as a circuit element
“Tin Can” NPN-Transistor Transistors Replace Mechanical Switches Collector Emitter Base
NPN-Transistor The 1960’s transistor The “Tin Can” Transistors are constructed differently and this fact is reflected in the names that are given to the pins. As a first pass at this technology, it will not hurt to associate the names in pairs. The 1960’s transistor However, ultimately the operational principles for the pins with similar names is not the same for different types of transistors. The “Tin Can” it isn’t tin and it isn’t a can! Base OR Gate Emitter OR Source Collector OR Drain
NPN-Transistor Bipolar Junction Transistor Silicon structure with a shortage of electrons in its structure p-type material Base Silicon structure with extra electrons in its structure Collector n p n Silicon structure with extra electrons in its structure Emitter n-type material
NPN-Transistor n p n Simple Switching Circuit Example This switch now controls the light. If it is closed, the light will go on. Bipolar Junction Transistor Simple Switching Circuit Example Ground connection Collector If this switch is closed, the light will turn on if the switch in the base circuit is closed. Emitter n p n negative terminal Ground connection positive terminal Base Ground connection
NPN-Transistor Bipolar Junction Transistor Simple Switching Circuit Example Ground connection Collector electron flow Emitter negative terminal positive terminal Ground connection Base Ground connection
Another view of the npn transistor switch circuit Ground connection Another view of the npn transistor switch circuit positive terminal Base Collector Emitter negative terminal Ground connection Ground connection
NPN-Transistor This new cartoon is a little closer to reality since it includes a drawing of a real npn transistor with its correct pin locations. Collector Emitter negative terminal positive Base Ground connection Base Emitter Ground connection Negative terminal positive terminal Collector Notice that the base connection is not in the middle of the device package even though inside the package the base is in the middle of the device. NTE 198
NPN-Transistor Base Collector Emitter positive terminal NTE 198 Base Emitter Negative terminal positive terminal Ground connection Base Collector Emitter
NPN-Transistor Base Collector Emitter positive terminal Negative terminal positive terminal Ground connection Emitter Base Collector
Base Collector Emitter positive terminal Ground connection Negative terminal Collector Emitter positive terminal Ground connection