Transistor meaning (what it is, concept and definition)

What is Transistor:

The transistor is a semiconductor electronic component that has the function of amplifying, controlling, switching or rectifying electrical impulses.

Transistor is a contraction of the English words transfer that means transfer, and resistor that indicates resistance, therefore, refers to a device that transfers or controls electrical resistance.

In the area of ​​electricity, the transistor has three electrodes or terminals, also called a triode, where each one fulfills one of the following functions:

• Emitter: emits electrons, Collector: receives or collects the emitted electrons, and Base: modulates or regulates the passage of electrons.

Transistors make it possible to control and regulate a large current through a much smaller electrical signal. Due to this property, transistors are found in almost all household electronic devices, such as computers, cell phones, video and audio players, refrigerators, automobiles, televisions, among others.

Transistor functions

Transistors have two basic functions:

1. Amplifier: changes the resistance between the emitter and the receiver when the electric current passes. In this way, the electrical signal sent by the base-emitter is amplified when leaving the emitter-receiver. Switch: interrupts the current passing through the conductor, therefore, it serves as an on-off switch. This function is the most used in the field of electronics, such as in portable memory.