Summarizing Semiconductor Devices

Summary

• A diode is produced by an n-p junction. A diode allows current to move in just one direction. In forward biased configuration of a diode, the current increases exponentially with the voltage.
• A transistor is produced by an n-p-n junction. A transistor is an electric valve that controls the current in a circuit.
• A transistor is a critical component in audio amplifiers, computers, and many other devices.

Glossary

amplifier

electrical device that amplifies an electric signal

base current

current drawn from the base n-type material in a transistor

breakdown voltage

in a diode, the reverse bias voltage needed to cause an avalanche of current

collector current

current drawn from the collector p-type material

depletion layer

region near the p-n junction that produces an electric field

forward bias configuration

diode configuration that results in high current

junction transistor

electrical valve based on a p-n-p junction

p-n junction

junction formed by joining p- and n-type semiconductors

reverse bias configuration

diode configuration that results in low current