ABSTRACT
This chapter explains what a transistor is and how it works, the structure of a transistor, PNP and NPN transistors, and various transistors of different physical shapes. It presents the three elements of a transistor, the terms, common base, common collector, and common emitter, and the primary functions of a transistor. The chapter shows what biasing a transistor is, and describes bias conditions for a transistor to work and cut-off state of a transistor. It suggests how a transistor can be used for switching and how a transistor can be used for amplification. The chapter explores the importance of correct biasing and describes heat sink. A heat sink is not part of a transistor; it is used for any component that can get hot in operation. A heat sink can be air cooled or in very high power devices can even be water cooled. The simplest form of transistor is a junction transistor, also called bipolar junction transistor.
