Transistors & Modules

As one of the foundational building blocks for computer hardware, transistors have both commercial and domestic uses. As the fundamental 'switch'; in computer chips, transistors help computers store information and make decisions.

Because of the important role transistors play in computer and circuit design, choosing the best transistors and modules for the job is essential. Yet with so many on the market, it can be hard to choose. From NPN transistors to PNP transistors and more, read on to find out about our selection for both commercial and domestic use and how they can be beneficial.

What are transistors?

Transistors are one of the most important devices invented. They are small, electronic components that serve two primary purposes:

• As a switch to turn sockets on and off - like a light switch.
• As an amplifier of signals.

Based on the basic principles of electronics, we know that we can turn a circuit on and off using a switch. However, this requires human interaction. Rather than manually turning circuits on and off, a transistor will automate this process.

Transistors are unique in that they allow you to control how much current goes through a circuit. Instead of a traditional flip switch, a transistor uses voltages to switch the circuit on and off. They will either block a current or let electricity pass through.

Each second, transistors turn currents on and off far faster than any human. This makes them incredibly useful for a whole host of applications.

Transistors are used in everything from pacemakers, cameras, calculators, watches, hearing aids, and computers.

How do transistors work?

How a transistor works depends on whether it is being used in a transistor amplifier circuit or switch circuit.

When the transistor is being used as an amplifier, it takes an electric current and amplifies it. Much like plugging an electric guitar into an amp, a transistor will turn a small current into a much larger one.

When transistors are used as switches, the electric current flowing through one part of a transistor means a larger current can pass through other parts of it. This means that a small current can switch on a larger one.

What are transistors made from?

To help us understand how a transistor works, it helps to look at what they are made from. Silicon transistors are - unsurprisingly - made from silicon. This is because it is a semiconductor.

Silicon can be treated with impurities to make it perform in different ways. For example, it can be turned into an n-type (negative type) transistor by adding free electrons, which can flow out of it easily. Alternatively, some of the free electrons can also be removed so electrons will flow into the transistor. This is known as p-type (positive type).

Once the silicon has been treated with impurities, we can start to layer the n-type and p-type silicon transistors together in what's known as a 'silicon sandwich'. Using this principle, a huge number of electronic components can be made - including transistors.

What are transistors used for?

Transistors have a wide range of uses, from hearing aids and pacemakers to computers.

Known as the 'nerve cell' of the information age, transistors are responsible for transmitting signals and currents.

The invention of the transistor has meant we have access to a wealth of information online and in the palm of our hands in the form of smartphones. In fact, the transistor is the foundation of all modern computers and circuits.

For more information on the uses of transistors, contact our team.

What are the different types of transistors?

Depending on how you want to use your transistor and for what project, there are different types to consider.

We supply several different types of high-quality transistors from the world's top manufacturers including:

• NPN transistors

An NPN transistor is a bipolar transistor that is used for signal amplification. NPN stands for negative-positive-negative, and the flow of electrons means it can conduct.

• PNP transistors

The opposite of an NPN transistor, the PNP transistor has two p-type materials. This means it can be used as a switch in a transistor circuit. For example, it can be used as an off switch.

It is a type of bipolar junction transistor.

• Unijunction transistors

Otherwise known as UJTs, the unijunction transistor is a three-terminal semiconductor switching device. This means it can be used for phase control or timing circuits.

• Transistor diode

A transistor diode is a two-terminal semiconductor that allows the flow of current in one direction but not the other.

What are the benefits of transistors?

Some of the benefits of our transistors are:

• Reduced energy consumption: Compared to vacuum tubes, transistors reduce power consumption.
• Small: Transistors are small in both size and weight, so your equipment can be more compact.
• Less susceptible to breakage: Transistors are much more reliable than glass tubes and less prone to leakage, outgassing, or other damage.
• More efficient: Using transistors, you can create circuits with greater energy efficiency.
• Flexibility in design: Due to the nature of transistors and their wide range of uses, they allow you more design flexibility. As such, complementary symmetry circuits are possible, unlike with vacuum tubes.

Choosing the best type of transistor for your needs

We have a wide variety of transistors and diodes to pick from. Stocking leading brands such as NTE Electronics, Solid State Manufacturing, and Siliconix - we have all the necessary parts to complete your professional and DIY projects. We're confident you'll find the right transistor for the job in our product catalog, but if not, please get in touch with our technical team.

For more information on the tech specs of our most popular products, head to our expert hub for specialist advice and guidance.