Free Expert Guides on Power Systems, Circuit Design & Electrical Troubleshooting

What is a TRIAC?TRIAC DefinitionA TRIAC is defined as a three-terminal AC switch that can conduct current in both directions, suitable for AC systems.A TRIAC is defined as a three-terminal AC switch that can conduct in both directions, unlike other silicon controlled rectifiers. It can conduct whether the applied gate signal is positive or negative, making it ideal for AC systems.This is a three terminal, four layer, bi-directional semiconductor device that controls AC power. The triac of maximu

What is a DIAC?DIAC DefinitionA DIAC is defined as a diode that begins to conduct electricity only after its breakover voltage is exceeded, crucial in electrical circuits for controlling current flow.A DIAC is a diode that conducts electrical current only after its breakover voltage (VBO) has been reached. DIAC stands for “Diode for Alternating Current”. A DIAC is a device which has two electrodes, and it is a member of the thyristor family. DIACs are used in the triggering of thyristors. The fi

BJT DefinitionA Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) is defined as a three-terminal semiconductor device used for amplification and switching.Applications of Bipolar Junction TransistorThere are two types of applications of bipolar junction transistor, switching and amplification.Transistor as a SwitchIn switching applications, a transistor operates in either the saturation or cutoff region. In the cutoff region, the transistor acts as an open switch, while in saturation, it acts as a closed switch

BJT as a Switch DefinitionA BJT (bipolar junction transistor) is defined as a device that acts as a switch by controlling the base-emitter current to change the emitter-collector resistance.A switch creates an open circuit (infinite resistance) when in the ‘OFF’ position and a short circuit (zero resistance) when in the ‘ON’ position. Similarly, in a bipolar junction transistor, controlling the base-emitter current can make the emitter-collector resistance nearly infinite or nearly zero.In a tra

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How Dose a Transistor Work?Transistor DefinitionA transistor is defined as a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals.There are different types of transistors available, but we’ll focus on the NPN transistor in common emitter mode. This type has a heavily doped and wide emitter region, which contains many free electrons (majority carriers). The collector region is wide and moderately doped, so it has fewer free electrons than the emitter. The base region is very thin and

Bipolar Junction Transistor DefinitionA Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) is a three-terminal device. It can function as either an amplifier or a switch, requiring one input circuit and one output circuit. To handle this with only three terminals, one terminal serves as a common connection for both input and output. The choice of the common terminal depends on the application. There are three types of transistor connections: common base, common emitter, and common collector. Common Base Transist

What is a NPN Transistor?NPN Transistor DefinitionAn NPN transistor is a widely used type of bipolar junction transistor, where a P-type semiconductor layer is flanked by two N-type layers. Construction of NPN TransistorAs discussed above, the NPN transistor has two junctions and three terminals. The construction of the NPN transistor is as shown in the below figure. The emitter and collector layers are wider compared to the base. The emitter is heavily doped. Therefore, it can inject a large n

What is a PNP Transistor?PNP Transistor DefinitionA PNP transistor is defined as a bipolar junction transistor with an N-type semiconductor sandwiched between two P-type semiconductors. Symbol of PNP TransistorThe symbol includes an arrow on the Emitter showing the direction of conventional current flow. Current Flow DirectionIn a PNP transistor, the current flows from the Emitter to the Collector.Working PrincipleThe positive terminal of a voltage source (VEB) is connected with Emitter (P-type)

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