Bipolar junction transistor

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isambiguation).
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BJT NPN symbol (case).svg NPN
BJT PNP symbol (case).svg PNP
BJT schematic symbols
Typical individual BJT packages. From top to bottom: TO-3, TO-126, TO-92, SOT-23
A bipolar junction transistor (bipolar transistor or BJT) is a type of transisto
r that uses both electron and hole charge carriers. In contrast, unipolar transi
stors, such as field-effect transistors, only use one kind of charge carrier. Fo
r their operation, BJTs use two junctions between two semiconductor types, n-typ
e and p-type.
BJTs are manufactured in two types, NPN and PNP, and are available as individual
components, or fabricated in integrated circuits, often in large numbers. The b
asic function of a BJT is to amplify current. This allows BJTs to be used as amp
lifiers or switches, giving them wide applicability in electronic equipment, inc
luding computers, televisions, mobile phones, audio amplifiers, industrial contr
ol, and radio transmitters.
Contents [hide]
1 Note on current direction
2 Function
2.1 Voltage, current, and charge control
2.2 Turn-on, turn-off, and storage delay
2.3 Transistor parameters: alpha (a) and beta ()
3 Structure
3.1 NPN
3.2 PNP
3.3 Heterojunction bipolar transistor
4 Regions of operation
4.1 Active-mode NPN transistors in circuits
4.2 Active-mode PNP transistors in circuits
5 History
5.1 Germanium transistors
5.2 Early manufacturing techniques
5.2.1 Bipolar transistors
6 Theory and modeling
6.1 Large-signal models
6.1.1 Ebers Moll model
6.1.1.1 Base-width modulation
6.1.1.2 Punchthrough
6.1.2 Gummel Poon charge-control model
6.2 Small-signal models
6.2.1 hybrid-pi model
6.2.2 h-parameter model
6.2.2.1 Etymology of hFE
6.3 Industry models
7 Applications
7.1 High speed digital logic
7.2 Amplifiers
7.3 Temperature sensors
7.4 Logarithmic converters
8 Vulnerabilities
9 See also
10 Notes
11 References
12 External links
Note on current direction[edit]
By convention, the direction of current on diagrams is shown as the direction th
at a positive charge would move. This is called conventional current. However, c
urrent in many metal conductors is due to the flow of electrons which, because t
hey carry a negative charge, move in the opposite direction to conventional curr
ent. On the other hand, inside a bipolar transistor, currents can be composed of
both positively charged holes and negatively charged electrons. In this article
, current arrows are shown in the conventional direction, but labels for the mov
ement of holes and electrons show their actual direction inside the transistor.
The arrow on the symbol for bipolar transistors points in the direction conventi
onal current travels.
Function[edit]
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BJTs come in two types, or polarities, known as PNP and NPN based on the doping
types of the three main terminal regions. An NPN transistor comprises two semico
nductor junctions that share a thin p-doped region, and a PNP transistor compris
es two semiconductor junctions that share a thin n-doped region.