Intrinsic Semiconductor: A pure semiconductor material without any impurities.
Examples include pure silicon
(Si) and germanium (Ge)., Poor conductor at room temperature; conductivity is primarily due to thermally
generated electron-hole pairs., Equal numbers of electrons (negative charge carriers) and holes (positive charge
carriers)., Conductivity depends on the thermal energy required to excite electrons across the band gap., Pure
silicon or germanium crystals.
Extrinsic Semiconductor: A semiconductor material that has been intentionally doped with impurities to
improve its conductivity., Higher conductivity than intrinsic semiconductors because of the additional charge
carriers introduced by doping., Types: n-type Semiconductor: Doped with donor impurities (e.g., phosphorus
or arsenic in silicon), which add extra electrons as majority carriers., p-type Semiconductor: Doped with
acceptor impurities (e.g., boron in silicon), which create more holes as majority carriers., Unequal number of
electrons and holes, depending on the type of doping., Widely used in electronic devices like diodes,
transistors, and integrated circuits.
Common Base (CB) Configuration
Current Amplification Factor (α): α=Ic/ie, Where: Ic: Collector current, Ie: Emitter current
Range of α: Close to 1 but less than 1 (e.g., 0.95 to 0.99).
Explanation: The majority of the emitter current flows into the collector, with a small portion lost to
the base.
Common Emitter (CE) Configuration
Current Amplification Factor (β): β=Ic/Ib, Where: Ic: Collector current, Ib: Base current
Range of β: Typically between 20 and 200 for most BJTs.
Relationship with α: β=α/1- α
Explanation: The base current is small compared to the collector current, resulting in high current
amplification.
Common Collector (CC) Configuration
Current Amplification Factor (γ): γ=Ie/Ib, Where: Ie: Emitter current, Ib: Base current
Range of γ: Close to β+1\beta + 1β+1.
γ=β+1\gamma = \beta + 1γ=β+1.
Explanation: The emitter current is the sum of the base and collector currents, resulting in a slightly
higher current gain than the CE configuration.
A transistor circuit as an amplifier is a fundamental application in electronics. It increases the amplitude of a
weak input signal while maintaining its original shape. The transistor works in the active region of its operation,
where it can amplify signals effectively.
Common Configuration Types:
1. Common Emitter (CE) Amplifier: Features: Provides voltage and current gain, with phase inversion (180°).
Uses: Widely used for general-purpose amplification.
2. Common Base (CB) Amplifier: Features: High voltage gain, no current gain, no phase inversion.
Uses: High-frequency applications.
3. Common Collector (CC) Amplifier (Emitter Follower): Features: High current gain, voltage gain ≈ 1, no phase
inversion. Uses: Impedance matching.
Working of a CE Amplifier: Input Signal: A small AC signal is applied to the base-emitter junction., Operation: A
small base current controls a larger collector current (current amplification)., The signal is amplified due to the
transistor's current gain (β)., Output Signal: The amplified signal appears at the collector, inverted in phase.
Operation mode s of transistor
1. Active Mode The transistor operates as an amplifier, where the base-emitter junction is forward-biased and
the base-collector junction is reverse-biased. This allows the transistor to amplify weak signals.
2. Cut-Off Mode The transistor is fully turned off, where the base-emitter junction is reverse-biased and the
base-collector junction is also reverse-biased. No current flows through the transistor.
3. Saturation Mode The transistor is fully turned on, where the base-emitter junction is forward-biased and the
base-collector junction is also forward-biased. Maximum current flows through the transistor.
What are the Functions of Transistors? The transistor is the basic element of modern electronics. It serves as
the foundation of most electronic devices. These semiconductor devices help to regulate the flow of current or
voltage by switching electronic power and signals. Also, it is creates a path that allows a particular amount of
voltage in the circuit. Transistors help to regulate current flow. In digital electronics, the transistor acts as an
electronic switch. The number of transistors in an integrated circuit ranges from ten to tens of millions. Also, a
transistor is a very small semiconductor that plays a crucial role in integrated circuits. Asides from regulating
current and voltage flow, a transistor serves several functions
What is a Microprocessor? A microprocessor functions as the brain of a computer system. It is one of the
integrated circuit components. Also, it comprises control circuitry, logic unit, and arithmetic unit required for
the functioning of a computer’s CPU. Microprocessors are a core part of integrated circuits. These integrated
circuit components act as the brain of circuits used in computing devices. Parts of a Microprocessor The
microprocessor comprises three basic parts which are the CPU, memory, and a BUS. Central Processing Unit
(CPU) This part performs all the processing parts of a computer. Also, it is responsible for data processing and
giving out instructions to users. Furthermore, the CPU performs calculations and other tasks. Memory The
memory is a crucial part of the microprocessor. It comprises secondary and primary memory. The primary
memory stores instructions and data of the CPU. It is an internal memory that is very volatile. Also, the primary
memory comprises the Random access memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). The secondary memory
stores data permanently. Bus The bus is part of a microprocessor that enables different parts of a computer to
communicate well. Also, it integrates electrical signals to transmit information and data.
What are integrated circuits? An integrated circuit (IC), sometimes called a chip, microchip or microelectronic
circuit, is a semiconductor wafer on which thousands or millions of tiny resistors, capacitors, diodes and
transistors are fabricated. An IC can function as an amplifier, oscillator, timer, counter, logic gate, computer
memory, microcontroller or microprocessor. Classification of ICs Based on the size of their chi ps, integrated
circuits are classified into four types: o SSI – Small Scale, Integration This type of integrated circuit has around 3
to 30 gate chips., o MSI – Medium Scale Integration This type of integrated circuit has around 30 to 300 gates
per chip., o LSI – Large Scale Integration This type of integrated circuit has around 300 to 3000 gates per chip., o
VLSI – Very Large Scale Integration This type of integrated circuit has more than 3000 gates per chip.
Advantages and Limitations of Integrated Circuits: Advantages: o They are discrete, compact and miniature in
size. o They are cost-effective and can be easily replaced. o Integrated circuits are sustainable and can last for a
longer period of time. o It consumes less energy. Disadvantages: o Integrated circuits cannot operate at a
higher voltage. o Their circuits are generally delicate, and cannot withstand a higher voltage operation. o It has
a limited power rating and is fragile. o Has the capacity to produce more noise during operation.
What is monolithic IC? An integrated circuit or monolithic integrated circuit (also referred to as an IC, a chip,
or a microchip) is a set of electronic circuits on one small flat piece (or "chip") of semiconductor material,
normally silicon. It is an electronic circuit that is built on a single semiconductor base material or single chip.
The integration of large numbers of tiny transistors into a small chip resulted in circuits that are orders of
magnitude smaller, cheaper, and faster than those constructed of discrete electronic components.
Difference between Monolithic ICs and Hybrid ICs
Monolithic ICs: Monolithic integrated circuits which are fabricated entirely on a single chip., A monolithic
integrated circuit has the full circuit constructed on a single piece of silicon or other semiconductor, then
enclosed in a package with connecting leads., Small in size as compared to hybrid ICs., In this case all the
component are formed together by various method which include diffusion or ion implantation., Monolithic ICs
are expensive., Speed is high as compared to hybrid ICs., Monolithic ICs provide smaller flexibility in circuit
design. Hybrid ICs: Hybrid integrated circuits are fabricated by inter- connecting a number of individual chips.,
A Hybrid circuit often ceramic substrate carrying one or more silicon chips. A hybrid can also use mixed
technology, such as GaAs chips along with silicon chips., Large in size as compared to monolithic ICs, In this case
of hybrid integrated circuits, interconnection usually established by TEM mode transmission lines., Hybrid ICs
are less expensive., Speed is low as compared to monolithic ICs., Hybrid ICs provide greater flexibility in circuit
design.
Integrated Circuits Fabrication Process: Fabrication is the process of construction or manufacturing of
electronic device or product., Basically, it is the process of making large electronic components from small
electronic components. The process involved for the Integrated Circuits is as follows: Silicon Wafer
Preparation Ion Implantation Diffusion Photolithography Oxidation Chemical-Vapor Deposition
Metallization Packaging
Difference between jfet and mosfet
JFET (Junction Field Effect Transistor): Gate is connected to the channel through a p-n junction (no insulation).,
Operates only in depletion mode., Input impedance is relatively low., Gate control is achieved by reverse-
biasing the gate-channel junction., Switching speed is moderate., Less sensitive to static electricity., Simpler
and cheaper to manufacture., Used mainly in analog circuits like amplifiers and oscillators., Power consumption
is low, as it is voltage-controlled.
MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor): Gate is insulated from the channel by a thin
oxide layer., Can operate in enhancement mode or depletion mode., Input impedance is very high, making it
ideal for high-impedance applications., Gate control is achieved through an electric field generated by the gate-
to-source voltage (Vgs)., Switching speed is faster, suitable for high-frequency applications., More sensitive to
static electricity; requires careful handling., Complex to manufacture but scalable for integration in ICs., Widely
used in both analog and digital circuits, including power electronics and microprocessors., Very low power
consumption due to insulated gate.
A CRO (Cathode Ray Oscilloscope) is an electronic device used to display and analyze electrical signals in the
form of a waveform.
Main Components: Cathode Ray Tube (CRT): The heart of the CRO, where the signal is displayed as a
waveform., Vertical Deflection System: Amplifies the input signal and moves the electron beam vertically.,
Horizontal Deflection System: Generates a time base and moves the electron beam horizontally., Power
Supply: Provides the required voltage for CRT operation., Trigger Circuit: Synchronizes the waveform display to
stabilize repetitive signals., Control Knobs: Adjust settings like time base, voltage sensitivity, intensity, and
focus.
Working Principle: An electrical signal is applied to the vertical deflection plates, causing the electron beam in
the CRT to deflect vertically., A time base signal is applied to the horizontal deflection plates, causing the beam
to move horizontally at a uniform rate., The combined deflections produce a waveform display on the screen.
Applications: Signal Analysis: Observing voltage signals in electronic circuits., Frequency Measurement:
Determining the frequency of periodic signals., Amplitude Measurement: Measuring signal voltages or peak-to-
peak values., Troubleshooting: Diagnosing faults in electrical and electronic systems., Waveform Comparison:
Comparing input and output signals in systems.
An OPA (Operational Amplifier) is a versatile electronic component used to amplify signals in analog circuits.
Basic Configurations: Inverting Amplifier: Input is applied to the inverting terminal., Output is inverted and
proportional to the input., Non-Inverting Amplifier: Input is applied to the non-inverting terminal., Output has
the same phase as the input. Voltage Follower (Buffer): Provides unity gain (output = input) with high input
impedance and low output impedance. Summing Amplifier: Combines multiple input signals into one output.
Differential Amplifier: Amplifies the difference between two input signals. Integrator & Differentiator: Used
for mathematical operations like integration and differentiation of signals.
Applications: Signal Amplification: Boosts weak signals in sensors or communication systems., Filters: Used in
active low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters., Oscillators: Generates periodic waveforms like sine or square
waves., Analog Computing: Performs operations like addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation.,
Comparators: Compares input voltages to provide digital output (high or low)., Signal Conditioning: Processes
signals for ADCs (Analog-to-Digital Converters).
Advantages: High accuracy and stability., Versatile and widely available., Easy to use with standard circuit
designs.
Types of Feedback: Positive Feedback: Amplifies changes or disturbances in a system., Leads to growth or
escalation., Example: In a microphone-speaker loop, increasing the input volume can create a feedback loop,
resulting in a loud screeching sound. Negative Feedback: Reduces or corrects deviations, promoting stability
and balance., Example: In a thermostat, if the temperature rises above the set value, the system cools it down,
and vice versa.
Applications of Feedback:
1. Engineering and Control Systems:
o Positive Feedback: Used in oscillators and regenerative circuits.
o Negative Feedback: Used in amplifiers, control systems, and robotics to maintain system
stability and accuracy.
2. Management:
o Employee Feedback: Helps employees improve their performance through constructive
criticism or recognition.
o Example: A manager providing regular performance reviews to employees.
3. Education:
o Teachers provide feedback to students on assignments and exams to improve their learning
outcomes.
4. Psychology and Behavior:
o Positive reinforcement encourages desired behavior.
o Negative reinforcement or corrective feedback discourages undesirable actions.
5. Biological Systems:
o Positive Feedback: Blood clotting, where the activation of one clotting factor activates
others.
o Negative Feedback: Homeostasis, such as maintaining body temperature or blood sugar
levels.