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In all descriptions of how (non-FET) transistors work I've seen, there is an inherent symmetry: There's either an n-doped layer between two p-doped, or a p-doped between two n-doped, and the descri...
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transistor
#2: Post edited
by
celtschk
·
2021-08-23T11:26:57Z (over 3 years ago)
Fixed doted → doped
In all descriptions of how (non-FET) transistors work I've seen, there is an inherent symmetry: There's either an n-doted layer between two p-doted, or a p-doted between two n-doted, and the description does not make any distinction between the two outer layers.- On the other hand, one of the connections to the outer layers is called emitter and the other collector. Also, in the transistor symbol in circuits, the difference is clearly marked by an arrow. Therefore I assume there actually is a difference.
- Therefore I wonder: What is the difference between emitter and collector? What would happen if you would insert a transistor reversed?
- Note: I'm physicist (so I can understand advanced descriptions on the physics level), but I don't have any experience with electronics.
- In all descriptions of how (non-FET) transistors work I've seen, there is an inherent symmetry: There's either an n-doped layer between two p-doped, or a p-doped between two n-doped, and the description does not make any distinction between the two outer layers.
- On the other hand, one of the connections to the outer layers is called emitter and the other collector. Also, in the transistor symbol in circuits, the difference is clearly marked by an arrow. Therefore I assume there actually is a difference.
- Therefore I wonder: What is the difference between emitter and collector? What would happen if you would insert a transistor reversed?
- Note: I'm physicist (so I can understand advanced descriptions on the physics level), but I don't have any experience with electronics.
#1: Initial revision
by
celtschk
·
2021-08-23T08:32:32Z (over 3 years ago)
What is the difference between emitter and collector of a transistor?
In all descriptions of how (non-FET) transistors work I've seen, there is an inherent symmetry: There's either an n-doted layer between two p-doted, or a p-doted between two n-doted, and the description does not make any distinction between the two outer layers. On the other hand, one of the connections to the outer layers is called emitter and the other collector. Also, in the transistor symbol in circuits, the difference is clearly marked by an arrow. Therefore I assume there actually is a difference. Therefore I wonder: What is the difference between emitter and collector? What would happen if you would insert a transistor reversed? Note: I'm physicist (so I can understand advanced descriptions on the physics level), but I don't have any experience with electronics.