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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Physics » Transistor as a switch

Transistor as a switch

Transistor as a switch - The switch is the simplest application of a transistor. It is most commonly used to operate the switch system i.e. opening and closing switches.

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Involving a transistor as a switch is the easiest application of the gadget. A transistor can be broadly utilised for exchanging activity either for opening or shutting a circuit. In the meantime, the fundamental idea driving the operation of a semiconductor as a switch depends on its method of activity. By and large, the low voltage DC is turned on or off by transistors in this mode. In this topic, we will study the meaning, definition, examples and applications of the transistor. We will also study the different regions such as the cut-off region, saturation region and others.

What is a Transistor?

When utilised as an AC signal intensifier, the semiconductors Base biassing voltage is applied so that it generally works inside its “dynamic” region, that is the direct part of the result attributes curves are utilised.

Nonetheless, both the NPN and PNP type of the bipolar transistors could be made to work as “OFF/ON” type strong state switches by biassing semiconductors Base terminal contrastingly to that for the signal amplifier.

Strong state switch is one of the primary applications for utilisation of semiconductors to switch a DC output “ON” or “OFF”. A few result gadgets, for example, LED’s just require a couple of milliamps at rational level DC voltages and can in this way be driven straight by the result of a logic gate. Notwithstanding, high power gadgets like engines, solenoids or lights, frequently require more power than that provided by a common logic gate so semiconductor switches are utilised.

The areas of activity for a transistor switch are known as the cut-off region and saturation region, which implies that we can overlook the working voltage divider and Q-point biassing hardware expected for intensification and utilise the semiconductor as the switch by driving it to and fro between its “completely OFF” (cut-off) and “completely ON” districts as displayed beneath.

Operating regions

1. Cut-off region

Here the working states of the transistor are zero information base current ( IB ), zero result gatherer current ( IC ) and greatest authority voltage ( VCE ) which brings about a huge consumption layer and no current coursing through the gadget. In this way, the transistor is exchanged “Fully-OFF”.

Cut-off characteristics

Then, we can characterise the “cut-off region” or “OFF mode” while involving a bipolar semiconductor as a switch as being, the two intersections turn around one-sided, VB < 0.7v and IC = 0. For a PNP semiconductor, the emitter possibly should be negative as for the base.

2. Saturation region

Here the transistor will be one-sided with the goal that the most extreme measure of base current is applied, bringing about the greatest collector current bringing about the base collector-emitter voltage drop which brings about the consumption layer being pretty much as little as could be expected and maximum current coursing through the semiconductor. Thus the semiconductor is exchanged as “Fully ON”.

Saturation characteristics

Then, at that point, we can characterise the “Saturation region” or “ON mode” while involving a bipolar semiconductor as a switch as being, the two intersections forward one-sided, VB > 0.7v and IC = Maximum. For a PNP transistor, the emitter should be positive as for the base.

An illustration of an NPN Transistor as a switch being utilised to work is given underneath. With inductive loads, for example, transfers or solenoids a flywheel diode is put across the heap to scatter the back EMF produced by the inductive burden when the transistor switches “OFF” thus shielding the semiconductor from harm. Assuming the heap is of an exceptionally high current or voltage nature, for example, engines, radiators and so on, then, at that point, the heap current can be controlled by means of a reasonable hand-off as displayed.

The application of transistor as a switch

The transistor as a switch has the accompanying uses:

  • The LED feature is the most broadly utilised functional application that is utilised as a switch for the transistor.
  • The transfer activity can be overseen by making the fundamental circuit changes to associate and control some external gadgets concerning the relay.
  • With this thought of semiconductors, dc motors can be controlled and checked. This product is utilised to turn the motor on and off. The engine speed can be adjusted by changing the semiconductor recurrence values.
  • Light is one of these switches’ examples. It can turn the light on if the setting is splendid and off contingent upon the dim environmental elements. A light-dependent resistor (LDR) is utilised.

A component called a thermistor can be controlled utilising this exchanging strategy, which distinguishes the surrounding temperature. The thermistor is known as a resistor. This resistance increases when the temperature detected is low and the obstruction diminishes when the detected temperature is high.

Conclusion

To sum up, while involving a Transistor as a Switch the accompanying circumstances apply:

  • Semiconductor switches can be utilised to switch and control lights, transfers or even motors.
  • While involving the bipolar semiconductor as a switch they should be by the same token “completely OFF” or “completely ON”.
  • Semiconductors that are completely “ON” are supposed to be in their Saturation region.
  • Semiconductors that are completely “OFF” are supposed to be in their Cut-off region.
  • While involving the transistor as a switch, a little base current controls a lot bigger collector load current.
  • While utilising semiconductors to switch inductive loads like transfers and solenoids, a “Flywheel Diode” is utilised.

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