How Do You Use a Transistor in a Circuit?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of transistors in circuits, specifically focusing on how to incorporate them as switches. Participants explore the functionality of transistors and seek guidance on their application in electronic circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to use a transistor in a circuit and asks for guidance on switching mechanisms.
  • Another participant prompts the original poster to reflect on their understanding of transistors and suggests conducting a Google search for more information.
  • A third participant provides links to introductory articles about transistors and recommends a book for further learning about electronics.
  • A later reply acknowledges the usefulness of the provided resources, particularly appreciating the simplicity of the HowStuffWorks explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present a consensus, as participants are at different levels of understanding and are sharing resources rather than debating specific technical points.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express varying levels of familiarity with electronics, which may affect their interpretations and understanding of the information shared.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in learning about the practical applications of transistors in electronics, particularly beginners seeking foundational knowledge.

alpine2beach
Messages
25
Reaction score
1
I'm pretty sure that one of the most common electronic switches is the transistor. That being said, I'm not very sure of how you can incorporate one into a circuit. Basically, what I'm asking is, how do I get it to switch when I want it to? How do I use a transistor?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
What do you know about transistors?
How do you think they function
do a google search for transistors as switch and see what you come up with. There is a lot of relevant information there.

(I've been taking notes Berkeman) :)
 
mdjensen22 said:
(I've been taking notes Berkeman) :)
:smile:

Here are a couple intro articles on transistors:

at HowStuffWorks.com http://www.howstuffworks.com/transistor.htm

at Wikipedia.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transistor

Also, if you'd like to learn more about electronics, take a look at the book "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill. Your high school library may have a copy (if not, ask them to order it), or your city library may have a copy. It's a pretty easy read, and you can learn lots of useful things about electronics from it.
 
Thank you so freaking much! Wikipedia is pretty useless if you don't already know something about electronics, but that link to HowStuffWorks was definitely the most simple explanation of a transistor that I have ever read! Also, thanks for the book, I'll have to check it out. Thanks again!
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
68
Views
7K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K