Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the meaning of the arrow in the symbol of a MOSFET, specifically addressing its significance in distinguishing between PMOS and NMOS types. Participants explore the implications of the arrow's direction and its analogy to other semiconductor devices, such as BJTs.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions the meaning of the arrow in the MOSFET symbol, suggesting it might indicate the direction of the electric field.
- Another participant states that the arrow denotes whether the MOSFET is a PMOS or NMOS.
- A participant clarifies that the arrow's direction in the NMOS symbol points towards the gate, while in the PMOS symbol, it points away from the gate, seeking an analogy with BJT emitter current direction.
- One participant mentions that arrows are conventionally drawn to point from P to N, suggesting a relationship to electric field lines.
- A later reply indicates that in abbreviated MOSFET symbols, the arrow indicates the direction of normal current flow in the device.
- A participant raises the question of hole flow versus electron flow, hinting at the underlying mechanisms of current in MOSFETs.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the specific meaning of the arrow in relation to current flow and electric field direction, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations.
Contextual Notes
Some participants reference analogies with BJTs and electric field lines, but the exact relationship and implications of the arrow's direction in MOSFET symbols are not fully clarified.
and I can't figure out myself. I mean if it were after me, I would have put that arrow to indicate the direction of the electric field, but the arrow actually points the oposite way. So what does that arrow actually stand for?