MOSFET, BJT, and IGBT: Principles of Operation Transistors are among the most important components in modern electronics. They can be used to amplify electrical signals, switch currents, regulate power, and control other circuits. Although MOSFETs, BJTs, and IGBTs all perform similar basic functions, their internal structures and methods of control are quite different. The most important distinction is this: A BJT is primarily a current-controlled device. A MOSFET is primarily a voltage-controlled device. An IGBT is a voltage-controlled device that uses a bipolar conduction structure. Understanding this difference makes it much easier to decide which type of transistor is appropriate for a particular circuit. 1. The MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) A MOSFET is a field-effect ...
BJT Transistor Amplifier Configurations A bipolar junction transistor (BJT) can be connected in three basic ways in an amplifier circuit: Common Emitter (CE) Common Base (CB) Common Collector (CC) The word “common” refers to the transistor terminal that is common to both the input and output circuits, usually with respect to the AC signal. The three configurations use the same three transistor terminals—base, emitter, and collector—but produce very different electrical characteristics. 1. Common Emitter (CE) Basic Principle In the Common Emitter configuration, the emitter is common to both the input and output circuits. The input signal is applied between the base and emitter, while the output signal is taken between the collector and emitter. The emitter is normally connected to the signal reference (AC ground), either dir...