How a transistor works

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This is a is a non-technical introduction to how a transistor works and how transistors are used to make constructing computers.

1 Functional description
- 1.1 Transistor as a binary switch
- 1.2 Transistor as an amplifier
2 See also
3 External links

[edit] Functional description

The following sections are conceptual descriptions of how transistors are used for various applications.

[edit] Transistor as a binary switch

Simple circuit schematic that uses a transistor

When building computers, transistors are used as binary switches - switches that can be in one of two states: on or off. They are conceptually very similar to light switches. When they are on, they allow electricity to flow. When they are off, no electricity is allowed to pass through them. The difference between a light switch and a transistor is the fact that a light switch is controlled by a person, whereas a transistor is controlled by electricity.