Difference NPN and PNP Transistor
PNP is a Bipolar Junction Transistor or BJT in which holes are the major current carriers, while electrons are minor. The arrangement of the PNP transistor is in such a way that the P-type doped semiconductor is separated by a thin layer of N-type doped semiconductor material.
NPN is another BJT in which electrons are the major current carriers, while holes are minor. The arrangement of NPN transistor is in such a way that two N-type doped semiconductors are separated by a thin layer of P-type doped semiconductor material embedded between them.
Differentiate Between NPN and PNP Transistor
Do you know what is the difference between NPN and PNP transistor?
The basic difference between an NPN transistor and PNP transistor is indicated by the arrow of the current flow. If the current points outwards, it is NPN, and if the current points inward, it is an NPN transistor.
To understand in detail, let’s distinguish between NPN and PNP transistor in tabular form:
Distinguish Between NPN and PNP Transistor
PNP and NPN Transistors
PNP and NPN transistors are opposite in their functionality. When you apply current to the Base Junction of the NPN transistor, it allows more power to flow through it; that’s why NPN are considered good for amplifiers. However, the PNP does the opposite. When you apply current to the Base junction of the PNP transistor, it shuts off.
Both transistors function as a valve. If you turn it one way and the water (electricity) is able to flow, and if you turn it the other way, it does not. Both of the transistors make up the fundamental components of Logic Gates for processing digital signals in computers and other electronic devices.
The other places we use transistors are sensors, amplifiers, oscillators, detectors, modulators, and various electric circuits to perform functions.
Summary
So, we understood that both PNP and NPN transistors are current controlling devices where conduction is carried out by charge carriers viz: holes and electrons. When major carriers are electrons, it is an NPN transistor, and when there is a majority of carriers that are holes, it is a PNP transistor.
FAQs on Difference Between NPN and PNP Transistor
1. Write Two Applications of Transistors?
The applications of transistors lie hereunder:
Transistor as an Amplifier: Transistors have the ability to control large amounts of current that’s why they are used to boost the power of audio, radio and television signals.
Transistor as a Switch: Transistors have the ability to switch on and off the signals at high speeds because of this they form the basis of modern electronic devices that run billions of operations per second.
2. What is a Transistor? Write its Working Principle.
Transistor is a semiconductor device that is the basis of many modern electronic devices. It works on the principle/idea that the emitter terminal of the transistor is connected to the negative terminal of the battery.
When the circuit completes, the Emitter-Base junction becomes forward biased, and the Base-Collector becomes reverse biased. In this situation, no current flows through the device.
3. Can we Use PNP Instead of NPN Transistor?
Yes! PNP transistors can be replaced by NPN transistors. All we need to do is to make a difference in the polarities of voltage and the flow of current.
4. Which Better NPN or PNP?
NPN is better than PNP because NPN carries a plethora of mobile charges viz: electrons for the conduction of electricity.
