Transistor Operation/Theory

[TomFCS]

I recently found this article on transistors. Unfortunately, my knowledge of electronics, (anything beyond simple operations performed with a VOM) is pretty much nil. I thought this was an extremely well written explanation of transistor operation/theory. It's a simple and at least somewhat understandable document targeted at electronics novices like myself.

I thought others here might enjoy it as well.

http://www.amasci.com/amateur/transis.html

[Chuckster_in_Jax]

Well, I read about half of the article and stopped. IMO this guy must have been in a complete fog during his study of electronics. I got the impression the author never really understood the material that was being taught at the college he attended. I certainly don't think this is a good source for understanding semiconductors and how they work.

First, let me say that I have a 2 year degree in electronics from a Junior College here in Jacksonville and I feel I have a fairly good understanding of electronics at that level. While I was still taking courses, a statewide evaluation was made of what was being taught at the different colleges and universities here in Florida. The main concern was there was a good balance between how much theory was taught vs. practical application. The findings for the curriculum I took was that it was too heavy on theory. Also, before I took electronics I had 4 semesters in Chemistry which involved the study of atomic theory.
That being said, I don't claim to be an expert on electronics at all, but I do understand electronics and certainly how transistors work (It just ain't that hard). I never felt that any of the conventional teachings involving current flow were hard to grasp or that they didn't make any sense. After all theories are the result of scientific investigation and conclusions drawn from them.
At the end of the day what really matters is their practical application whether it be circuit design or troubleshooting.

There are several members of this forum that have 4 year degrees (and possibly more) in Electrical Engineering. I would like to hear what they have to say about this article.

[Terry Yager]

Somebody once said, "If ya can't dazzle 'm with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullshit!"

(I only made it as far as the 'po' lil' lonely 'lectrons running around looking for holes to fall into' analogy before I gave up trying to de-cypher the article...and I'm a fairly decent plumber!)...

--T

[Chuck(G)]

I'd rather get my information about transistor theory from someone like Bob Pease. Some of the things he occasionally comes up with in his ED columns is just downright amazing.

[TomFCS]

I'd rather get my information about transistor theory from someone like Bob Pease.

Thanks, I found the site (http://www.national.com/rap/). I'll be sure and check there next time for more reliable information.

[ziloo]

It would be very useful to have an all around book that explains
everything in plain words; I recommend "The Art of Electronics"
by Horowitz & Hill...great reference book!!

ziloo

[Chuck(G)]

Thanks, I found the site (http://www.national.com/rap/). I'll be sure and check there next time for more reliable information.

This is a better link (http://electronicdesign.com/Departments/DepartmentID/6/6.html). Bob's always a fun read--and I note that he's been laid off by NSC, but will continue to write for EDN.

It can get pretty techy, but Bob makes analog design fun.

[ziloo]

... Bob makes analog design fun.

In his book about Troubleshooting Analog Circuits, there is a
photo of him holding and reading a long computer print out that is
stretched all the way into a canary cage, through the lateral slot
which is used for cleaning the bird poop!!! And underneath it says:
"numerical simulation of analog circuits is surely useful for something..."

ziloo :biggrin:

[tezza]

Hehehe

Speaking of books, I found "Electronics for Dummies" from Gordon McComb and Earl Boysen was really useful for demystifying electronics for me. It skips lightly over stuff you would no doubt need if you were an electronics designer but for letting you know what components and circuits actually DO it was great!

It also has practical chapters on test equipment, soldering and the tools you need.

It's for the beginner of course, but if you don't have a background in electronics it's worth a look.

Tez

[Druid6900]

Gee, and to think that I wasted all that time in class and in the electronics lab when I could have just bought a "Dummies" book LOL

[TomFCS]

Wow, lots of great info here regarding reference material and links.

I would most certainly place myself in the "electronics for dummies" category, my only formal training being a very elementary class in basic electricity. I've always wanted to expand my knowledge in the area of electronics.

"The Art Of Electronics" looks particularly interesting. Widely available too.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the help and suggestions.