Technology
How does a transistor work?
A transistor works as a tiny electronic switch or amplifier. A small electrical signal at one terminal controls a much larger current flowing through the others — letting it turn current on and off, which is the basis of all digital computing.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how a transistor works.
Step by step
- 1It acts as a tiny switch or amplifier.
- 2A small signal controls a larger current.
- 3Switching on/off represents the 1s and 0s of computing.
- 4Billions of them are packed onto a single microchip.
Frequently asked questions
- How does a transistor work?
- A small voltage at its control terminal switches or amplifies a larger current flowing through it.
- Why are transistors important?
- Their on/off switching represents binary 1s and 0s — the foundation of all digital electronics.
- How many transistors are in a modern chip?
- Often billions, each far smaller than a speck of dust.