LESSON 9: TRANSISTOR

OVERVIEW:

This lesson deals with the study of different types, characteristics, and parameters of transistors.
It also provides an easy-to-understand theories and principles in identifying the base, emitter, and
collector of PNP and NPN transistors. Furthermore, it demonstrates the practical method of checking
the forward and reverse bias of PN and NP sections of transistor. Furthermore, common troubles of
transistors are enumerated and illustrated in this lesson.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To develop skills in:

a. Leaming the most common types of transistors and analyze in detail the
characteristics thereof.
b. Identifying the emitter, base, and collector by means of ohmmeter tests.
c. Checking or determining the normal and abnormal condition of a transistor.

IN THIS LESSON, you will become acquainted with:

1. Transistor: Theories and principles

2. Identifying the base of a PNP or NPN transistor
3. Identifying the emitter of a PNP or NPN transistor
4. Identifying the collector of a PNP or NPN transistor
5. Checking the forward bias of a good PNP or NPN transistor
6. Checking the reverse bias of a good PNP or NPN transistor
7. Checking the forward bias of an open PNP or NPN transistor
8. Checking the reverse bias of an open PNP or NPN transistor
9. Checking the forward bias of a shorted PNP or NPN transistor
10. Checking the reverse bias of a shorted PNP or NPN transistor
11. Checking the forward bias of a leaky PNP or NPN transistor
12. Checking the reverse bias of a leaky PNP or NPN transistor
TRANSISTOR

I. INTRODUCTION:

TRANSISTOR is an electronic device which provides oscillation, amplification, switching

and rectification of electrical current. The principal semiconductor materials used are
germanium and silicon. Basically, there are two kinds of transistors, namely, PNP and NPN. "PNP"
means positive, negative, positive. "NPN" means negative, positive, negative.

II. THEORIES/PRINCIPLES:

A transistor is an electronic amplifying device with two junctions, and it is made of

silicon or germanium. The bipolar junction-type transistors are the NPN and PNP. Impurity
materials are utilized to determine the conductivity type of semiconductor. A PNP transistor is
made by sandwiching a slab of silicon with "N-type" impurities between the two layers of silicon
with "P-type" semiconductor materials. Silicon is generally used for NPN bipolar junction
transistor because of its lower leakage current and higher temperature ratings. An NPN
transistor is simply made by sandwiching a slab of germanium with "P-type" impurities between
two layers of germanium with "N-type" semiconductor materials. Because of its lower internal
voltage drop, germanium is used for some power-type transistors.
Basically, a transistor has three parts, namely emitter, base, and collector The emitter
emits electrons. The collector collects electrons, and the base controls the flow of electrons.
The collector is connected internally to the aluminum case of power-type transistors, to ensure
proper heat dissipation. In medium power-type transistor, the collector is connected internally
to the mounting tab.
A mica insulation is used if the collector needs to be separated from the chassis ground.
For better heat dissipation, the mica insulator is usually greased with silicon. To radiate heat
away from the collector junction, a heat sink or metallic device is used. A heat sink with large
radiating fins is used separately The collector of an NPN power transistor is connected internally
to the metal (heat-sink) tab Most small signal-type transistors (enclosed in a plastic package) are
silicon and NPN Japanese-made transistors are marked or labelled 2SA (for small signal-type
PNP), 2SB (for power-type PNP), 2SC (for small signal- type NPN), and 2SD (for power-type NPN).
The letters SA, SB, SC and SD indicates a semiconductor, whereas the numerical prefix signifies
the number of junctions.
*IDENTIFYING THE BASE AND TYPE OF A TRANSISTOR: (2SA1015)

*CHECKING THE REVERSE BIAS (R B) OF 2SA1015 PNP TRANSISTOR

*IDENTIFYING THE EMITTER AND COLLECTOR OF 2SA1015 PNP TRANSISTOR

*IDENTIFYING THE BASE AND TYPE OF A TRANSISTOR: (2SC828)

*CHECKING THE REVERSE BIAS (R B) OF 2SC828 NPN TRANSISTOR

*IDENTIFYING THE EMITTER AND COLLECTOR OF 2SC828 NPN TRANSISTOR

*IDENTIFYING THE BASE AND TYPE OF A TRANSISTOR: (CS9015)

*CHECKING THE REVERSE BIAS (R B) OF CS9015 PNP TRANSISTOR

*IDENTIFYING THE EMITTER AND COLLECTOR OF CS9015 PNP TRANSISTOR

*IDENTIFYING THE BASE AND TYPE OF A TRANSISTOR:

*CHECKING THE REVERSE BIAS (R B) OF 300IF NPN TRANSISTOR

*IDENTIFYING THE EMITTER AND COLLECTOR OF 300IF NPN TRANSISTOR

*TRANSISTOR CAN BE CHECKED out of the circuit with an ohmmeter. Test the PN and NP
junctions with forward and reverse voltages by reversing the ohmmeter test leads. A very low
down to ZERO reading with both polarities indicate a shorted junction; a very high or INFINITE
resistance in both directions signifies an open junction. Whereas, a high ohmmeter reading in
either connection of test leads indicates a leaky transistor.

A. Meter Behavior of a Shorted Transistor

RANGE: R x 10 RANGE: R x 10
READING Zero READING Zero
BIAS Forward BIAS Reverse
CONDITION Shorted CONDITION Shorted

B. Meter Behavior of an Open Transistor

RANGE: R x 10 RANGE: R x 10
READING Infinite READING Infinite
BIAS Forward BIAS Reverse
CONDITION Open CONDITION Open
C. Meter Behavior of a Good Transistor

RANGE: R x 10 RANGE: R x 10
READING Low READING Low
BIAS Forward BIAS Forward
CONDITION Good CONDITION Good

D. Meter Behavior of a Leaky Transistor

RANGE: R x 10 RANGE: R x 10
READING Low READING Low
BIAS Forward BIAS Reverse
CONDITION Leaky (?) CONDITION Leaky
III. SUMMARY:

1. There are three basic circuit arrangements or configurations of transistor, namely the
common base, common emitter, and common collector.
2. In-and-out of circuit transistor testers are used to check the transistor for an open, short,
leakage, and beta.
3. Customarily, transistors can be checked by either a transistor checker or by an ohmmeter
function of a VOM.
4. A multimeter or multitester can be used to check the transistor for open and short circuits.
5. To check a good transistor, just connect the positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to
the base and the negative test lead to the emitter of an NPN transistor and the resistance
reading must be low but not zero. Reversing the test leads. the ohmmeter resistance reading
must be high or infinite (∞) The base-to-collector junction could be checked in the same
manner.
6. In checking the normal collector voltage, connect the voltmeter between the collector and
the voltage source. If there is no voltage drop across R₁, the collector current (1) is zero, and
the transistor is probably open-circuited.
7. Other way of checking the condition of a transistor (out-of-circuit), is by simply connecting
one test lead of the ohmmeter on the emitter and the other one on the collector. If the
base-emitter junction is short-circuited, the resistance reading should INCREASE Likewise,
when the base-to-collector is short-circuited, the ohmmeter resistance reading should
DECREASE.
8. In checking the forward voltage (in-circuit testing), measure the base-to-emitter voltage by
connecting the voltmeter test probes across these terminals.
9. There are three common troubles or defects in a transistor, namely: open, short, and leaky.
A defective transistor, in most cases, is short-circuited and/or open- circuited internally.
10. If the base-emitter junction is shorted, the ohmmeter resistance reading is zero.
11. Another in-circuit technique is to determine if a transistor is operating normally by shorting
the base and the emitter terminals which cut off the conduction of the transistor.
12. Substitution technique can be more practical and most effective in determining.
 JOB INSTRUCTON SHEET

NAME:_____________________________________COURSE:_______________DATE:______________

CLASS NO:_____ JOB NO.:_14_ DAYS:_____ INSTRUCTOR:_____________________________________

PNP TRANSISTOR FAMILIARIZATION

I. OBJECTIVES:

1. To study transistor types, characteristics, and parameters.

2. To identify the emitter, base, and collector by ohmmeter tests.
3. To determine the normal condition of a transistor.

II. MATERIALS NEEDED:

*Equipment: VOM or equivalent

*Transistors: Five PNP transistors (all in good condition)

III. PROCEDURE:

1. Check the forward resistance of the PN (base-to-emitter) section of a transistor. Connect the
negative test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the Base and the positive test lead to the
Emitter of a PNP transistor. Record the resistance reading in Table I.
2. Again, check the reverse resistance of the PN (base-to-emitter) section of the same
transistor. Just connect the positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the Base and the
negative test lead to the Emitter. Record the ohmmeter reading in Tabel I. Briefly state the
condition of the transistor.
3. Now, check the forward resistance of the NP (base-to-collector) section of the same
transistor as shown in Table II. Simply connect the negative test lead (R x 10) to the base and
the positive test lead to the collector. Record the resistance reading in Table II.
4. Likewise, check the reverse resistance of the NP (base-to-collector) section of the same
transistor. Just connect the positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the base and the
negative test lead to the collector. Record the ohmmeter reading in Table II, and state briefly
the condition of the transistor.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the following PNP transistors and record all the results in Table I and
II.
 *TABLE I:

CHECKING THE FB AND RB OF PN (BASE-TO-EMITTER) SECTION

RESISTANCE
PART
CONDITION
No.
FB RB

CS
1602
BC
327
CS
9012
BC
328
CS
9015
RANGE R x 10

BIAS Forward

*TABLE II:

CHECKING THE FB AND RB OF PN (BASE-TO-COLLECTOR) SECTION

RESISTANCE
PART
CONDITION
No.
FB RB
CS
1602
BC
327
CS
9012
BC
328
CS
9015

RANGE R x 10

BIAS Forward
IV. TEST REVIEW EXERCISES:

1. Actually, a transistor is two _______________ connected back-to-back.

2. The type of material used in the base of an NPN transistor is known a _______________.
3. The FET is unipolar transistor with high input resistance, whereas transistor is
_______________.
4. The alpha of a transistor is always _______________ (less/more) than unity.
5. A circuit that has infinite resistance is called _______________ circuit.
6. The beta of a transistor is always _______________ (less/more) than unity.
7. The transistor can provide voltage gain, current gain, and power gain. _______________
(true/false)

V. QUESTIONS:

1. What are the three terminals of a transistor?

a) _______________
b) _______________
c) _______________
2. Does the emitter to base junction have forward or reverse bias? Which? _______________
 JOB INSTRUCTON SHEET

NAME:_____________________________________COURSE:_______________DATE:______________

CLASS NO:_____ JOB NO.:_15_ DAYS:_____ INSTRUCTOR:_____________________________________

CHECKING DEFECTIVE PNP TRANSISTOR WITH VOM

I. OBJECTIVES:

1. To learn how to interpret the de resistance readings of a defective PNP transistor.

2. To study the three tests to be done to evaluate or determine if a PNP transistor is good or
defective.

II. MATERIALS, NEEDED:

*Equipment VOM or equivalent

*Transistors: 5 pcs PNP defective transistors (include shorted, open, and leaky)

III. PROCEDURE:

1. Check the forward bias (F B) of the PN (base-to-emitter) section of a defective transistor.

Connect the negative test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the base and the positive test
lead to the emitter of a defective PNP transistor Record the ohmmeter reading in Table I.
2. Again, check the reverse bias (R b) of the PN (base-to-emitter) section of the same transistor.
Just connect positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the base, and the negative test
lead to the emitter. Record the resistance reading in Table I. Briefly state the condition of
the transistor.
3. Now, check the forward bias (F B) of the NP (base-to-collector) section of the same transistor
as shown in Table II. Simply connect the negative test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the
base and the positive test lead to the collector, Record the meter reading in Table II.
4. Likewise, check the reverse bias (R B) of the NP (base-to-collector) section of the same
transistor Just connect the positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the base and the
negative test lead to the collector. Record the resistance reading in Table II, and state briefly
the condition of the transistor.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the following defective PNP transistors and record all the results in
Table I and II.
*TABLE I:

CHECKING THE FB AND RB OF PN (BASE-TO-EMITTER) SECTION

RESISTANCE
PART
CONDITION
No.
FB RB

RANGE R x 10

BIAS Forward

*TABLE II:

CHECKING THE FB AND RB OF PN (BASE-TO-COLLECTOR) SECTION

RESISTANCE
PART
CONDITION
No.
FB RB

RANGE R x 10

BIAS Forward
IV. TEST REVIEW EXERCISES:

1. To provide forward bias for an NPN transistor, negative voltage is needed at the
_______________.
2. The type of material used in the emitter of a PNP transistor is called _______________.
3. To provide forward bias for a PNP transistor, negative voltage is needed at the
_______________ with respect to the emitter.
4. The metal tab of an NPN medium-type power transistor is usually connected internally to
the _______________.
5. A technique whereby a suspected defective component is replaced by a "good" known
component is called _______________.
6. The three types of biasing the circuits used in transistor amplifiers are voltage- divider, self,
and _______________.
7. A component having no continuity would have _______________ resistance.
8. In a transistor, the emitter-to-base junction is always forward biased and the base- to-
collector junction is usually _______________ biased.
9. Current in semiconductors, the arrowhead indicates the direction of _______________
flow.
10. Probably, the most common type of biasing arrangement or configuration with transistor
amplifiers is called _______________ - _______________.

V. QUESTIONS:

1. Explain how to test a transistor. ________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Illustrate a battery connection to provide forward and reverse voltage for a PN junction of
a transistor.

3. What is meant by a thermal runaway in a transistor?

 JOB INSTRUCTON SHEET

NAME:_____________________________________COURSE:_______________DATE:______________

CLASS NO:_____ JOB NO.:_16_ DAYS:_____ INSTRUCTOR:_____________________________________

NPN TRANSISTOR FAMILIARIZATION

I. OBJECTIVES:

1. To study the NPN transistor characteristics and its parameters.

2. To identify the base, emitter, and collector by ohmmeter tests.
3. To determine the normal condition of a transistor.

II. MATERIALS NEEDED:

*Equipment VOM or equivalent

*Transistors Five NPN transistors (all in good condition)

III. PROCEDURE:

1. Check the forward bias (F B) of the NP (base-to-emitter) section of a transistor. Connect the
negative test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the emitter and the positive test lead to the
base of an NPN transistor. Record the ohmmeter reading in Table I.
2. Again, check the reverse bias (R B) of the NP (base-to-emitter) section of the same transistor.
Just connect the positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the emitter and the negative
test lead to the base. Record the resistance reading in Table I. State briefly the condition of
the transistor.
3. Now, check the forward bias (FB) of the PN (base-to-collector) section of the same transistor
as shown in Table II. Simply connect the negative test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the
collector and the positive test lead to the base. Record the ohmmeter reading in Table II.
4. Likewise, check the reverse bias (RB) of the PN (base-to-collector) section of the same
transistor Just connect positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the collector and the
negative test lead to the base. Record the resistance reading in Table II, and state briefly the
condition of the transistor.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the following NPN transistors and record all the results in Table I and
II.
*TABLE I:

CHECKING THE FB AND RB OF PN (BASE-TO-EMITTER) SECTION

RESISTANCE
PART
CONDITION
No.
FB RB

CS
1402
CS
1502
CS
1702
CS
9013
CS
9014
RANGE R x 10

BIAS Forward

*TABLE II:

CHECKING THE FB AND RB OF PN (BASE-TO-COLLECTOR) SECTION

RESISTANCE
PART
CONDITION
No.
FB RB

CS 1402

CS 1502

CS 1702

CS 9013

CS 9014

RANGE R x 10

BIAS Forward
IV. TEST REVIEW EXERCISES:

1. The two main uses of common collector circuits are isolation and _______________
conversion.
2. Because of its excellent combination of voltage and current gain, the common
_______________ amplifier circuit is used.
3. The other term meaning the same as common emitter is grounded-emitter, while
common-base is grounded-base, whereas common collector is_______________ follower.
4. A heat sink is a device used to dissipate heat away from the _______________ junction.
5. A cold solder connection can be repaired by _______________.

V. QUESTIONS:

1. Give two characteristics of semiconductors.

a) ______________________________
b) ______________________________
2. Show the schematic symbol for PNP and NPN transistors, indicating the emitter, base and
collector.

PNP TRANSISTOR SYMBOL

NPN TRANSISTOR SYMBOL

 JOB INSTRUCTON SHEET

NAME:_____________________________________COURSE:_______________DATE:______________

CLASS NO:_____ JOB NO.:_17_ DAYS:_____ INSTRUCTOR:_____________________________________

CHECKING DEFECTIVE NPN TRANSISTOR WITH VOM

I. OBJECTIVES:

1. To learn how to interpret the de resistance readings of a defective non transistor.

2. To study the four tests to determine if an NPN transistor is good or defective.

II. MATERIALS NEEDED:

*Equipment: VOM or equivalent

*Transistors: Five pieces NPN defective transistors (Include shorted, open and leaky)

III. PROCEDURE:

1. Check the forward bias (F B) of the NP (base-to-emitter) section of a transistor. Connect the
positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the base and the negative test lead to the
emitter of an NPN transistor. Record the resistance reading in Table I.
2. Again, check the reverse bias (R B) of the NP (base-to-emitter) section of the same transistor.
Just connect the negative test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the base and the positive
test lead to the emitter. Record the ohmmeter reading in Table I. State briefly the condition
of the transistor.
3. Now, check the forward bias (F B) of the PN (base-to-collector) section of the same transistor
as shown in Table II. Simply connect the positive test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the
base and the negative test lead to the collector. Record the resistance reading in Table II.
4. Likewise, check the reverse bias (R_{B}) of the PN (base-to-collector) section of the same
transistor. Just connect the negative test lead of the ohmmeter (R x 10) to the base and the
positive test lead to the collector. Record the ohmmeter reading in Table II, and state briefly
the condition of the transistor.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the following defective NPN transistors and record all the results in
Table I and II.
*TABLE I:

CHECKING THE FB AND RB OF PN (BASE-TO-EMITTER) SECTION

RESISTANCE
PART
CONDITION
No.
FB RB

RANGE R x 10

BIAS Forward

*TABLE II:

CHECKING THE FB AND RB OF PN (BASE-TO-COLLECTOR) SECTION

RESISTANCE
PART
CONDITION
No.
FB RB

RANGE R x 10

BIAS Forward
IV. TEST REVIEW EXERCISES:

1. The collector circuit in an amplifier is always reverse bias, whereas the base to emitter
circuit is _______________ bias.
2. Short the emitter and base terminals to cut off a transistor for the purpose of
troubleshooting _______________ (True/False)
3. The base to collector junction heats more than the emitter to base because of
_______________ (lower/higher) R with the same current I.
4. One could suspect a _______________ transistor if the collector voltage is very much
lower than normal.
5. The cooling fins on a transistor is called ______________________________.

V. QUESTIONS:

1. Name four applications of transistor in electronics.

a) _______________
b) _______________
c) _______________
d) _______________
2. Name three possible defects of a transistor.
a) _______________
b) _______________
c) _______________
3. Explain the various techniques used in troubleshooting a transistor.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________