RFDiode vs. Transistor: Key Differences Explained
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This article clarifies the fundamental distinctions between diodes and transistors.
Diode
A diode is a two-terminal electronic device consisting of an anode and a cathode. The voltage characteristics of various diode types dictate their specific applications.
Common diode types include:
- GUNN
- Varactor
- Tunnel
- PIN
- Zener
- Schottky
- Impatt
- Trapatt
- Baritt
Diode Forward Voltage
This refers to the voltage across the diode’s electrodes when current is flowing. The current increases exponentially with the voltage. This results in a relatively constant voltage over a typical range of currents. Diodes typically exhibit a voltage of 0 to 7 volts at 10 mA, making them highly useful. A diode can serve as a voltage reference when configured to provide a reference voltage equal to the forward voltage across its terminals.
Transistor
A transistor is a solid-state counterpart to a triode vacuum tube.
Different types of transistors exist, including:
- BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor)
- FET (Field-Effect Transistor)
- MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor)
BJTs are current-controlled devices, providing amplification or gain to an input signal. The common terminals in a BJT are the Collector, Emitter, and Base. Furthermore, BJTs come in two configurations: PNP and NPN. Silicon and germanium are commonly used semiconductor materials in transistor construction.
FETs are voltage-controlled devices with Source, Gate, and Drain terminals.
