Where Was Transistors Invented and Who Invented Them?

Introduction

The invention of the transistor was an unprecedented development in the electronics industry. It marked the beginning of the current age in the electronics sector. After the transistor’s invention, technological advances became more frequent, the most notable of computer technology. The three physicists who invented the transistor, William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain, were awarded the Nobel Prize. Considering the inventions that the transistor paved the way for, one could argue that it was the most important invention of the twentieth century.

From Germanium to Silicon

Transistors were originally manufactured using Germanium. This was the standard for the first decade of transistor production. The Silicon-based transistors used to see today were adopted because Germanium breaks down at 180 degrees F.

Functions of a Transistor

A transistor’s functions consist of amplification and switching. Let’s use radio as an example: the radio signals from the atmosphere are feeble. The radio amplifies these signals through the speaker’s output. This is the “amplification” function.

For an analog radio, simply amplifying the signal will cause the speakers to produce sound. However, the input signal’s waveform needs to be changed for digital devices. For a digital device like a computer or MP3 player, the transistor must switch the signal state to a 0 or 1. This is the “switching function.”

Even more complex components like Integrated circuits made from Liquid Silicon Infiltration are basically collections of transistors.

Resistors and Transistors on a Single Chip

Disc resistors and transistors were originally mounted on the same printed circuit boards. Later on, transistor chips with built-in resistors were developed as digital transistors. Using digital transistors in designs has several advantages: