transistor Last modified: Wednesday, September 29, 2004
A device composed of semiconductor material that amplifies a signal or opens or closes a circuit. Invented in 1947 at Bell Labs, transistors have become the key ingredient of all digital circuits, including computers. Today's microprocessors contains tens of millions of microscopic transistors. Prior to the invention of transistors, digital circuits were composed of vacuum tubes, which had many disadvantages. They were much larger, required more energy, dissipated more heat, and were more prone to failures. It's safe to say that without the invention of transistors, computing as we know it today would not be possible.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• Sponsored listings Search for Transistors - Broad-line distributor web site features real-time stock status and pricing, online ordering, RFQ, technical support, product datasheets and photos. GlobalSpec.com: Transistors - Provides database of suppliers for transistors. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information. Electronic Components from 1-Source Electronic Components - Search our huge inventory of electronic components and parts. Online search and quote. Business-to-business only. For internet.com pages about transistor . Also check out the following links! Microprocessor Comparison Chart  A cut-to-the-chase guide that compares and contrasts popular processing chips. Mister Transistor Hosted by a collector of transistors, this site offers historical information, collector information, an image gallery, and links to electronics and transistor related sites. Yahoo!'s transistor manufacturers page Yahoo!'s directory of transistor manufacturers. Sponsored listings GlobalSpec.com: RF Transistors - Provides database of suppliers for RF Transistors. Browse catalogs and view technical information. Find Transistor Manufacturers at TDC Online Sourcing - Find the best transistor manufacturers from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan at the award-winning TDC online Marketplace. Toshiba Transistor - Broad-line distributor web site features real-time stock status and pricing, online ordering, RFQ, technical support, product datasheets and photos. Analog Design : eLearning - Free Registration. By Industry Leaders for Electronics Professionals.	Integrated Circuits (ICs) Microprocessors capacitor chip diode fab fabless inductor integrated circuit Moore's Law MOSFET nanotube NMOS rectifier resistor semiconductor silicon SOI wafer Give Us Your Feedback Shopping transistor Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Luggage 0 Store Offers Shoes 14 Store Offers Tools and Accessories 1 Store Offers Building Supplies 49 Store Offers Sport and Outdoor 2 Store Offers