#366: Back to Basics: Basics of the Bipolar Transistor - NPN and PNP

This is a back-to-basics tutorial video on the bipolar junction transistor, or BJT. While there are just two basic types (NPN and PNP), the video mainly discusses NPN types. It reviews the schematic symbol, typical pinouts, & basic operating principles of linear and switch operation. We dip our toe into the physics a little bit, and then do some experiments on the bench to demonstrate the linear and switch / saturation mode of operation. Links to the notes and other videos appear below the chapter listing: 00:00 Introduction 00:09 Types of Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) - NPN and PNP 00:39 Schematic symbols and transistor terminal names Common package pinouts 02:05 The common diode or junction diagram 02:43 Basic principles of operation of the bipolar transistor 03:50 Linear and Switch regions of operation 04:54 Transistor characteristic curves 06:37 Linear operation details 09:41 Brief look at the physics of operation 12:51 Summary of the physics 13:14 Linear test circuit schematic 14:15 Demonstration of linear operation 17:30 Switch / Saturation region of operation 19:04 Saturation test circuit schematic 19:28 Demonstration of switch / saturation operation 21:15 More bipolar transistor videos 23:07 Closing Video Notes: