Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, Sixth Edition, 6th Edition

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CHAPTER

Introduction to Semiconductors

SINCE THE 1960S WHEN THE TRANSISTOR BECAME COMMON IN CONSUMER DEVICES, SEMICONDUCTORS have acquired a dominating role in electronics. The term semiconductor arises from the ability of certain materials to conduct some of the time, but not all of the time. We can control the conductivity to obtain amplification, rectification, oscillation, signal mixing, switching, and other effects.

The Semiconductor Revolution

Decades ago, vacuum tubes, also known as electron tubes, were the only amplifying devices available for use in electronic systems. A typical tube (called a valve in England) ranged from the size of your thumb to the size of your fist. You’ll still find tubes in some power amplifiers, microwave ...