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2–7 A Diode as a Switch

 Introduction: Most digital systems are based on semiconductor technology in regard to

switching, which uses diodes and transistors. Manual switches and electromechanical relays
have limited application in today’s digital electronic circuits.

 A diode: is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction

 Bias: is the voltage necessary to cause a semiconductor device to conduct or

cut off current flow.

 A Forward biased diode: a diode whose anode voltage is

more positive than its cathode, thus allowing current flow in
the direction of the arrow.

 A reverse-biased diode: will not allow current flow because

its anode voltage is equal to or more negative than its
cathode.

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2–7 A Diode as a Switch

Example 2-9 : Page 44

Example 2-10 : Page 45

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2–8 A Transistor as a Switch

Review of BJT:

 A three-terminal semiconductor device that allows an input signal at

one of its terminals to cause the other two terminals to become a
short or an open circuit. (when used as a switch)

 Most commonly made of (N-type and P-type) Si

 N-type silicon is made by doping pure silicon with atoms having

structures with one more electron than silicon does. (Antimony Sb)

 P-type silicon is made by doping pure silicon with atoms having

structures with one less electron than silicon does. (Boron B)

 Three distinct regions make up a bipolar transistor: emitter, base, and

collector.

 Two combinations: N-P-N-type and or P-N-P-type

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2–8 A Transistor as a Switch

 The input signal (1 or 0) is usually applied to the base of the transistor, which causes the
collector–emitter junction to become a short / open circuit.

 The rules of transistor switching are as follows: ( for NPN transistor)

• positive VBE causes CE junction to , short (Transistor ON)

• negative or 0 voltage at VBE causes the CE junction to open( Transistor OFF)

Example 2-11 : Page 47

Example 2-12 : Page 48

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