Explain Working of the Transistors as a Switch

The working of the Transistors as a switch is explained here. When a transistor is used as an electronic switch, the transistor is operated in the cutoff and saturation region to open and close a circuit respectively. The working of transistors as a switch has an important role in digital electronics.

Working of the Transistors as Open Switch

In the cutoff region, both of the junctions Base-Emitter (BE) and Base-Collector (BC) are reversed-biased. As both of the junctions are reversed biased no current flows through the collector except leakage current. This mode of operation works as a turn-off switch. During the cutoff region, the supply voltage will drop across the emitter and collector terminals using the following formula:

$V_{CE(cutoff)}=V_{CC}$

Working of the transistors as a switch, the open and close circuit

Working of the Transistors as a Close Switch

In the saturation region, both the Base-Emitter BE and Base-Collector junctions are forward-biased. In this mode of operation, the transistor works as a short circuit between the collector and the emitter. The transistor can provide the $I_{C (Sat)}$ current when used in saturation mode.

$I_{C(sat)}=\frac{V_{CC}-V_{CE(sat)}}{R_{C}}$

Where the V$_{CE (sat)}$ can be neglected as it is too small compared to V$_{CC}$ and the above formula will become:

$I_{C(sat)}=\frac{V_{CC}}{R_{C}}$

To maintain the transistor in the saturation region a minimum base current I_B is required and can be calculated using the formula:

$I_{B(min)}=\frac{I_{C(sat)}}{\beta _{DC}}$

Conclusion

The working of the transistors as a switch can be explained by the two states’ region. of operation

Transistor as an open switch in the Cutoff region
Transistor as a close switch in the saturation region

Short Answer Question:

How do transistors work as switches?

Transistors work as switches by controlling the flow of electrical current. In the on state, they allow current; in the off state, they block it.

What is a transistor as a switch circuit?

A transistor switch circuit includes a voltage source and a transistor. When a base pulse is applied, the transistor closes, allowing current, and opens when the pulse is disconnected.