MOSFET

Short for metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, MOSFET is a type of transistor commonly used in electronic devices. Its main purpose is to amplify or switch the signals that run through them. The MOSFET is by far the most common transistor, with as many as billions being integrated in a memory chip or microprocessor. MOSFETs are used in electronic devices, including desktop computers, laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets; anywhere integrated circuits are found.

MOSFET types

MOSFETs come in two types: N-Channel (utilizes negative-type charges) and P-Channel (utilizes positive-type charges). With an N-Channel MOSFET, the semiconductor material is predominantly composed of negative charge carriers. That is, most carriers in the channel between the source and drain terminals are electrons. Conversely, in a P-Channel MOSFET, the semiconductor material is mainly composed of positive charge carriers. Technically, they are holes representing vacant positions where an electron could potentially exist.

How does it work?

The MOSFET consists of a metal gate that is insulated from the semiconductor (which is usually made of silicon) material by a thin oxide layer. The basic operation involves applying a voltage to the metal gate, creating an electric field that controls the flow of current between the source and drain terminals. Depending on the voltage applied to the gate, the MOSFET is in an on-state (allowing current flow) or an off-state (stopping current).

Circuit, Computer acronyms, Device, Digital, Drain, Electronics terms, Gate, Memory chip, Metal-oxide semiconductor, Microprocessor, Source