Difference Between NPN and PNP Transistor

There are numerous differences between NPN and PNP transistors, even though both are bipolar junction transistors. There are applications which make use of transistors as a device-switch and amplifier. In a PNP transistor, the majority charge carriers are holes while in NPN, the majority charge carriers are electrons.

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Difference Between NPN and PNP Transistor

NPN and PNP Transistor

What is the Difference Between NPN and PNP Transistors?

PNP switches ON by a low signal whereas NPN switches ON by a high signal. In PNP transistors, the P represents the polarity of the emitter terminal and N represents the polarity of the base terminal.

In NPN, N represents the negatively charged coating of the material whereas P represents the positively charged layer.

 

Difference Between NPN and PNP Transistor

 

 

NPN
PNP
The current flows from collector terminal to emitter terminal. The current flows from emitter to collector terminal.
One P-type semiconductor is sandwiched between the two N-type semiconductors. It is made of up two P-type material layers with N-type sandwiched between them.
The current flow from the collector is generated by keeping a +ve voltage there. The current flow from the emitter to collector is generated at emitter terminal by keeping a +ve voltage there.
The transistor switches ON with the increase in current in the base terminal The transistors switch ON when there is no current flow at the base terminal
When the current is reduced in the base, the transistor doesn’t function across the collector terminal and switches OFF When a current is present at the base of a PNP transistor, then the transistor switches OFF.

These are some of the NPN and PNP transistor differences. If you wish to find out more, download BYJU’S – The Learning App.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What is bipolar junction transistor?

A bipolar junction transistor is a three-terminal semiconductor device that consists of two p-n junctions which are able to amplify or magnify a signal.
Q2

What are the types of bipolar junction transistor?

Types of bipolar junction transistors are:

  • PNP bipolar junction transistor
  • NPN bipolar junction transistor
Q3

What is a NPN transistor?

It is a type of transistor where one P-type semiconductor is sandwiched between the two N-type semiconductors.
Q4

What is a PNP transistor?

It is a type of transistor where one N-type semiconductor is sandwiched between the two N-type semiconductors.
Q5

In which type of transistor current flows from emitter to collector terminal?

It takes place in PNP transistor.
Test your knowledge on PNP and NPN transistor differences

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