Electronic devices can control, convert, amplify, switch, sense and generate electrical signals or power. Semiconductor behaviour depends on charge carriers, junctions, electric fields, material properties and device geometry. The sections below cover diodes, transistors, JFETs, MOSFETs, rectifiers, amplifiers, multivibrators, LEDs, photovoltaic devices and printed circuit boards.
Select a device by its full operating envelope rather than one nominal rating. Check voltage, current, power dissipation, safe operating area, switching speed, leakage, gain, capacitance, temperature, thermal resistance, tolerances, package and protection. Circuit layout, heat sinking, bias conditions and transient stress can determine actual performance and reliability.
