The main difference between BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) and FET (Field-Effect Transistor) lies in their fundamental operating principles and construction. BJTs control current flow through the injection and diffusion of charge carriers (electrons and holes) between their emitter, base, and collector terminals. They are classified into NPN and PNP types based on the doping of their semiconductor materials. In contrast, FETs control current flow by modulating the conductivity between their source and drain terminals using an electric field generated by the voltage applied to the gate terminal. This voltage-controlled operation distinguishes FETs from BJTs, which are current-controlled devices.
The main difference between BJT and FET is their mode of operation: BJTs control current using current injection into the base terminal, whereas FETs control current using an electric field applied to the gate terminal.
BJTs are typically faster than FETs in switching applications because they can achieve higher current densities and faster switching speeds due to the direct injection and diffusion of charge carriers between terminals. This characteristic makes BJTs advantageous in applications requiring rapid switching and high-frequency operation, such as in analog circuits and certain digital circuits.
A transistor is a broad term that encompasses both BJTs and FETs. The main difference between a transistor and a BJT specifically lies in their structure and mode of operation. A transistor refers to any semiconductor device capable of amplifying or switching electrical signals. BJTs, as a type of transistor, operate through the control of current flow by varying the base current, which affects the collector-emitter current. This control mechanism distinguishes BJTs from other types of transistors, such as FETs, which operate through voltage-controlled modulation of current flow.
FET stands for Field-Effect Transistor. It refers to a type of transistor where current flow between source and drain terminals is controlled by an electric field generated by the voltage applied to the gate terminal. FETs include various types such as MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor FETs) and JFETs (Junction Field-Effect Transistors), each with specific characteristics and applications based on their structure and operating principles.