A BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) can be either NPN or PNP. According to the reference, BJTs are of two types namely NPN and PNP based on the doping types of the three main terminals.
Understanding NPN and PNP Transistors
To elaborate, let's break down the differences:
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NPN Transistors: Consist of two semiconductor junctions that have a thin p-doped anode region.
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PNP Transistors: Consist of two semiconductor junctions that have a thin n-doped cathode region.
In essence, the structure of the transistor determines whether it's an NPN or PNP type. This difference in structure dictates how the transistor operates and the polarity of the voltages required for proper function.