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The '''transistor''' is a device used to switch electrical signals on and off, or to amplify them (make them larger).  It was invented at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, [[New Jersey]], by scientists William Shockley, Walter Brattain, and John Bardeen from the University of Minnesota.  All modern technology is based on transistors they have been called, "the wheat to technologies bread".

The '''transistor''' is a device used to switch electrical signals on and off, or to amplify them (make them larger).  It was invented at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, [[New Jersey]], by scientists William Shockley, Walter Brattain, and John Bardeen from the University of Minnesota.   

==Function==

==Function==

Modern transistors are so small that designers make heavy use of [[quantum theory]].  However, this isn't important for everyday use of the devices and a simple explanation of transistors is given below.  There are two basic types of transistor: field-effect transistors (FETs) and bipolar junction transistors (BJTs).   

Modern transistors are so small that designers make heavy use of [[quantum mechanics|quantum theory]].  However, this isn't important for everyday use of the devices and a simple explanation of transistors is given below.  There are two basic types of transistor: field-effect transistors (FETs) and bipolar junction transistors (BJTs).   

=== Field-effect transistors ===

=== Field-effect transistors ===

Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley made very little money from their invention.  Others, like Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce in founding Intel, made a fortune.  This was true even though Shockley himself saw the potential and started the company upon which Silicon Valley was based.

Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley made very little money from their invention.  Others, like Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce in founding Intel, made a fortune.  This was true even though Shockley himself saw the potential and started the company upon which Silicon Valley was based.

Japanese engineers like Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita, who founded Sony Link title, were successful in improving the manufacturing of transistors.

Japanese engineers like Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita, who founded Sony Electronics, were successful in improving the manufacturing of transistors.

==Significance==

==Significance==

[[Category:Technology]]

[[Category:Technology]]