How Did Transistors Start And How Did They Become A Part Of Our World?

Transistors are taking over the world. Since their invention in 1947, transistors have gotten smaller and faster. Transistors are becoming more of a part of our daily lives. How did transistors start, and how did they become so prevalent? To answer this, the workings of transistors must first be explained. Transistors consist of 3 layers of a semiconductor. Before the late 1950s this semiconductor was Germanium. Later used was Silicon. Other materials are also used, but considerably less commonly. There are 2 versions of the semiconductor that are made. One type has electrons added, N type. Another type has electrons removed, P type (Jimbo). In the basic transistor, a layer of N type silicon is deposited. This is followed by a layer of P type, then another layer of N type (Jimbo). A wire is connected to each of the 3 regions. The wires are labeled in order: Collector, Base, and Emitter. The transistor acts as a light switch. Power flows in from the collector and out the emitter. The base turns the flow on and off. This simple switch is the product of many years of refinement and has changed our world.

They were invented at bell labs by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain and William Shockley (Silicon). Shockley left Bell Labs to start his own semiconductor company called Shockley Labs. Shockley hired a number of smart kids straight out of college. The team worked well together and made breakthroughs. The next project on the table was from the military. Shockley Labs was looking to use the more reliable silicon technology that was not viable yet. The team researched the technology, but were driven crazy by Shockley. Most of the group decided to start their own company in 1958 (Silicon). They needed funding, however. The only company willing to fund them was Fairchild, who primarily made cameras at the time. Fairchild Semiconductor was a big success and defined the industry in years to