Scientific interest in semiconductors led to the development of the transistor. One advantage of the transistor is that it is small and light, permitting miniaturization of electronic equipment. The transistor operates with low voltages and uses little power. It does not require any warm up period and operates as soon as power is applied. A transistor has fewer circuit connections. A disadvantage of transistors is their sensitivity to heat, but an advantage is that they do not generate much heat.
There are many types of transistors. They may be classified according to the basic material from which they are formed. In this category we find germanium and silicon transistors. Most transistors are now made of silicon. Transistors may be classified also according to the process by which they are constructed. Here we find various types of junction transistors and point-contact transistors.
Transistors may also be classified according to the number of elements. Thus there is the triode, or three-element transistor, and the tetrode, or four-element transistor. They may also be classified according to their ability to dissipate power. Here we find a wide range from the low-power (less than 50 mW) to the high-power (2W and higher) type.
Transistors come in different shapes and sizes. There are variations also in the manner of mounting the transistor in the circuit.