*04 Electronics (160-187).

qxd 2/2/07 12:15 pm Page 162

Circuit symbols 3
Key words Semiconductor components
diode transistor
light-emitting zener diode
diode (LED) Light emitting diode
p-n-p junction transistor
(l.e.d)
thermistor
thyristor

Semiconductor
components n-p-n junction transistor Diode/rectifier
● Diodes and transistors are formed of
semiconductor materials such as
silicon and germanium crystals. The
material is treated in one of two ways.
Either an impurity such as arsenic is field effect transistor
added, to give the material an excess (f.e.t) junction gate, n Zener diode
of electrons, forming an n-type channel
semiconductor, or an impurity such as
boron is added to give the material
fewer electrons (p-type
semiconductor).
● A diode consists of an n-type layer
Light sensistive diode Thyristor
fixed to a p-type layer.
● The connector from the p-type layer
forms the anode and that from the n-
type layer forms the cathode. When Variability of components
connected in a circuit in this way The addition of variability to resistive, capacitative or inductive symbols is
indicated as follows
(forward bias), charge carriers in the
diode move to the junction between
Symbol Description of symbol when placed
the layers and current flows. If the across the component symbol
diode is connected the opposite way,
(reverse bias) either no current flows
or, if a large voltage is applied, the
diode breaks down. indicates a variability of value which
may, or may not, be continuous
● A bipolar transistor consists of three
layers – either a layer of p-type
material sandwiched between two n-
type layers (n-p-n junction transistor)
or a layer of n-type sandwiched
between two p-type layers (p-n-p indicates that the component may be
pre-set to a particular value
junction transistor). Each layer has a
connector, they are called the base,
the collector and the emitter.

Variability of components
indicates that it has an inherent
● The function of many electronic non-linear variability
circuits depends on small changes
caused by sensors which operate
within certain known ranges, such as
© Diagram Visual Information Ltd.

thermistors, whose resistance falls The following examples illustrate the use of these symbols
with increased temperature. In order
for circuits to function correctly in Resistor
response to signals from sensors, with
Variable Pre-set inherent
some components, such as resistors resistor capacitor variability
can be adjusted to particular values. (eg
thermistor