Which symbol represents a bipolar transistor?

Which symbol represents a bipolar transistor?

• A. Diode symbol
• B. Bipolar Transistor symbol
• C. MOSFET symbol
• D. Resistor symbol

Answer: (B)

Recognizing three-terminal devices is the key. A bipolar transistor symbol shows three connections: base, collector, and emitter. The emitter carries an arrow that indicates the transistor type—arrow points out for NPN and points in for PNP. This arrow is the telltale feature that sets it apart from other symbols: a diode has only two terminals, a MOSFET has a gate in addition to source and drain with a channel line, and a resistor is just two terminals. So the symbol with three terminals and an emitter arrow is the bipolar transistor.

Recognizing three-terminal devices is the key. A bipolar transistor symbol shows three connections: base, collector, and emitter. The emitter carries an arrow that indicates the transistor type—arrow points out for NPN and points in for PNP. This arrow is the telltale feature that sets it apart from other symbols: a diode has only two terminals, a MOSFET has a gate in addition to source and drain with a channel line, and a resistor is just two terminals. So the symbol with three terminals and an emitter arrow is the bipolar transistor.