Transistor
The transistor is a great progress after the relay, a semiconductor device used to control the current, the role of the transistor is like a micro-Current Control Switch
From the collector to the emission pole, a large current can be used to generate a small current from the base pole to control the large current of the collector to the emission pole. Its function is similar to that of the relay.
The most commonly used transistor in computers, similar to relays, is controlled by current, but the transistor is faster, smaller, quieter, more energy-efficient, and cheaper.
Figure (1)
For more details about the transistor, refer to Xu hongchuan's <computer physical implementation> series in the garden.
Portal
[Physical implementation of computers] what is semiconductor?
[Physical implementation of computers] root of electronic technology-pn