Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2022-2026 Question Pool | Topic: T6B
T6B12T6B

What are the names of the electrodes of a bipolar junction transistor?

Deep Dive: T6B12

The correct answer is B: Emitter, base, collector. A bipolar junction transistor (BJT) has three electrodes called the emitter, base, and collector. These three terminals correspond to the three regions of semiconductor material (NPN or PNP structure). The emitter emits charge carriers, the base controls current flow, and the collector collects the charge carriers. This is different from field-effect transistors (FETs), which have gate, drain, and source terminals. For amateur radio operators, understanding BJT terminal names is essential when reading schematics, troubleshooting amplifiers, and working with transistor circuits. The base-emitter junction controls current flow between emitter and collector, which is the fundamental operation of bipolar transistors.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (Signal, bias, power): Incorrect. These describe functions or connections, not the actual terminal names. BJT terminals are named emitter, base, and collector based on their physical structure and function. Option C (Input, output, supply): Incorrect. These describe circuit connections, not terminal names. While base is often the input and collector the output, the actual terminal names are emitter, base, and collector. Option D (Pole one, pole two, output): Incorrect. These are not standard transistor terminal names. BJTs have specific names: emitter, base, and collector.

Exam Tip

BJT = Emitter, Base, Collector. FET = Gate, Drain, Source. If the question asks about bipolar junction transistor electrodes, the answer is emitter, base, collector. Remember: EBC for BJT, GDS for FET.

Memory Aid

BJT = Emitter, Base, Collector. Think 'B'JT has 'E'mitter, 'B'ase, 'C'ollector. EBC for bipolar, GDS for FET.

Real-World Example

In your transceiver's audio amplifier, a bipolar transistor has its emitter connected to ground, base receiving the audio signal, and collector connected to the power supply through a load resistor. The small base current controls a much larger collector-emitter current, amplifying the audio signal. Understanding which terminal is which helps when testing transistors, reading schematics, and troubleshooting amplifier circuits.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool

Subelement: T6B

Reference: 2022-2026 Question Pool · T6 - Electrical components

Key Concepts

BJT terminals Emitter base collector Bipolar junction transistor Transistor electrodes

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T6B topic.