Field Effect Transistor - High Input Impedance

In summary, the high input impedance of FETs is due to the isolation layer between the gate and channel, while the JFET's high impedance is caused by the reverse-biased diode between the gate and channel. This results in a small leakage current, which is significantly lower than the base current in a BJT.
  • #1
AnonymousPT
5
0
I know FET offers a very high input impedance..but what's the reason behind it? Is it due to the reverse voltage applied at gate with respect to the source which makes the P-N junction reversed biased? If that the case, what happens when there is no voltage applied at gate?
 
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  • #2
The very high impedance is caused by the isolation layer between gate and channel. For the case of a MOSFET it is made of SiO2 (resistance 1016 Ω m). So, because of this, applying a voltage to the gate gives a small current - leakage current. If you compare to a normal bipolar transistor, this needs considerably more current to its collector - depending on the application, in order to operate and this implies some bigger current on its base too.
 
  • #3
What about JFET? There is no such insulating layer between the gate and the channel.. Then?
 
  • #4
JFETs have a narrow piece of high resistivity semiconductor material. Thus, a channel is formed ( N-type or P-type Si), through which there is flow of majority carriers. The channel is doped with donor impurities for N-Channel JFETs (negative current flow) or acceptor impurities for P-Channel (positive current flow).
 
  • #5
AnonymousPT said:
What about JFET? There is no such insulating layer between the gate and the channel.. Then?

There is a reverse-biased diode between the gate and the channel in a JFET. So the only current that flows into the gate is the diode reverse leakage current, which is very small. The gate current is not as low as a MOSFET, but it is much lower than the base current in a BJT.
 

Related to Field Effect Transistor - High Input Impedance

What is a field effect transistor (FET)?

A field effect transistor (FET) is a type of transistor that uses an electric field to control the flow of current. It has three terminals: source, drain, and gate, and is commonly used in electronic devices for amplification and switching.

What is the difference between a FET and a bipolar junction transistor (BJT)?

The main difference between a FET and a BJT is the way they are controlled. In a FET, the electric field controls the flow of current, while in a BJT, the current is controlled by the amount of current flowing into the base terminal. Additionally, FETs have a higher input impedance compared to BJTs, meaning they require less input current to control the output current.

What is the significance of a high input impedance in a FET?

A high input impedance in a FET means that it requires a very small amount of input current to control the output current. This makes FETs ideal for use in high-frequency applications as they do not load down the input signal.

What are the different types of FETs?

There are three main types of FETs: junction field-effect transistors (JFETs), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), and insulated-gate field-effect transistors (IGFETs). Each type has its own unique structure and characteristics, but they all operate on the principle of using an electric field to control the flow of current.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a FET?

The main advantages of FETs include high input impedance, low noise, and high gain. They also have a simpler structure compared to BJTs, making them easier to manufacture. However, FETs have a lower current handling capacity and are more susceptible to damage from static electricity. They also tend to be more expensive compared to BJTs.

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