Transistors - The Building Blocks
By Michell Cronberg - for use in training and presentations

Transistors are the fundamental building blocks of all digital circuits. They act as tiny electronic switches that can be turned on or off.

Click the gate (G) to toggle the transistor and see how current flows.

How Transistors Work

NMOS (N-type)
  • Conducts when Gate = 1 (HIGH)
  • Blocks when Gate = 0 (LOW)
  • Used to connect output to Ground (0)
PMOS (P-type)
  • Conducts when Gate = 0 (LOW)
  • Blocks when Gate = 1 (HIGH)
  • Used to connect output to Vcc (1)
  • Has a bubble (○) at the gate

Terminology

(c) Michell Cronberg 2026 - MIT license