YEDITEPE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

EXPERIMENT VIII: Implementation of Logic Gates with BJT (Bipolar

Junction Transistors)
2004 – 2005 Fall

Objective:

The purpose of this experiment is to gain experience with logic gates formed
by transistors.

Equipment List:
• 2N2222 Transistor (x2)
• 10K Resistor (x2)
• 4.7K Resistor (x1)
• DC Power Supply

General Information:

1. General Structure of Transistors

1. 1. Introduction

The invention of the bipolar transistor in 1948 ushered in a revolution in electronics.

Technical feats previously requiring relatively large, mechanically fragile, power-
hungry vacuum tubes were suddenly achievable with tiny, mechanically rugged,
power-thrifty specks of crystalline silicon. This revolution made possible the design
and manufacture of lightweight, inexpensive electronic devices that we now take for
granted. Understanding how transistors function is of paramount importance to
anyone interested in understanding modern electronics.

A bipolar transistor consists of a three-layer "sandwich" of doped (extrinsic)

semiconductor materials, either P-N-P or N-P-N. Each layer forming the transistor has
a specific name, and each layer is provided with a wire contact for connection to a
circuit. Shown here are schematic symbols and physical diagrams of these two
transistor types:

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The only functional difference between a PNP transistor and an NPN transistor is the
proper biasing (polarity) of the junctions when operating. For any given state of
operation, the current directions and voltage polarities for each type of transistor are
exactly opposite each other.

Bipolar transistors work as current-controlled current regulators. In other words, they

restrict the amount of current that can go through them according to a smaller,
controlling current. The main current that is controlled goes from collector to emitter,
or from emitter to collector, depending on the type of transistor it is (PNP or NPN,
respectively). The small current that controls the main current goes from base to
emitter, or from emitter to base, once again depending on the type of transistor it is
(PNP or NPN, respectively). According to the confusing standards of semiconductor
symbology, the arrow always points against the direction of electron flow:

Bipolar transistors are called bipolar because the main flow of electrons through them
takes place in two types of semiconductor material: P and N, as the main current goes
from emitter to collector (or visa-versa). In other words, two types of charge carriers
-- electrons and holes -- comprise this main current through the transistor.

As you can see, the controlling current and the controlled current always mesh
together through the emitter wire, and their electrons always flow against the
direction of the transistor's arrow. This is the first and foremost rule in the use of
transistors: all currents must be going in the proper directions for the device to work
as a current regulator. The small, controlling current is usually referred to simply as
the base current because it is the only current that goes through the base wire of the
transistor. Conversely, the large, controlled current is referred to as the collector
current because it is the only current that goes through the collector wire. The emitter
current is the sum of the base and collector currents, in compliance with Kirchhoff's
Current Law.

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If there is no current through the base of the transistor, it shuts off like an open switch
and prevents current through the collector. If there is a base current, then the transistor
turns on like a closed switch and allows a proportional amount of current through the
collector. Collector current is primarily limited by the base current, regardless of the
amount of voltage available to push it. The next section will explore in more detail the
use of bipolar transistors as switching elements.

1. 2. TTL (Transistor – Transistor Logic) Family

The transistor-transistor-logic (TTL) family was developed in the use of transistor

switches for logical operations and defines the binary values as

0 V to 0.8 V = logic 0
2 V to 5 V = logic 1

TTL is the largest family of digital ICs, but the CMOS family is growing rapidly.
They are inexpensive, but draw a lot of power and must be supplied with +5 volts.
Individual gates may draw 3 to 4 mA.

The low power Schottky versions of TTL chips draw only 20% of the power, but are
more expensive. Part numbers for these chips have LS in the middle of them.

2. Logic Gate Implementation with BJTs

2. 1. Transistor AND Gate

In Figure 2. 2. 1. , AND gate consisting of transistors and resistors is given.

Figure 2. 1. 1. Transistor AND Gate

2. 2. Transistor OR Gate

In figure 2. 2. 1., OR gate consisting of transistors and resistors is given.

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 Figure 2. 2. 1. Transistor OR Gate

2. 3. Transistor NAND Gate

Transistor NAND gate is given in Figure 2. 3. 1.

Figure 2. 3. 1. Transistor NAND Gate

2. 4. Transistor NOR Gate

Figure 2. 4. 1. , shows NOR gate.

Figure 2. 4. 1. Transistor NOR Gate

Pre - Lab
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 1. Verify OR operation of 2 – input transistor OR circuit by using all possible
input combinations
2. Verify AND operation of 2 – input transistor AND circuit by using all possible
input combinations
3. Verify NAND operation of 2 – input transistor NAND circuit by using all
possible input combinations
4. Verify NOR operation of 2 – input transistor NOR circuit by using all possible
input combinations

Procedure :

1. Wire 2 – input transistor OR circuit and obtain the truth table

2. Wire 2 – input transistor AND circuit and obtain the truth table
3. Wire 2 – input transistor NOR circuit and obtain the truth table
4. Wire 2 – input transistor NAND circuit and obtain the truth table

References :

1. http://www.play-hookey.com/analog
2. http://www.allaboutcircuits.com
3. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu

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