MOSFET

views updated Jun 08 2018

MOSFET (MOS transistor) Acronym for metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor. A type of field-effect transistor that has an insulating layer of oxide, usually silicon dioxide, separating the gate from the drain-source conduction channel in the semiconductor. In an NMOS the channel is formed between n-type source and drain by negative charge carriers (i.e. electrons). In a PMOS the channel is formed between p-type source and drain by positive charge carriers (i.e. holes).

MOSFETs require no gate input current, other than a pulse to charge or discharge their input capacitance. They can operate at higher switching speeds and lower currents than bipolar transistors.

MOSFET

views updated May 14 2018

MOSFET (ˈmɒsfɛt) Electronics metal-oxide-silicon (or-semiconductor) field-effect transistor