Make:

That page probably makes a lot of sense for the people who already know how transistors work, but for people like me, I'm just as clueless as before.

Does anyone know of a _better_ resource to explain transistors to me? Probably part of some kind of _electronics 101_

Please take a look at our "UVA Virtual Lab" webpage explaining how semiconductors and MOSFET transistors work. I think it may have what you need:

www.virlab.virginia.edu/VL/MOS_kit.htm

This type of transistor is used in integrated circutis and is far more common than the bipolar or "BJT" transistors shown in the page you referred to. It is also easier to explain

Prof. John Bean
Uniiversity of Virginia

Also, check out Volume 3, Chapter 4 of this online electronics textbook:
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_4/1.html

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now