### Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
A **Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)** is a type of transistor that uses both electron and hole charge carriers for its operation. It consists of three regions: the **emitter**, **base**, and **collector**. BJTs are widely used for amplification, switching, and signal modulation in electronic circuits. They come in two types: **NPN** and **PNP**.
- **NPN Transistor**: In this configuration, the majority charge carriers are electrons. The current flows from the collector to the emitter when a small current is applied to the base.
- **PNP Transistor**: In this type, the majority charge carriers are holes. Current flows from the emitter to the collector when a small current is applied to the base.
### BJT Symbol
Each type of BJT has a specific symbol, which visually indicates the direction of current flow in the device.
#### 1. **NPN Transistor Symbol**
- The emitter arrow points **outwards**, showing the direction of electron flow from the emitter to the collector (for conventional current, it flows from the collector to the emitter).
- The base is in the middle of the emitter and collector.
```
C
|
-----
| |
B---| |---- E
| |
-----
Arrow points outward
```
#### 2. **PNP Transistor Symbol**
- The emitter arrow points **inwards**, indicating the direction of hole flow (for conventional current, it flows from the emitter to the collector).
- The base is in the middle of the emitter and collector.
```
C
|
-----
| |
B---| |---- E
| |
-----
Arrow points inward
```
### Basic Operation
- **NPN**: A small current entering the base allows a larger current to flow from the collector to the emitter.
- **PNP**: A small current leaving the base allows a larger current to flow from the emitter to the collector.
BJTs are versatile and are essential components in amplifiers, switches, and digital logic circuits.