What are the functions of the transistor?

A transistor has three leads, called the base, the collector, and the emitter. The voltage of the base (in relation to the ground) determines whether and how much current flows from the collector to the emitter. An NPN transistor can be off, meaning that there is no (or very little) voltage from the base; partly on, meaning that there is some voltage from the base; or saturated, meaning that it is receiving full voltage from the base. A saturated transistor allows the current to flow from the collector to the emitter unopposed; a partly on transistor provides some resistance; and a transistor that is off provides full resistance. A PNP transistor is similar to an NPN transistor except it performs the opposite function: when it is saturated, the current is fully resisted; when there is no voltage from the base, the current is not at all resisted; and when it is partly on there is some resistance.

In sum, a transistor controls the flow between the collector and the emitter based upon the voltage of the base.

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