

Video lesson Part 22 on class 12 Semiconductor electronics – (Transistor current carrier path and active state) explains about the active state of the transistor. In this, you feel that the transistor mode should be in saturation mode right? How come is it in active state?
It is active state only. Let us consider all the 3 modes for better understanding.
There are 3 different modes according to the external bias voltage applied at each junction (Base - Emitter junction and Base - Collector junction). The modes are active region, saturation and cutoff..
Active region is one in which Base Emitter junction is forward biased and Base Collector junction will be reverse biased in a transistor.
Saturation region is one in which both Base Emitter and Base Collector junctions of the transistor are forward biased. In this region high currents flows through the transistor, as both junctions of the transistor are forward biased and bulk resistance offered is very much less.
In Cutoff region both junctions of the transistor are reverse biased. Hence transistor in cut off does not conduct any currents expect for small reverse saturation currents that flow across junctions. In cutoff condition emitter current is zero and the collector current consists of small reverse saturation currents.
In part 22 of the video, as we can see, the Base emitter junction is forward biased and Base Collector junction will be reverse biased. That is why, it is the active mode of the transistor.
