Question
What is a depletion-mode field-effect transistor (FET)?
Answer Options
- A) An FET that exhibits a current flow between source and drain when no gate voltage is applied
- B) An FET that has no current flow between source and drain when no gate voltage is applied
- C) An FET that exhibits very high electron mobility due to a lack of holes in the N-type material
- D) An FET for which holes are the majority carriers
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) are categorized into two major types: enhancement mode and depletion mode. This categorization describes the device’s default state when no voltage is applied to the control electrode (the gate).
A depletion-mode field-effect transistor (FET) is characterized by having a pre-existing conducting channel between the source and drain terminals. This means it exhibits a current flow between source and drain when no gate voltage is applied. A voltage must be applied to the gate to deplete or reduce this channel’s conductivity (hence the name ‘depletion mode’) to turn the device off.
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