Question T6B08
From subelement T6 - T6B
What does the abbreviation FET stand for?
Why is this correct?
FET stands for Field Effect Transistor. Unlike bipolar junction transistors that use current to control current flow, FETs use voltage applied to the gate electrode to create an electric field that controls current flow between the drain and source. This voltage-controlled operation is why they're called 'field effect' transistors. The wrong answers are completely fabricated - there are no such devices as Frequency Emission Transmitters, Fast Electron Transistors, or Free Electron Transmitters in electronics.
Memory tip
When you see 'FET' in amateur radio contexts, think 'Field controls Flow' - the electric field created by gate voltage controls current flow. This voltage-control characteristic makes FETs excellent for switching applications and input stages where you need high impedance.
Learn more
Field Effect Transistors are fundamental to modern amateur radio transceivers, particularly in RF amplifier stages and antenna tuning circuits. FETs offer advantages like high input impedance and low noise characteristics, making them ideal for receiver front-end circuits where weak signals must be amplified without degradation. Understanding FET operation helps explain why modern radios can achieve such excellent sensitivity and dynamic range compared to older vacuum tube designs.
Think about it
Why do you think FETs are preferred over bipolar junction transistors in many RF circuit applications, especially in receiver input stages?