In a PNP transistor, if the base is more positive than the emitter, what is the state of the transistor?

In a PNP transistor, if the base is more positive than the emitter, what is the state of the transistor?

• A. On
• B. Saturated
• C. In breakdown
• D. Off

Answer: (D)

For a PNP transistor to conduct, the emitter-base junction must be forward biased, which means the emitter must be more positive than the base by about 0.7 V (for silicon devices). If the base is more positive than the emitter, that junction is reverse biased, so little to no current can flow from the emitter to the base. Without base current, there’s no path to amplify or allow current from emitter to collector, so the transistor remains off. In this situation the device is non-conducting.

For a PNP transistor to conduct, the emitter-base junction must be forward biased, which means the emitter must be more positive than the base by about 0.7 V (for silicon devices). If the base is more positive than the emitter, that junction is reverse biased, so little to no current can flow from the emitter to the base. Without base current, there’s no path to amplify or allow current from emitter to collector, so the transistor remains off. In this situation the device is non-conducting.