Who Invented the Transistor?

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A transistor is an electronic device used as a switch or to amplify an electric current or voltage. It was discovered by three American scientists in 1948, namely, William Shockley, John Bardeen and Walter Brattain. The transistor replaced the valve in electronic machines. Being much smaller and more reliable, this made portable radio and television sets possible. Transistors are made of pieces of silicon and can be connected together to produce small, but complex circuits that can handle signals, such as those used in radio and television. In 1970s, single transistors began to be replaced by integrated circuits containing a large number of electronic components.

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