GearCast - Glossary Definition for FET

Definition for FET

FET (Field-Effect TransistorDefinition:
A semiconductor device for amplifying or switching electrical signals.): A semiconductorDefinition:
1. A material, such as germanium or silicon, whose conductivity is less than a conductor such as metal, but more than an insulator. 2. The name of a type of device based on semiconductive material. "Doping" this material by injecting impurities creates semiconductor junctions, which manage and control current flow within a semiconductor device. This is the basis of electronic components such as diodes, transistors, microprocessors, SCRs, and the like. device with a very high input impedanceDefinition:
The load an input circuit places on the source; loading can reduce levels or alter frequency response. In modern audio gear, the input impedance is about 10 times higher than the source impedance, called bridging. In traditional, radio frequency, video and long-distance telephone circuits the source and destination impedance are matched (600 ohms in audio, 50 or 75 ohms for RF and video)., and distortionDefinition:
A change in an electronic or acoustic signal's waveform. This can undesirable if it impacts signal quality, or desirable when used for creative signal processing. characteristics similar to a vacuum tubeDefinition:
(slang) A vacuum tube or (valve), an electronic amplifying or rectifying element with a heating filament, in a glass or metal envelope. (it tends to accentuate even rather than odd harmonics). FETs are used in condenser microphones and other applications. Unlike standard transistors, which pass signals depending on the current applied to a control terminal (the transistor's base), an FET passes signals depending on a voltageDefinition:
Also called electro-motive Force (EMF). The "charge potential" or pressure of electrons that causes current to flow in a circuit. applied to its control terminal (called the gateDefinition:
1. (noun) An infinite ratio expander that mutes sound below a set threshold. 2. (noun) An on/off signal typically generated by a keyboard controller. Pressing down a key turns on the gate signal; releasing the key turns it off. 3. (verb) To cut a signal rapidly in and out of a signal path.).