Class/Workshop: Transistors and Vacuum Tubes

Class description
The transistor as an invention was deliberately sought; the Bell System needed a substitute for the fragile electron tubes – a substitute that took very little power. We give some of the history, from the early days of research into vacuum tubes through crystal diodes up to those epoch days at Bell Telephone Laboratories, Murray Hill New Jersey in the Christmas season of 1947, when the first crude transistor was fabricated. The students learn how the transistor functions in simple circuits, and then go on to build a simple transistor based take-home project. Some time is devoted to vacuum tube history and technology, just enough to remove the mystery from these now-arcane devices.

Age range: 10 and up

Maximum class size: 16 students

Class notes

Class session 1 (March 13)

Class session 2 (March 20)

Class session 3 (March 27)

Class session 4 (April 3)

Reference material

A Short Technical Early History of Vacuum Tubes (Electron Valves)
Dor Hesselgrave

Related web sites

Miracle Month The Invention of the First Transistor, November 17-December 23, 1947

Transistorized! This brief introduction outlines personalities and organizations involved in the history of the transistor.

Recommended reading

Electronic Genie: The Tangled History of Silicon;
F. Seitz and N.G. Einspruch, University of Illinois Press, 1998, 281 pp. Santa Clara Library System No. 621.381 Seitz

This is an excellent reference book with information clearly, simply and grippingly expressed. It is truly an international document, with references ranging from the USA to Europe, India, Russia, Japan. Well illustrated, with a most enjoyable historical perspective a la James Burke of the PBS series "Connections."

Electronics in the West: The First Fifty Years;
Jane Morgan, National Press Books, Palo Alto CA; 1967, 194 pp. Santa Clara Library System No.J621.38109.

A book telling of the scientists and inventors of the US West. Not by chance, the tales center in the San Francisco Bay area, which was bubbling cauldron of inventiveness and ingenuity. Written for the young reader.

Getting to Know Semiconductors;
M.E Levinshtein and G. S. Simin; World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore, New Jersey,London, Hong Kong; 1992,174 pp. Santa Clara Library System No.621.3815 Levinsh.

The two authors are renowned Russian scientists specialized in semiconductors. Although written in a folksy manner, this book does not hesitate to revert regularly to mathematical derivations and explanations at a university level.

Crystal Fire: The Birth of the Information Age.
Michael Riordan and Lillian Hoddeson, W.W. Norton and Co., New York, 1997, 352 pp. Santa Clara Library System No. 621.381 Riordan.

The authors tell of the transistor's invention. Their narrative reaches back to pre WWII days describing the international rivalry and then cooperation among allies to win the war. A history that shows the human side of scientists -- their fears, distrusts, the power of their leaders. Highly readable while being totally informative.

Simple, Low Cost Electronics Projects
Blechman, (Los Altos library 621.381Blechman)

Many easy to construct circuits that require few tools and test equipment. It includes such things as a deluxe time base; an Inductance measuring meter; a variable audio frequency oscillator; and electronic siren.