PNP Transistor – How Does It Work? December 19, 2016 by Øyvind Nydal Dahl 14 Comments The PNP transistor is a mystery to many. But it doesn’t have to be. If you want to design circuits with transistors, it’s really worth knowing about this type of transistor. For example: Want to automatically turn on a light when it gets dark? The PNP transistor will make this easy for you. In my article how transistors work , I explained how a standard NPN transistor works. If you haven’t already, I’d really urge you to read that article first. If you understand the NPN transistor, it will make it easier to understand the PNP transistor. They work pretty much in the same way, with one major difference: The currents in the PNP transistor flow in the opposite directions of the currents in the NPN transistor. Note: This topic is much easier with an understanding of current flow and voltages . How PNP Transistors Work The PNP transistor has the same leg names as the NPN
