What are the different solid state devices?

[pairofstrings]

I know that the first solid solid state device is: A semiconductor diode what about transistors? Is it not a solid state device? Explain me the difference between solid state device and semiconductor device.

 

[berkeman]

I know that the first solid solid state device is: A semiconductor diode what about transistors? Is it not a solid state device? Explain me the difference between solid state device and semiconductor device.

You contrast solid state devices versus vacuum tube devices. Vacuum tube diodes and amplifiers came first, so when silicon diodes and transistors were invented, they were referred to as "solid state" since they did not use electrons moving in a vacuum to work.

 

[pairofstrings]

I read in wikipedia that in general there are three solid state devices : transistors, microprocessor chips and DRAM. My question is why diode is not considered as solid state device and also i want to know why microprocessor chip is categorized as separate solid state device when infact, they are made of transistors. The same is done with Drams. Your views?

 

[berkeman]

Don't know about the wikipedia article. Sounds like it needs editing.

Solid state generally refers to semiconductor devices.

 

[DeeNos]

There are several different types of solid state devices, including semiconductor diodes and transistors. A solid state device refers to any electronic device that does not rely on moving parts or fluid mediums to function. This includes devices made from solid materials such as silicon, germanium, and other semiconductors.

A semiconductor diode is a type of solid state device that allows current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. This is achieved by creating a junction between two different types of semiconductors, typically doped with impurities to create a desired electrical behavior.

Transistors are also solid state devices, but they are more complex than diodes. A transistor is essentially a three-layer sandwich of two semiconductor materials with a layer of insulating material in between. It can act as a switch or amplifier by controlling the flow of current between its layers.

The main difference between a solid state device and a semiconductor device is that a solid state device is a broad term that encompasses all electronic devices made from solid materials, while a semiconductor device specifically refers to devices made from semiconductors. So, while all semiconductor devices are solid state devices, not all solid state devices are necessarily semiconductor devices.