Difference between Vacuum tubes and Transistors

The difference between vacuum tubes and transistors is, Vacuum tubes are electronic devices that amplify sound or other electrical signals. They were once widely used in radios and televisions. Transistors are solid-state devices that replace vacuum tubes. They are smaller and more efficient.

Vacuum tubes are bulky and inefficient compared to transistors. They also require high voltages and heat to function properly. On the other hand, transistors are smaller, lighter, and consume less power.

In this article, we will discuss the main differences between vacuum tubes and transistors, which will help you to differentiate between them.

What is Vacuum tube?

A vacuum tube is a device that uses a high-voltage electric current to create a strong electromagnetic field inside a glass envelope called a cathode ray tube (CRT). vacuum tubes are used in first-generation computers.

A vacuum tube consists of two electrodes (the cathode and the anode) inside a glass envelope. When current passes through the electrodes, they emit electrons that flow towards the negative electrode.

These electrons collide with atoms in the glass, causing them to release their electrons. The released electrons travel back to the positive electrode where they are collected and returned to the circuit. Vacuum tubes have been widely used in radio receivers, televisions, audio amplifiers, and oscilloscopes.

What is Transistor?

John Bardeen and Walter Brattain invented transistors at Bell Labs in 1947. A transistor is a semiconductor device that controls the current flow between two terminals. Transistors are used in second-generation computers.

A transistor consists of three parts, a base, collector, and emitter. When a voltage is applied across the base-collector terminal, electrons move from the base to the collector. In order to control the amount of current flowing from the base to the emitter, a resistor is placed in series with the base-emitter junction.

Vacuum tube vs Transistor

The difference between a vacuum tube and a transistor is given below:

Vacuum tube	Transistor
A vacuum tube is a device that uses a high-voltage electric current to create a strong electromagnetic field inside a glass envelope called a cathode ray tube (CRT).	A transistor is a semiconductor device that controls the current flow between two terminals.
The vacuum tube consumes high power.	Transistor consumes less power.
It is expensive.	It is less expensive as compared to the vacuum tube.
They are large in size.	They are smaller in size as compared to vacuum tubes.
Vacuum tubes are less efficient as compared to transistors.	Transistors are more efficient as compared to vacuum tubes.
Vacuum tubes generate more heat as compared to transistors.	They generate less heat as compared to vacuum tubes.