Difference between revisions of "Metal Oxide Semiconductor"
From Computer History Wiki
(An OK start) |
m (Not NPN but N-channel) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | '''Metal Oxide Semiconductor''' (usually given as the acronym, '''MOS''') is a [[transistor]] family using [[field-effect transistor]]s. A subset of MOS, '''Complementary MOS''' (usually '''CMOS'''), built out of paired | + | '''Metal Oxide Semiconductor''' (usually given as the acronym, '''MOS''') is a [[transistor]] family using [[field-effect transistor]]s. A subset of MOS, '''Complementary MOS''' (usually '''CMOS'''), built out of paired N-channel and P-channel MOS transistors, is now the most common form. |
They are now not usually fabricated as discrete devices, but rather form the active elements in [[integrated circuit]]s. First used in [[dynamic RAM]] [[main memory]], they are now ubiquitously used in computers, due to their low power consumption, which reduces cooling issues. | They are now not usually fabricated as discrete devices, but rather form the active elements in [[integrated circuit]]s. First used in [[dynamic RAM]] [[main memory]], they are now ubiquitously used in computers, due to their low power consumption, which reduces cooling issues. | ||
The name is now something of a misnomer, as the basic material has always been silicon, and the insulating layers are no longer oxides, but dielectric materials chosen for specific properties. | The name is now something of a misnomer, as the basic material has always been silicon, and the insulating layers are no longer oxides, but dielectric materials chosen for specific properties. | ||
Revision as of 02:50, 4 October 2017
Metal Oxide Semiconductor (usually given as the acronym, MOS) is a transistor family using field-effect transistors. A subset of MOS, Complementary MOS (usually CMOS), built out of paired N-channel and P-channel MOS transistors, is now the most common form.
They are now not usually fabricated as discrete devices, but rather form the active elements in integrated circuits. First used in dynamic RAM main memory, they are now ubiquitously used in computers, due to their low power consumption, which reduces cooling issues.
The name is now something of a misnomer, as the basic material has always been silicon, and the insulating layers are no longer oxides, but dielectric materials chosen for specific properties.
