Is NPN or PNP more common? (2024)

1. The acronyms $NPN$, which refer to Negative-Positive-Negative, and $PNP$, which stand for Positive-Negative-Positive transistors, are simple to memorize.
2. When enough current is delivered from the transistor base to the emitter, the $NPN$ transistor turns on. In order for the current to flow into the base of an $NPN$ transistor, the base must be connected to a positive voltage while the emitter is connected to a negative voltage. The transistor switches on, allowing current to flow from the collector to the emitter rather than from the transistor base to the emitter when there is sufficient current flowing from the base into the emitter.
3. In contrast, the $PNP$ transistor operates. When enough current flows from the emitter to the base of a $PNP$ transistor, which is the default configuration, the transistor turns on and directs current from the emitter to the collector.

$NPN$ is more common, Compared to $PNP$ transistors.$NPN$ transistors are more often employed, An $NPN$ transistor has the following benefits over a $PNP$ transistor:

1. Since most of the charge carriers in $NPN$ transistors are electrons, their electron mobility rates are high.
2. $NPN$ transistors provide better conductivity than $PNP$ transistors for this reason.
3. Due to their fast switching rates, $NPN$ transistors are more preferred for switching applications.
4. Due to their smaller size, faster speed, and lower price, $NPN$ transistors are more reliable.

Diagram:

Complementary transistors are a type of silicon power transistor that consists of a matched pair of corresponding $NPN$ and $PNP$ transistors with nearly identical properties to one another, such as the $TIP3055$ ($NPN$ transistor) and $TIP3055$ ($PNP$ transistor).

Hence, $NPN$ is more common than $PNP$.