What microscopic electronic component acts as the foundational building block of modern digital computer processors, functioning as an electrical switch controlled by a gate voltage?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. MOSFET (Field-Effect Transistor)
- Step 1: Digital logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND) are composed of interconnected semiconductor switching elements.
- Step 2: The Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) functions as a voltage-controlled binary switch, where applying voltage to the gate either enables or prevents current flow between the source and drain.
Answer
MOSFET (Field-Effect Transistor)
Why not the others: 'Capacitor' A capacitor stores electrical charge passively in an electric field, used in DRAM cells and filtering circuits; 'Inductor' An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field to resist changes in current, used in power delivery VRMs; 'Zener Diode' A Zener diode allows current to flow backward when a breakdown voltage is reached, used for voltage stabilization.
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