Bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) are three-terminal semiconductor devices consisting of two pn junctions. There are two common types, NPN and PNP, distinguished by the order of semiconductor layers. BJTs can operate as amplifiers or switches by controlling the base current to modulate the collector current. Proper biasing is required to operate the transistor in its active region between cutoff and saturation. The common-base, common-emitter, and common-collector configurations determine how the transistor is used in a circuit and its input/output characteristics.