Unipolar

Updated: 11/12/2023 by Computer Hope
Magnet with north and south poles.

In electronics, unipolar refers to devices or signals that operate with only one type of voltage polarity. In other words, they only utilize positive or negative voltage, not both. For example, a unipolar transistor operates with one type of charge carrier (either electrons or holes), and a unipolar motor is one that utilizes a single type of magnetic pole.

In contrast, bipolar electronics use positive and negative voltages. BJTs (bipolar junction transistors) and bipolar stepper motors are examples of devices that utilize both types of charge carriers or magnetic poles to carry out their tasks.

Power terms