Schematic Symbols

The junction gate field-effect transistor or JFET gate is sometimes drawn in the middle of the channel (in place of at the drain or source electrode as in these illustrations). This symmetry suggests that "drain" and "source" are interchangeable, thus the symbol should be used just only for those JFETs where they are indeed interchangeable (that is not true of all JFETs).

Formally, the style of the symbol should depict the component inside a circle (presenting the envelope of a discrete device). This is right in both the US and Europe. The symbol is generally drawn without the circle while drawing schematics of integrated circuits. More recently, the symbol is frequently drawn without its circle even for discrete devices.

In each case the arrow head depicts the polarity of the P-N junction formed in between the channel and gate. The arrow points from P to N, the direction of conventional current while forward-biased as with an ordinary diode. An English mnemonic is that the arrow of an N-channel device "points in".

To pinch off the channel, it requires a certain reverse bias (VGS) of the junction. This "pinch-off voltage" changes considerably, even among devices of similar type. For instance, VGS (off) for the Temic J201 device varies from -0.8V to -4V. Typical values change from -0.3V to -10V. To switch off an n-channel device needs a negative gate-source voltage (VGS). On the other hand, to switch off a p-channel device needs VGS positive. In usual operation, the electric field developed through the gate must block conduction in between the source and the drain.