It’s been a few years since we first heard of small devices that can amplify small signals called “tubes.” Interestingly, work on these tubes could now cease thanks to something called the “transistor,” a miniature version of the tube.

This solid-state device accepts a small signal and amplifies it for use in music playback and, potentially, the Internet. This MAKE magazine video describes the manufacture of these amazing components along with a brief history of the transistor in our era.

In all honesty, this video is actually quite cool. Who knew transistors could be so fascinating? I always kind of understood that the three leads amplified signals but it’s rare to get such a level-headed exploration of such a basic technology.