ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Transistor aging

Transistors are like little electronic switches that can help control things in devices like computers, phones, and radios. Transistor aging is when these switches start to wear out and not work as well as they used to over time.

Think of it like a toy that you play with a lot. The more you play with it, the more it wears out and the buttons start to stick or not work as well. The same thing happens with transistors in devices.

There are a few reasons why this can happen. One is because of heat. Just like how you might get tired and cranky if you spend too much time in the hot sun, transistors can get tired too if they get too hot.

Another reason is because of something called electromigration. This is when tiny wires inside the transistor start to move around because of the electricity flowing through them. This movement can cause damage over time and make the transistor not work as well.

Transistor aging is a natural part of using electronic devices, but it can be slowed down or prevented by taking good care of your devices and keeping them cool.