There are 3 transistor configurations: common-base (CB), common-emitter (CE), and common-collector (CC). In the CB configuration, current must be sunk from the emitter for the transistor to conduct current from the collector. In the CE configuration, the base is the input and collector is the output, with the emitter common to both, like a common cathode amplifier. In the CC configuration, the base is the input and emitter is the output, with the collector common to both, like a common drain amplifier.