Transistor Circuit.pptx

Transistor CircuitPAL 1 2 PhysicsTypes of TransistorsThere are two types of standard transistors, NPN and PNP, with different circuit symbols.The letters refer to the layers of semiconductor material used to make the transistor.The leads are labeled base (B), collector (C) and emitter (E).Transistor currentsFunctional Model of TransistorUsing a Transistor as a SwitchWhen a transistor is used as a switch it must be either OFF or fully ON. In the fully ON state the voltage VCE across the transistor is almost zero and the transistor is said to be saturated because it cannot pass any more collector current Ic. The output device switched by the transistor is usually called the load.Protection DiodeThe diagram shows how a protection diode is connected backwards across the load, in this case a relay coil. If the load is a motor, relay or solenoid (or any other device with a coil) a diode must be connected across the load to protect the transistor from the brief high voltage produced when the load is switched off.When to Use a RelayTransistors cannot switch AC or high voltages (such as mains electricity) and they are not usually a good choice for switching large currents (?5A). In these cases a relay will be needed, but note that a low power transistor may still be needed to switch the current for the relays coil!Advantages and Disadvantages of RelaysAdvantages of relays: Relays can switch AC and DC, transistors can only switch DC. Relays can switch high voltages, transistors cannot. Relays are a better choice for switching large currents (?5A). Relays can switch many contacts at once. Disadvantages of relays: Relays are bulkier than transistors for switching small currents. Relays cannot switch rapidly, transistors can switch many times per second. Relays use more power due to the current flowing through their coil. Relays require more current than many ICs can provide, so a low power transistor may be needed to switch the current for the relays coil. End of T