How does a transistor circuit works

Although the transistor is a very old device. And, nowadays, we often

choose to use IC instead.

But the transistor still has an important role in general electronic circuits.
Why? Because the transistor is large, durable and can drive high current.

And for many people getting used to using transistors in general circuits,
me too.

Whether you are any reason. Let me explain to you how the transistor
circuit works in a simple way. Also, I will learn it with you.

Are you ready?

The transistor is an active device. It amplifies. There are many types of

the transistor over 20,000 different types from hundreds for
manufacturers.
 2

Type of Transistor
We can put them into two types of standard transistor, NPN and PNP.
Which they have different symbols.

The character shows the class of semiconductor materials used to make

the transistor.

Currently, the transistor used is mostly NPN type.

Since it is made easy from silicon materials.

So, most of this article, so mentioning the NPN type transistor.

And if we are new to electronics. It is good to start with learning. About

the use of transistors first.

The transistor pin consists of a base (B), collector (C) and an emitter (E).
 3

The word that calls this leg. Represents the function within the transistor.
But it does not help you understand how to use transistors. Therefore, it
only knows that it is a lead of transistor.

In addition to standard transistors (bipolar), there is the fields effect

transistor. Which, they are often represented by acronyms FET. Symbols
and properties are different. But have not yet discussed the details in this
article.

Learn basic transistor current

The type we will study is also called a small-signal transistor. We may
call them is a TO-92 model. Look at the Figure. We often use the
transistor in the 3 number group.

Which the legs are used differently. Should be careful when using.
 4

● BC547: For NPN you can use BC546, BC547, BC549, BC550,
etcs. If you want higher current of Ic use BC337 (Ic= 0.8A). For
PNP types, use BC556, BC557, BC558, BC559, BC560, etc. And
higher current is BC327( Ic=0.8A)

● C9013: For NPN you can use 2N3904. If you want higher
collector current(Ic) use C9013(Ic=0.8A) For PNP types, use
2N3906 and C9012 (higher current)

● C1815: For NPN is 2SC1815, equivalents: C945, C829. For PNP

is A561

Look at common used Power Transistors below. We will learn them in

next.
 5

What is more? we will the current in a basic transistor circuit.

Look at Figure. The NPN transistor in a simple circuit.

 6

When we feed a small current to the base of the transistor. And then, a
large current flows through the load to the collector-emitter leads.

We often called The load at the collector lead that the load resistor.
Sometimes the load is a speaker.

I’m worried about how you understand simple transistors. In the past, I
had difficulty understanding it. Read the text many times but do not
understand.

Equivalent Transistor
 7

A similar list for MPS9682 is BC557. But the pinout is different. So, be
careful. Check it first!

The transistor works like a water valve

We compare transistors like water valves. We can control the high power
of water input to output with low water.

● The origin of the water pipe(Input) is like the Collector.

 8

● The end of the water pipe(Input) is like the Emitter.

● The control (small) pipe is like the Base.

First, The high water comes to the valve of the input side. Then, the low
water comes to the control value. It turns on the main value. Next, the
high water can flow through the pipe to the output.

Second, in contrast, no low water to the control valve. It does not turn the
valve to control the high water. So, no water to the output.

Basic principles
In general, we can divide the working range of the transistor into 3
ranges:

1. Cut off ( transistor stop).

No current, both base current (IB) and collector (IC) that flows through
the transistor. But there will be some leakage currents, very low.

2. Saturated range.

There is electricity flowing through the transistor fully until it saturated.

And the current will not increase any more than this. Which we can limit
this current with the connection of the resistors.
 9

3. The active range

This is the period that the transistor operates or conducts current. By

driving the collector current (IC) proportional to the base current (IB).

So, when using the transistor audio amplifier, the circuit works in the
active phase.

Do you understand?

Experiment a current transistor

In addition, I understand transistors systematically through
experimentation. You maybe like me. Let’s start the experiment.

Look:
 10

Simple current transistor circuit

This is a simple circuit. Which we use to test the current flowing through
the transistor. This circuit, we use the red LEDs size 0.5 mm. And, NPN
transistor with low power (such as BC108, BC182 or BC548).

Here is step by step a process of transistor circuit works.

The little base current controls the high collector current.

 11

The S1 is switch closed. The current flows through R1, LED1 to the base
of a transistor.

It is base current. While LED1 dim up, too.

 12

Then, the transistor will amplify the low current so that the current flows
through the collector (C) to the emitter (E).

This collector current is high enough to make LED C very bright.

 13

When the S1-switch opened. There are not the base current flows. So,
the transistor will cut-off the collector current. Both LEDs will go out.
 14

Often we use the transistor to amplify the current and switches.

The arrangement with emitter (E) in the base current and in the collector
current. We called emitter common mode. The transistor circuit works
like this is used extensively. So, We should learn it first.

Working model and structure of NPN transistor

I feel frustrated because I cannot easily explain to you understand about

the internal structure of the NPN transistor.

However, I will try to compare it with the diode and variable resistor. It
may help you understand more easily.

Look at below.
 15

Here is step by step a process.

● The base-emitter joint is like a diode.

● The base current IB flows only when the VBE voltage between
the base-emitter is 0.7V or more.

● The tiny base current (IB) controls the high collector currents.

● IC = hFE × IB (unless full active and saturated transistor)

 16

● The hFE is the current amplify gain (In DC current gain). The
normal value for hFE is 100 (there is no unit because it is the
ratio).

● The resistance between The collector-emitter (RCE) is controlled

by the base current (IB) by:

○ IB = 0 RCE = infinite value. Transistor (off)

○ Less IB, RCE lower, the transistor turns on only partially

○ IB added. RCE = 0. The transistor runs (on) fully

(saturated)

Additional Notes:

● It is necessary to connect a series resistor to the base. To limit

the IB base current and prevent damage to the transistor.

● The transistor has the highest collector current rate of IC.

● The hFE current gain can have different values. Even though it is
the same type.
 17

● The transistor that is fully connected (on) (when RCE = 0) is

called saturated.

● When the transistor is saturated The emitter-collector voltage

VCE is reduced to 0V.

● And the transistor is saturated, the collector current IC is

determined by the voltage, the supply, and the external
resistance in the collector circuit.

Not related to the transistor current gain.

For this reason, the ratio of IC / IB for saturated transistors is less

than the hFE current gain.

● The emitter current is IE = IC + IB, but the IC is much larger than

IB.

Darlington Transistor pair

Two transistors are connected as shown.
 18

It causes the current amplified with the first to be amplified with the
second transistor.

The current gain is equal to the gain of Each of them multiplied together:

The current gain of the Darlington pair hFE = hFE1 × hFE2

(hFE1 and hFE2 are the gain of each transistor).

For this reason, the Darlington pair has a very high current gain, such as
10,000. Therefore, we use only a small base current to allow the
Darlington pair to switch.
 19

The Darlington pairs instead of a single transistor with a very high current
gain. Also has three legs (B, C, and E), which is equivalent to the legs of
a single transistor.

We can use the Darlington pair works well.

By putting the voltage 0.7V between the base-emitter ( VBE) of both

transistors in series internal. So they require a voltage of 1.4V to turn on.

The experiment of the touch switch circuit

 20

The transistor circuit works as the Darlington pair is quite sensitive to the
small currents that flow through our skin. Thus, able to be used to make
a touch switch circuit as shown in the diagram.

For this circuit, use two low-power general-purpose transistors.

When we touch it, the LED is illuminated.

 21

The 100K resistor is used to limit the base current.

Using a transistor as a switch

When we use the transistor as a switch. It will turn off (OFF) or turns on
(ON).

In the (ON) voltage, the VCE across the transistor is almost zero volts.
and we call it a saturated transistor. Because it cannot have more
collector current (IC).

Look at the simple switching transistor circuit works below.

The output device that is switched by this transistor Called load

 22

The power generated in the switch transistor is very low:

● In the OFF state: power = IC × VCE, but IC = 0, so power is zero.

● In the ON state: power = IC × VCE, but VCE = 0 (most), so the

power is very low.

This means that the transistor used will not become hot. So, do not
consider the maximum power rate.
 23

But the important rate in the switching circuit is the maximum collector
current IC (max). And, the minimum current gain hFE (min).

The voltage of the transistor must not be taken into account. Except, if
used with a power supply higher than 15V.

The Protected Diode

If the load is a Motor, Relay or Solenoid (or other devices that is a coil).
We will connect a diode across the load. To protect the transistor circuit
works (and IC) damaged during cut off the load.

Look at the circuit diagram.

 24

In the diagram showing connecting reverse biased the diode. Which

normally does not conduct currents.

It will conduct the current only when the load is cut off.

At that time, the current that collects energy in the coil will try to flow
through the coil.

And, Because the transistor is cut-off status. So, the current flows
through the diode instead.
 25

If It no diode, the current will cannot flow. This coil will produce a high
spike voltage. It is dangerous and tries to flow.

When should we use the relay

We cannot use the transistor to switch AC voltage or the high voltage
(such as AC main). And it does not suitable to switch too high current (>
5A). ในกรณีนี้ we need to use the relay.

But we also need to use a low power transistor to drive the current to the
coil of the relay.

Benefits of relays:
 26

● The relay can switch AC and DC power, the transistor can switch
only DC power.

● It can switch on the high-voltage power, the transistor can not.

● Relays are a better option for switching to high-current (> 5A).

● The relay can switch Multiple contacts at the same time.

Disadvantages of relays:

● The relay is too big compared to the transistor in the small current
switch.

● The relay cannot switch with speed, the transistor can switch
many times per second.

● Relays require more power Look at the current that flows through
the coil.

● Relays require more current than the IC can drive. So we need to

use a low-power transistor to switch the relay coil current.

Cr: Photo DC 12V Coil 5 Pins Mini SPST Power Relay PCB

Credit: https://electronicsclub.info Thanks a lot. This content makes me

easier to understand.
 27

Connecting the transistor with the

output from the IC
Most IC outputs cannot supply a lot of currents. So, it is necessary to use
a transistor. To switch currents that are high enough for the output
devices. For example, light bulbs, motors, and relays, etc.

Except for the timer 555 IC, it can normally supply a current of up to
200mA.

It is high enough for the output devices that require a small current. Like
the small lamp, buzzer, or relay. Without the help of a transistor.

Look at the basic circuit. Connect the transistor to the IC’s output.
 28

Resistor R1 is intended to limit the current that flows into the base of the
transistor. And prevent damage.

However, R1 must be low enough to ensure that The transistor is

saturated, preventing overheating.

This is important if the switch transistor with a high current (> 100mA).
The safest way, the base current (IB) must be 5 times higher than the
current that makes the transistor saturated.

Do you understand? Read more you will feel more clear.

Choosing the right NPN transistor

 29

The circuit diagram shows the connection of the NPN transistor. This
circuit will switch to load when the output from IC is high (+ V).

On the other hand, if you want to continue loading when the output from
IC is low (0V) Look at the circuit for the PNP transistor below.

The steps below explain how to select a suitable switching transistor.

● The maximum collector current (IC max) of the transistor have to

more than the load current.

We can find the load current (LC) = Voltage supply (VS) / the
resistance of the load. or

For example, we use the light bulb 12V 3W. It uses the current
= 1W / 12V = 0.083A. So we use IC max more than 0.1A or
100mA.

● The minimum gain current, hFE (min) of the transistor, must be at

least 5 times the load current IC divided by the maximum output
current of the IC (chip).

● Calculate the approximate value for the base resistor:

R1 = 0.2 × RL × hFE or
R1 = (Vs × hFE) (5 × IC)

Choosing the right PNP transistor

 30

Look at the Circuit diagram showing the connection of PNP transistor.

This circuit will switch towards the load when the IC output is low (0V).

The procedure for choosing a suitable PNP transistor is similar to

choosing an NPN transistor described above.

In addition, we can transistors in many ways. Which I will learn

them in next time.