Table of Contents
How does a BC337 transistor work?
This transistor works like a switch to convert the small current to a larger current at the transistor terminals. The base terminal is positive as compared to both the terminals like emitter & collector. As compared to the emitter terminal, the voltage at the collector terminal is positive always.
What is HFE?
The HFE gene provides instructions for producing a protein that is located on the surface of cells, primarily liver and intestinal cells. The HFE protein is also found on some immune system cells. The HFE protein interacts with other proteins on the cell surface to detect the amount of iron in the body.
How does current flow in a transistor?
Current freely flows from collector to emitter. Cut-off — The transistor acts like an open circuit. No current flows from collector to emitter. Active — The current from collector to emitter is proportional to the current flowing into the base.
What is a good HFE?
The hFE is normally seen to be a constant value, normally around 10 to 500, but it may change slightly with temperature and with changes in collector-to-emitter voltage. Check the transistor’s datasheet for the hFE value in its specifications. Note that hFE may refer to DC or AC current gain.
What is HFE test on multimeter?
hFE is an abbreviation, and it stands for “Hybrid parameter forward current gain, common emitter”, and is a measure of the DC gain of a junction transistor. So on a multimeter, it indicates a mode where the meter can measure (probably crudely), the HFE of a transistor.
How do you test a transistor in a circuit?
Connect the base terminal of the transistor to the terminal marked positive (usually coloured red) on the multimeter. Connect the terminal marked negative or common (usually coloured black) to the collector and measure the resistance. It should read open circuit (there should be a deflection for a PNP transistor).
How much current can a transistor handle?
Some transistors may only be rated for a maximum of 10-100mA of current to flow through them. If you supply a current over the maximum rating, the transistor might blow up.