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[on:]

The bjt I'm working with is the 2N4401: http://www.onsemi.com/pub_link/Collateral/2N4401-D.PDF

On page 5 of the datasheet they have current gain vs Ic graph as seen below



If the top 2 curves are unit 1 and unit 2, then what are the bottom 2 curves for? Which curve should I use?

[Reply #1 on:]

The bottom 2 curves represent even more "units" (parts) that they tested. Basically, the curves show that the various parameters (hFE, hIE, hRE, hOE) are highly variable from part to part. You cannot just "use" one of the curves -- you have to design for worst-case values across all parts.

On page 2 of the datasheet when they say that hFE ranges from 100 to 300 at Ic=150mA, Vce=1V, they really mean it. It can vary anywhere in that range under those conditions, and as you see further up the table as you change Ic then hFE changes too.

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The Rugged Motor Driver: two H-bridges, more power than an L298, fully protected

[Reply #2 on:]

So if I want to design for a maximum Ic of 5 A, I should make sure that Ib >= 5/120 = 41 mA?

[Reply #3 on:]

If you want to design for a maximum Ic of 5A then you do not want a 2N4401! That's a 0.6A transistor and I wouldn't sustain that for any length of time.

For these currents I'd recommend using a MOSFET instead, e.g., the Fairchild RFP30N06LE as a starting point.

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The Aussie Shield: breakout all 28 pins to quick-connect terminals

[Reply #4 on:]

So if I want to design for a maximum Ic of 5 A, I should make sure that Ib >= 5/120 = 41 mA?

5 amps of collector current for a 2N4401 ????

From the front page of the datasheet, Maximum ratings: Collector Current − Continuous IC 600 mAdc

Lefty

[Reply #5 on:]

Oops my bad! Okay, if I want a max of 600 mA, I should make sure that Ib >= 600/43 = 14 mA?

[Reply #6 on:]

Correct.

[Reply #7 on:]

Also how would I figure out VCEsat? For example, I'm running Ib at around 14 mA, but only wanting to run 250mA from collector to emitter, how would I figure out VCEsat? I think I should be using Figure 16 on pg 6, but that doesn't give an graph for Ic at 250 mA. Figure 17 has VCEsat curve but that's for hfe = 10.