Controlling an LED strip using transistors

Using Arduino General Electronics
#1

Hey everyone,

I am currently developing a lighting system using Arduino that uses 12V LED strips. To control each colour, I have seen that you have to use TIP120 transistors. Can I substitute these with 2N2222A transistors, or can these not handle the power?

Kind regards,
Alex

#2

Probably not. What's the current rating on the LED strip?

The 2N2222 is only rated to 600mA (and you might need a heatsink and you should leave some safety margin). The TIP120 may also need a heatsink.

...Worst case, you'll burn out the transistor so if you have extra 2N2222s you can try it. :wink: Generally, transistors short-out when burned-up so the LEDs would be stuck-on.

BTW - MOSFET drivers generally run cooler.

#3

I'm not sure where you heard that you must use TIP120s. These days it normally makes a lot more sense to use MOSFETs.

Steve

#4

I'm not sure where you heard that you must use TIP120s. These days it normally makes a lot more sense to use MOSFETs.

The only good reason to use TIP120s is if someone gave you a hundred of them, or you live on a desert island
with no contact with the outside world.

#5