MMSTA28T146

MMSTA28T146 Application Field and Working Principle

The MMSTA28T146 is an advanced NPN Darlington transistor from ON Semiconductor used as a high current, low noise, low input current option for a wide range of switching and linear circuits. Low-frequency applications such as audio amplifiers and general purpose audio circuits are among its common uses, but it can also effectively cover higher frequencies in oscillator, amplifier, and ring modulation applications.

The MMSTA28T146 is a surface mount and three-lead commercial device capable of standing up to voltages of 800V. It has a low saturation voltage of 0.6V maximum, a current gain of 1600-2000, and a maximum DC current gain of 1000 at room temperature. It provides an excellent gain–bandwidth product in spite of remaining largely reliable over the specified operation temperature range. Its maximum frequency of operation is at 1 MHz and its total power dissipation rating is at 625 mW.

Working Principle

Like many other transistors, the MMSTA28T146 follows the basic working principle of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). It works by using the directional flow of electric current in a semiconductor to control the output current, or the current amplification ratio. Basically, when conventional current is supplied to the basis (BC terminal) of the device, current gain translates the input current into multiplied output current at the collector (C-terminal). Current is kept in check and regulated by the integrated resistance between the basis and the collector, which acts as a current limiter when an excessive amount of current is supplied and risks overheating the device.

The MMSTA28T146 offers some distinct advantages over other BJTs in terms of switching and linearity control. For instance, its low input current consumption makes it suitable for use in low-power consumption applications. It also maintains higher current gain, which reduces the switching and noise. This helps produce better linear sound and image quality, as well as more reliable circuit operation.

Applications

Due to its advantages, the MMSTA28T146 is a very popular choice for a wide range of applications. Its low saturation voltage and large DC current gain, as well as its 1 MHz maximum frequency of operation make it suitable for audio amplifier and low-frequency oscillator applications. Apart from these, the device also finds uses in applications such as instrumentation, telecom, and automotive, as well as for variable resistance and speed control in DC motors.

In addition, the MMSTA28T146 is also capable of withstanding high voltages and pass current, thus making it suitable for prototyping switching and linear circuits. Its compatibility with low-power devices also makes it suitable for applications requiring low inputs such as those used in digital systems and the Internet of Things.

Conclusion

The MMSTA28T146 is a versatile and reliable transistor that offers many advantages over other BJTs in terms of current gain, switching, and low input current. Its 1 MHz maximum frequency of operation, low saturation voltage, and large DC current gain make it suitable for a wide range of applications such as audio amplifiers, oscillators, instrumentation, and telecom. It also has a wide temperature range and a high maximum voltage rating that make it suitable for use in high-voltage applications.