TIP42 Discrete Semiconductor Products

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The TIP42 is a widely used PNP complementary transistor. Developed by the Siemens Semiconductor Group, this device boasts high current capability and low saturation voltage, making it an excellent choice for applications such as audio and load switches. This article will discuss the applications of the TIP42, as well as its working principle.

Applications

The TIP42 is widely used as an amplifier and a load switch, due to its high current capacity and low saturation voltage. Without a base resistor, it can handle currents of over 3A (motor-running current). Furthermore, its low saturation voltage means that it can be used for DC-DC converters, voltage reducers and voltage dividers, as well as for direct current amplification. In addition, the TIP42 can also be used for audio amplification, voltage regulation, and antilog converters.

The TIP42 can also be used in switching applications. It is suitable for high-current applications such as starter and motor switched circuits, where its low saturation voltage is an asset. Moreover, the TIP42 is well suited for applications where low voltage distortion is important to ensure proper functioning, such as overvoltage protection and voltage-detection circuits. Additionally, it can be used as a snubber device in SCR circuits, as it is able to damp out any voltage spikes.

Working Principle

The TIP42 transistor is a PNP type, meaning that it constitutes the majority charge carriers of holes. This is in contrast to NPN transistors, which have an majority charge carriers of electrons. When no base current is applied, the TIP42 is off—a condition in which there is no current flowing either through the collector-emitter or base-emitter.

When a base current is applied, the TIP42 is on—current flows from the emitter to the collector, whilst current also flows from the base to the emitter. The current gain of the TIP42 is considerably high and can be expressed by the following equation: hFE = IC / IB, where IC is the collector current, and IB is the base current.

Controlling the base current will determine how much current can pass through the collector and emitter. By applying a base current, the TIP42 alternates between on and off states. When the TIP42 is on, current flows freely through the collector and emitter, leading to conductance. When the TIP42 is off, no current passes through, leading to the transistor being in an off-state.

Conclusion

The TIP42 is a versatile PNP transistor for a variety of applications, and finds wide use as an amplifier, load switch, DC-DC converter, audio amplifier, overvoltage protection device, and more. Its low saturation voltage and large current capacity make it an ideal device for such functions. Moreover, its ability to be switched on and off based on controlling the base current allows it to be used in a variety of switching applications. With its wide range of uses, it is no wonder that the TIP42 has become such a popular transistor.

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