Utsource Update: Best Transistors for audio amplifier

Nowadays audio devices like microphones, recorders and other audio amplifiers have become an integral part of any electronics industry and the core part of any amplifier circuit is the Transistor itself so in this article, we are going to discuss some best Transistors available in the market for their key functionality as Amplifiers.

We will be discussing various Transistors and their specifications by starting with some basic concepts about Transistors theory.

What is a Transistor?

A transistor is a special type of solid-state device that regulates current or voltage flow and acts as a switch or gate for electronic signals. Transistors consist of three layers of semiconductor material, each capable of carrying a current.

It is a three-terminal semiconductor device, and the terminals are E(Emitter), B (Base) & C (Collector). The transistor can work in three different regions like active region, cutoff region & saturation region. Transistors are turned off while working in the cut-off region and turned on while working in the saturation region.

Transistors work as an amplifier while they work in the active region. The main function of a transistor as an amplifier is to enhance the input signal without changing much or distortion.

Two Basic Type of Transistor PNP and NPN

Fig 1 : an electronic arrangement of PNP Transistor

The construction and terminal voltages for an NPN type of transistor are shown above. The PNP Transistor has very similar characteristics to their NPN bipolar cousins mostly the analog parameters are also same in both, except that the polarities (or biasing) of the current and voltage directions are reversed for any one of the possible three configurations

Fig 2 : Complete Circuit of the PNP Transistor

What is the Use of Transistors in Audio Amplifiers?

Amplifier circuit can be defined as, a circuit which is used to amplify a signal. The input of the amplifier is a voltage otherwise current, where the output will be an amplifier input signal.

An amplifier circuit which uses a transistor otherwise transistors is known as a transistor amplifier. The applications of transistor amplifier circuits is involved in audio, radio, optical fibre communication also.

Now we will discuss some transistors which are used in Audio Amplifier Circuits and in most cases the Same Transistors comes with the Different Part Number for the PNP and NPN variations and we will discuss them simultaneously.

TIP41 (NPN variation) and TIP42 (PNP variation)

The TIP41 and TIP42 both are the same types of Transistors but of different configuration which is used mainly in Medium Power Linear Switching Applications

Fig 3: TIP41 and TIP42 Transistor

UTSource TIP41 Price: US $ 0.23 and TIP42 Price: US $ 0.15

It is a good variant of Transistors which can be used in Audio Amplifier Circuits and it comes with a unique TO-220 3L (Single Gauge) Package which is a moderate level temperature compatible so it can be used in Broad Perspective.

Some Key Features of TIP41 and TIP42

I. The collector Base Voltage (CB) is 60 V for the TIP41 and 80 V for the

II. The Collector-Emitter Voltage (CE) is also 60 V for the TIP41 and 80 V for the

III. The Collector Current for the both of the type is 6 V

IV. The Collector current (Pulse ) for both types of Transistor is 10V.

V. The Base current is 6 V.

From the above configuration, it can be seen that it provides a very wide range of the applications but there is an operating limit for this Transistors also.

Stresses exceeding the absolute maximum ratings may damage the device. The device may not function or be operable above the recommended operating conditions and stressing the parts to these levels is not recommended. In addition, extended exposure to stresses above the recommended operating conditions may affect device reliability. The absolute maximum ratings are stress ratings only. Values are at T C = 25°C unless otherwise noted.

2. 2N3773 (NPN variation) and 2N6609 (PNP variation)

The 2N3773 is a power transistor which has a PNP variant with the part number 2N6609 which is especially used for high power audio, disk head positions and other linear applications. This device can also be used in power-switching circuits mainly in audio devices such as relay or solenoid drivers, DC−DC converters or inverters.

Fig 4: A 2N3773 and 2N6609 Transistor is shown above

UTSource 2N3773 Price: US $ 1.57 and 2N6609 Price: US $ 1.01

Some Key Features of 2N3773 and 2N6609

1. High Safe Operating Area for this Transistor is in the range of 150 W to 100 V
2. This special type of Transistors are completely characterized by Linear Operation
3. High DC Current Gain and Low Saturation Voltage h FE = 15 (Min) at 8.0 A, and the V VCE (sat) = 1.4 V (Max) at I C = 8.0 A and I B = 0.8 A.
4. For Low Distortion Complementary Designs, this particular type of transistor can be used as an amplifier.
5. This is a Pb (Lead) free Device so the circuit damage is prevented.

Fig 5: The 2N3773 Transistor is used in an Audio Amplifier Circuit

3. 2SC5200 (NPN variation) and 2SC1943 (PNP variation)

The 2SC5200 is a high power NPN Transistor which has a PNP variant with the part number 2SC1943 with a collector to emitter voltage of 230V and collector current of 30A. The transistor is available in the TO-264 package and is commonly used Amplifier designs in audio devices.

Fig 6: A 2SC5200 and 2SC1973 Transistor is shown above

UTSource 2SC5200 Price: US $ 1.50 and 2SC1973 Price: US $ 0.78

Some Key Features of 2SC5200 and 2SC1973

1. This are High-power Transistors made for application in the Audio Amplifiers.

2. DC Current Gain 55 to 160 for this Transistors

3. The Continuous Collector current is 15A

4. The Collector-Emitter voltage is 230 V

5. The Collector-Base voltage is 230V

6. The Emitter Base Voltage is 5V which is quite high for the power circuit applications.

7. Transition Frequency is 30MHz for this Transistors

8. Available in To-264 Package for better Protection.

4. A1294 (NPN variation) and C3263 (PNP variation)

The 2SA1294 is a PNP transistor of the rating −230V,−15A and it has a similar PNP Variant with a part number C3263. The product has constant h FE characteristics in a wide current range, providing high-quality audio sounds.

The Transistors comes with a TO3P-3L Packaging type which gives it higher stability during the power amplification applications.

Fig 7: a A1294 and C2363 Transistor is shown above

UTSource A1294Price: US $ 2.23

Some Key Features of A1294 and C2363

1. The transistors are of the special type named as LAPT(Linear Amplifier Power Transistor)

2. High Transition Frequency is shown by this type of Transistors.

3. Bare Lead Frame is given in these Transistors so it is Pb-free(RoHS Compliant)

4. The Common Emitter Open Circuit Voltage is nearly VCEO −230V

5. The Collector current is rated as IC ~ 15A

6. The thermal frequency is given as 35MHz

7. The total rated power of the Transistors is PC ~ 130W which provides it a wider range of power amplification applications.

Summary

So we have discussed a good number of examples of Transistors for the various circuit operations in the audio amplifiers ..and much more is mentioned which gives a greater idea about their operating condition overview so take a deep breathe and explore the great world of electronics for more details please visit https://www.utsource.net .