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AddOhms #10: BJTs as Transistors

Every Addohms project follows the same pattern.  About 80% of my original idea makes it into the video while the remaining 20% I make up on the fly.  Of course, when I do that, I spend 80% of my time on that 20%.  AddOhms #10 on BJTs is no different.

For now, there is going to be a two part series on transistors.  #10 is the first part of this two part series.  We cover BJTs here and will cover MOSFETs in the next one.  (And hey, that one is already 20% written!)

Check out Addohms.com or the AddOhms YouTube Channel for more videos.

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The 4 best transistors to keep in your parts kit

When your project needs a transistor, there are tons of choices.  Which makes answering the question “Which transistor should I use or buy?” a daunting task.  Fear not, before wading through spec sheet after spec sheet, consider one of these four general purpose transistors.  Every electronics enginerd’s toolbox should have a few of each.

Transistors are one of the most versatile discrete components in electronics.  In digital circuits, they switch on and off while in analog circuits they are used to amplify signals.  For most projects, they are used to turn on a load that would kill the I/O pin of a microcontroller or microprocessor.   For most circuits either a BJT or MOSFET can be used, depending on the load current you need to switch.

[Edit Note]  Jan (comment below) points out that there are European Equivalents that may be more available for those located in that part of the world. For NPN Check out the BC547, for PNP the BC557.

Here are some more details on each of these.

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