What is the difference between PNP and NPN transistor?
An NPN transistor has a piece of P-type silicon (the base) sandwiched between two pieces of N-type (the collector and emitter). In a PNP transistor, the type of the layers are reversed. NPN and PNP transistors have very similar schematic symbols. The only difference is the direction of the arrow on the emitter.
Are NPN and PNP transistors interchangeable?
Answer: NPN and PNP transistors are interchangeable if you remember one simple rule: A bipolar transistor is essentially two back-to-back diodes with the base being the common connection. On the left is an NPN (negative-positive-negative) transistor and on the right is a PNP (positive-negative-positive) transistor.
What is the function of PNP and NPN transistor?
NPN transistors are used as a sink to the current i.e., current flows to the Collector. It means the current points inwards. PNP transistors are used as a source to the current i.e., current flows out of the Collector. In the NPN transistor, electrons are important current carriers.
Why are NPN transistors more commonly used than PNP transistors?
As the electrons have higher or faster mobility than holes, the conductivity also more. For this reason, NPN transistors are more preferable than PNP transistors because the NPN transistor provides more conductivity. We know that in electronic circuits all the negative(-ve) or common terminals are grounded.
When would you use a NPN transistor?
NPN transistors are used in amplifying circuit applications. NPN transistors are used in the Darlington pair circuits for amplifying weak signals. NPN transistors are used in applications we need sinking current. NPN transistors are used in some classic amplifier circuits, the same as ‘push-pull’ amplifier circuits.
What is meant by PNP and NPN?
It’s easy to remember that NPN stands for Negative-Positive-Negative and PNP stands for Positive-Negative-Positive transistors. Thus, the NPN transistor base has to be connected to a positive voltage and the emitter connected to negative voltage for current to flow into the base.
How does current flow in a NPN transistor?
Therefore, to produce current flow in an NPN transistor, positive voltage is given to the collector terminal and current flows from the collector to the emitter. For a PNP transistor, positive voltage is given to the emitter terminal and current flows from the emitter to the collector. This is summarized right below.
What’s the difference between a BJT and a PNP?
BJTs are current-controlled transistors that allow for current amplification. A current at the base of the transistor allows for a much larger current across the emitter and collector leads. NPN and PNPs are exactly the same in their function, they provide amplification and/or switching capability.
Can a PNP sensor be mixed with a NPN sensor?
Another thing to note, is that NPN and PNP sensors should never be mixed on a PLC input card. Furthermore, if you have a specific type of PLC input card that’s NPN or PNP, It’s important to make sure that you choose sensors that match. For example, you can use NPN sensors with an NPN Input card or “sourcing type” Input card.
What’s the difference between a PNP and a NPN?
PNP: What’s the Difference? 1 Difference Between NPN and PNPs. While both have the ability to amplify signals or even act to switch larger currents on and off, they accomplish this signal boosting ability in 2 NPNs Dominate in Circuit Design. 3 PNPs Popularity in Industrial Controls.