Overview
The BD138, manufactured by STMicroelectronics, is a PNP silicon power transistor designed for medium-power linear and switching applications. It is housed in a TO-126 package and is part of a series that includes the BD136 and BD140, which are complementary to the NPN transistors BD135, BD137, and BD139 respectively.
This transistor is particularly suited for use in audio amplifiers and drivers, utilizing complementary or quasi-complementary circuits. The BD138 is known for its high current handling capability and moderate voltage ratings, making it a versatile component in various electronic projects.
Key Specifications
| No. | Rating | Symbol | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collector-Emitter Voltage | Vce | 60 | V |
| 2 | Collector-Base Voltage | Vcb | 60 | V |
| 3 | Emitter-Base Voltage | Veb | 5 | V |
| 4 | Collector Current | Ic | 1.5 | A |
| 5 | Current Gain (hFE) | hfe | 40 to 250 | |
| 6 | Power Dissipation | Ptot | 12.5 | W |
| 7 | Storage Temperature | Tstg | -55 to 150 | °C |
| 8 | Transition Frequency (ft) | ft | 50 | MHz |
| 9 | Maximum Operating Junction Temperature (Tj) | Tj | 150 | °C |
| 10 | Package | TO-126 |
Key Features
- High Current Handling: The BD138 can handle a maximum collector current of 1.5 A, making it suitable for high-current applications.
- Moderate Voltage Ratings: With collector-emitter and collector-base voltages of 60 V, this transistor can handle moderate voltage levels.
- High DC Current Gain: The transistor has a minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 40, ensuring reliable amplification.
- Medium Power Dissipation: The BD138 has a power dissipation of 12.5 W, suitable for medium-power applications.
- Complementary Transistors: It is complementary to the NPN transistors BD135, BD137, and BD139, making it versatile in circuit design.
- PNP Configuration: As a PNP transistor, it uses holes as majority carriers, with the base terminal being negative and the emitter and collector terminals being positive.
Applications
- Audio Amplifiers: The BD138 is commonly used in audio amplification circuits due to its high current handling and moderate voltage ratings.
- Driver Stages: It is used in driver stages of high-fidelity amplifiers and television circuits.
- Switching Applications: The transistor is also suitable for switching applications where medium power and moderate voltage are required.
- Complementary Circuits: It is used in complementary or quasi-complementary circuits, enhancing the overall performance of the system.
Q & A
- What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage of the BD138 transistor?
The maximum collector-emitter voltage (Vce) of the BD138 transistor is 60 V.
- What is the maximum collector current of the BD138 transistor?
The maximum collector current (Ic) of the BD138 transistor is 1.5 A.
- What is the package type of the BD138 transistor?
The BD138 transistor is housed in a TO-126 package.
- What are the complementary NPN transistors to the BD138?
The complementary NPN transistor to the BD138 is the BD137.
- What are the typical applications of the BD138 transistor?
The BD138 transistor is typically used in audio amplifiers, driver stages, and switching applications.
- What is the maximum power dissipation of the BD138 transistor?
The maximum power dissipation (Ptot) of the BD138 transistor is 12.5 W.
- What is the transition frequency (ft) of the BD138 transistor?
The transition frequency (ft) of the BD138 transistor is 50 MHz.
- What is the maximum operating junction temperature (Tj) of the BD138 transistor?
The maximum operating junction temperature (Tj) of the BD138 transistor is 150 °C.
- What is the storage temperature range for the BD138 transistor?
The storage temperature range (Tstg) for the BD138 transistor is -55 to 150 °C.
- What is the minimum DC current gain (hFE) of the BD138 transistor?
The minimum DC current gain (hFE) of the BD138 transistor is 40.
