Circuit diagram to analyze that looks wrong to me

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of a circuit diagram involving an NPN transistor and a photocell. Participants explore the functionality and correctness of the circuit design, particularly focusing on the biasing of the transistor and the connections of various components.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a circuit where the negative terminal of a power source feeds a photocell and also connects to the collector of an NPN transistor, questioning if this configuration is functional.
  • Another participant asks about the two classes of bipolar transistors, identifying them as NPN and PNP.
  • A participant confirms that the project is using an NPN transistor based on the symbol.
  • One participant suggests that the described circuit does not sound correct and recommends posting the schematic for clarity.
  • Another participant expresses that the load should connect directly to the collector, with the voltage source oriented correctly, indicating a potential issue with the circuit's design.
  • It is noted that the battery symbol appears to be backwards, affecting both the photodiode and the transistor connections.
  • A participant thanks others for their input, mentioning that their textbook contains misprints and omissions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the circuit design, with some suggesting it is incorrect while others propose it may be a trick question. No consensus is reached regarding the functionality of the circuit as described.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential misprints and omissions in the source material, which may affect the understanding of the circuit design.

dumguy
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I have a circuit diagram to analyze that looks wrong to me. It is fairly straight forward and I will attempt to describe it. It is an unlabelled power source with the neg terminal feeding a photocell, that part I understand. Here is the problem, that same neg branch of the circuit also feeds into the collector terminal of an NPN transistor with the base terminal of the NPN transistor receiving the switched neg fom the photodiode. It appears the intention of the design was to use the photodiode to switch the transistor which switches a light. Kind of like how the steet lights come on at dark. My question is, can an NPN transistor function with this bias, neg to collector, switched neg to base and pos side of light bulb connected to emmitter?
 
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What are the two classes of bi-polar transistor?
 
NPN and PNP
 
Ok, which one is your project using?
 
npn by the symbol
 
From your description this doesn't sound correct.
Perhaps you should post the schematic.
 
circuit diagram
 

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Circuit looks wrong, or it's a trick question (like the answer is "never").

The load should be directly connected to the collector, and the voltage source should have + on top of the load, and - down on the emitter. The cathode of the photodiode should also connect above the load to the + supply.
 
In this case it looks like the battery symbol is backwards.
The same issue applies to the photodiode as well as the transistor.

Edit: You beat me to it B, I considered the "never" answer as well :smile:
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Thanks to all that took the time to have a look at this thing. My text is full of misprints and omissions.
 

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