Conventional Current: Benefits & Explanation

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In summary: PNP bipolar transistors have a higher gain than the NPN transistor. Again, this is due to the polarity of the device.
  • #1
matt_crouch
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why do we still continue to use conventional current or the flow of positive charge? is there any benefits of using it? can someone explain or shed some light =]
 
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  • #2
PNP bioloar transitors are more common than NPN. Somehow, it's easier to grasp PNP's with positive current.

Other than convenience, does it matter what the sign of the current is?

In Addition: PNP bipolar transitors preform better than NPN's, in general. The same is true of P channel FETS. With PNP bipolars and P channel FETS dominant, a convention of a single ended positive supply with a common ground is advantagous. These semiconductors are used extensively in digital integrated circuits, and so, the advantage persists. By far, the analysis is far simpler than it would be if the positive voltage souce were referenced as common ground and the negative source referenced as -5V.

We have Ben Franklin, to thank for this fortuitous arrangement.
 
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  • #3
matt_crouch said:
why do we still continue to use conventional current

It would be too confusing to change this convention, because of all the books, articles, etc. that use it.
 
  • #4
Phrak said:
PNP bioloar transitors are more common than NPN. Somehow, it's easier to grasp PNP's with positive current.

Other than convenience, does it matter what the sign of the current is?

In Addition: PNP bipolar transitors preform better than NPN's, in general. The same is true of P channel FETS. With PNP bipolars and P channel FETS dominant, a convention of a single ended positive supply with a common ground is advantagous. These semiconductors are used extensively in digital integrated circuits, and so, the advantage persists. By far, the analysis is far simpler than it would be if the positive voltage souce were referenced as common ground and the negative source referenced as -5V.

We have Ben Franklin, to thank for this fortuitous arrangement.

I'm not quite sure where you read that pnp bjts & p-channel FETs are "better". The npn bjt & n-channel FET is the preferred polarity. N-channel semiconductor material is inherently better than the p-type counterpart. The IGBT is and has been since the '80's, an n-type device. The offering of p-channel IGBTs has been very limited.

Claude
 
  • #5
cabraham said:
I'm not quite sure where you read that pnp bjts & p-channel FETs are "better". The npn bjt & n-channel FET is the preferred polarity. N-channel semiconductor material is inherently better than the p-type counterpart. The IGBT is and has been since the '80's, an n-type device. The offering of p-channel IGBTs has been very limited.

Claude

Good catch. You're right. I meant the N channel FET. In fact, I reversed everything, including the BJT didn't I? In any case some species have better gain than their counterparts.
 

1. What is conventional current?

Conventional current is the flow of electrical charge from the positive terminal to the negative terminal in a circuit. This direction of current was originally defined by Benjamin Franklin and is still used in most textbooks and engineering applications.

2. How does conventional current differ from electron flow?

Conventional current and electron flow are opposite in direction. While conventional current flows from positive to negative, electron flow is the movement of negatively charged electrons from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. This difference in direction is due to the historical convention of defining current flow.

3. What are the benefits of using conventional current?

Conventional current provides a standard and consistent reference for analyzing and designing electrical circuits. It also allows for easier understanding and communication between engineers and scientists, as well as easier integration with existing electrical systems.

4. How is conventional current measured?

Conventional current is measured using an ammeter, which is connected in series with the circuit. The ammeter measures the flow of charge through the circuit and displays the reading in units of amperes (A).

5. Why is conventional current still used if electron flow is the actual movement of charge?

Conventional current is still used because it has been the standard for many years and is deeply ingrained in the field of electrical engineering. Switching to electron flow would require a significant relearning and restructuring of the field, which is not necessary for most practical applications. Additionally, conventional current is still a valid and useful concept for analyzing and designing circuits.

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