Transistor Resistance: Find Current & Formula

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the resistance characteristics of transistors, specifically how they affect current in a circuit. Participants explore the implications of transistor behavior on current flow, the role of the base-emitter junction, and the definitions of static and dynamic resistance in the context of transistor operation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether transistors provide a specific resistance and seeks to understand how to calculate it, using a hypothetical circuit example.
  • Another participant explains that the base-emitter junction functions as a diode requiring a minimum voltage (approximately 0.7V) to conduct significant current, impacting the voltage across the resistor.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the base-emitter junction does not abruptly conduct at 0.7V, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of current-voltage characteristics.
  • One participant agrees with the previous point, noting that the 0.7V is a rule-of-thumb and highlights the importance of examining characteristic curves for accurate design considerations.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of static versus dynamic resistance in transistors, indicating the complexity of defining resistance in semiconductor devices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the nature of resistance in transistors, with some agreeing on the significance of the base-emitter voltage while others emphasize the complexity of resistance definitions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of resistance in transistors.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the non-linear voltage-to-current characteristics of transistors and the distinction between static and dynamic resistance, indicating that definitions may depend on specific conditions and contexts.

LtIvan
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Do transistors give a certain resistance?
If so how do you find this resistance?
Say Hypothetically for the following example. Refer to (fig.1).
The resistor's value is 100Ω, source is 3V.
Say if the transistor wasn't there, the amp would be 0.03A or 30mA.
But when I run this in a simulation, the amp across the ciruit is 0.02252A or 22.52mA.
How is the transistor affecting the current and is there a formula?
 

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The base-emitter junction inside the transistor is actually a diode. This diode needs at least 0.7V across it before it will conduct appreciable current. This leaves 2.3V or less across the resistor. The 22.53mA shows that the actual voltage drop across the base-emitter diode is 0.748V, which is reasonable for a small transistor.
 
Thankyou.
That helped a lot.
 
Tom.G said:
The base-emitter junction inside the transistor is actually a diode. This diode needs at least 0.7V across it before it will conduct appreciable current.
Looking at the current-voltage characteristics of the B-E path (as for any pn junction) we see a typical exponential function with a current even for voltages as low as 0.1 volt. What is an "appreciable" current? I think, it is necessary again to mention that the pn junction does not "suddenly" open at a voltage of 0.7 V (as some newcomers might think).
 
@LvW

I agree. The 0.7V is just a 'typical' rule-of-thumb used during a quick-look circuit evaluation. Especially for design, a look at the characterisric curves is essential. (as the OP 0.748V example points out!)
 
LtIvan said:
Do transistors give a certain resistance?
If so how do you find this resistance?

Each transistor (BJT and FET) as well as each semiconductor device (diode) has a strong non-linear voltage-to-current characteristics.
Therefore, speaking about "resistances" it is very important strongly to discriminate between STATIC (R=V/I) and DYNAMIC (r=dV/dI=v/i) resistances.
So - what is your problem? A transistor is a three-terminal device and we can define two resistances (static, dynamic) at the input as well as at the output port.
 

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