Electronics Basics Lab
MTE 102
Lecture #7
Bipolar Junction Transistor
As a Switch
Instructor: L.A. Ahmed M. Elsayed
➢ Objective
• Discuss how a BJT is used as a switch
• Describe BJT switching operation
• Explain the conditions in cutoff
• Explain the conditions in saturation
➢ Index
• Switching operation
• A simple application of a transistor switch
• Simulation
➢Switching Operation
➢ A major application area is switching applications. When used as an
electronic switch, a BJT is normally operated alternately in cutoff and
saturation. Many digital circuits use the BJT as a switch.
➢ In part (a), the transistor is in the cutoff region because the base-emitter junction is not
forward-biased. In this condition, there is, ideally, an open between collector and
emitter, as indicated by the switch equivalent.
➢ In part (b), the transistor is in the saturation region because the base emitter junction
and the base-collector junction are forward-biased and the base current is made large
enough to cause the collector current to reach its saturation value. In this condition,
there is, ideally, a short between collector and emitter, as indicated by the switch
equivalent.
➢ Actually, a small voltage drop across the transistor of up to a few tenths of a volt
normally occurs, which is the saturation voltage, VCE(sat).
➢ Conditions in Cutoff As mentioned before, a transistor is
in the cutoff region when the base-emitter junction is not
forward-biased. Neglecting leakage current, all of the
currents are zero, and V is equal to V .
CE CC
𝑽𝑪𝑬(𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒐𝒇𝒇) = 𝑽𝑪𝑪
➢Conditions in Saturation As you have learned, when the base-emitter
junction is forward-biased and there is enough base current to produce
a maximum collector current, the transistor is saturated. The formula
for collector saturation current is
𝑽𝑪𝑪 − 𝑽𝑪𝑬(𝒔𝒂𝒕)
𝑰𝑪(𝒔𝒂𝒕) =
𝑹𝑪
➢ A Simple Application of a
Transistor Switch
• A square wave input voltage with a period
of 2 s is applied to the input as indicated.
When the square wave is at 0 V, the
transistor is in cutoff; and since there is
no collector current, the LED does not
emit light. When the square wave goes to
its high level, the transistor saturates. This
forward-biases the LED, and the resulting
collector current through the LED causes
it to emit light. Thus, the LED is on for 1
second and off for 1 second.
➢ Simulation
➢ Application
Power circuit
Controller circuit
➢ direction control for DC motor
➢ Speed control for DC motor
using 555 IC
R1
1k
U1 Q2
8
4 3
R2 TIP120
VCC
R Q
22R
7
C2 DC
5
CV
0.01uf D2D1
1N4148 1N4148
GND
2
TR TH
6 BAT1
RV2 9V
100k
1
C1 555
0.1uf 10%
Now add the direction control
circuit with the speed control
circuit to have a direction and
speed control for a DC motor
