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KEC Semiconductors' General Purpose Transistor

KEC's General Purpose Bipolar Transistor enhances energy efficiency with low power consumption and minimal loss rates. These transistors are available in packages that comply with the AEC-Q101 certification, making them suitable for automotive applications. KEC, a specialist in power semiconductors, was established as Korea Electronic Holdings in 1969. The company has played a significant role in the development of the Korean electronics industry for over five decades and aims to become a centennial corporation. KEC focuses on non-memory power semiconductors and has long-term partnerships with major domestic automobile and appliance manufacturers. Additionally, the company is expanding its global presence by increasing exports to China, Japan, and the USA.

KEC Electronics offers a wide range of in-stock radial and surface mount transistors, including:

  • High power and low power NPN
  • High power and low power PNP
  • Bias resistor transistors
  • High power audio transistors
  • PNP/NPN audio drivers
  • Audio Darlington transistors
  • Medium power low saturation transistors
  • 500mW transistors
  • 625mW transistors
  • SOT-23 general purpose transistors

Features and Benefits

  • High current capacity
  • Three current gain selections
  • Qualified according to AEC-Q101, recommended for automotive applications

Applications

  • General-purpose switching
  • Amplification

Packages

  • DPAK
  • ESM
  • IPAK
  • SOT-23
  • SOT-23(1)
  • SOT-89
  • TES6
  • TESV
  • TFSM
  • TO-126
  • TO-220IS
  • TO-220IS(1)
  • TO-3P(H)IS
  • TO-3P(L)
  • TO-3P(N)
  • TO-3P(N)-E
  • TO-92(AT)
  • TO-92L(AT)
  • TS6
  • TSM
  • ULP-3(1)
  • US6
  • USM
  • USV
  • VSM

When selecting a transistor for your project, there are numerous options available, which can make the decision process challenging. Before delving into detailed specifications, consider using one of these general-purpose transistors. Every electronics engineer's toolbox should include a few of each type.

Transistors are highly versatile discrete components used in both digital and analog circuits. In digital circuits, they function as switches, while in analog circuits, they amplify signals. They are commonly used to turn on loads that could damage the I/O pins of microcontrollers or microprocessors. Depending on the load current requirements, either a BJT or a MOSFET can be used.

Polarity Options

  • NPN
  • NPN_NPN
  • NPN_PNP
  • PNP
  • PNP_PNP

Transistors are fundamental components in nearly all electronic circuits. They are semiconductor devices primarily used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. Transistors are composed of semiconductor material and are broadly categorized into PNP and NPN types. With three terminals, applying a voltage or current to one pair of the transistor's terminals controls the current through another pair. Depending on the input voltage or current, the output current or voltage can be either zero or higher than the input, allowing the transistor to function as a switch or amplifier.

Designers heavily rely on transistors in electronic circuits, selecting suitable ones based on current and voltage ratings. With numerous types available from various manufacturers, comparing technical specifications and characteristics is crucial for meeting application requirements.

To switch on a circuit or load, consider whether you need to bias or energize your transistor switch with positive or negative current (NPN or PNP type, respectively). An NPN transistor is activated by a positive current at the base to control current flow from collector to emitter, while a PNP transistor is activated by a negative current at the base to control flow from emitter to collector. After determining the bias voltage, identify the voltage and current requirements of the load to establish the minimum ratings for the transistor.