NTE159M Transistor : Pin Configuration & Its Applications

• The NTE159M is a general-purpose PNP transistor with a maximum gain of 300 and a collector current of 600mA. It has a low collector saturation voltage of 1V and can be used in switching and amplifier circuits.

Now we know that NTE159M is nothing but a simple three-terminal PNP resistor, lets try to understand, what is a PNP resistor and how does it work?

• A PNP transistor is a bipolar junction transistor composed of an N-type semiconductor sandwiched between two P-type semiconductors. A PNP transistor has three terminals: a Collector (C), an Emitter (E), and a Base (B) (B). The PNP transistor functions similarly to two PN junction diodes connected back to back.

• A voltage source (VEB positive )’s terminal is connected to the Emitter (P-type), and the negative terminal is connected to the Base terminal (N-type). As a result, the Emitter-Base junction is biased forward.

• And the positive terminal of a voltage source (VCB) is linked to the Base terminal (N-type), while the negative terminal is linked to the Collector terminal (P-type). As a result, the Collector-Base junction is biased in reverse.
• Now the emitter-base junction is forward biased, the emitter pushes the holes towards the base region, resulting in an emitter current. Electrons combine with holes as they move into the N-type semiconductor or base.
• The base has a light doping and is relatively thin. As a result, only a few holes combine with the electrons, with the remainder moving towards the collector space charge layer. The base current is produced by this phenomenon. In p-n-p transistors, the current is carried by holes.

Pin Configurations NTE159M Transistor

• It has three terminals Base, Collector, and Emitter as shown below

• Base – Controls the biasing of the transistor; used to turn the transistor on or off.
• Collector – This pin allows current to flow and is normally connected to a load.
• Emitter – This pin is normally connected to a load and allows current to flow.

Features and specifications of NTE159M Transistor

• To-18 Package is available.
• The collector-base voltage (VCB) is set to 60V.
• The emitter-base voltage (VBE) is 5 volts.
• The constant collector current (IC) is 600mA.
• The frequency of transition is 200 MHz.
• 100 to 300 DC Current Gain (hFE).
• Power dissipation is 0.4 W.

Applications of NTE159M Transistor

• NTE159M are used as switches.
• These are employed in amplifying circuits.
• In matched pair circuits, PNP transistors are used to generate continuous power there also NTE159M can be employed.
• Darlington pair circuits also use this transistor.
• Class B amplifier designs.