Darlington Transistors

Many circuits use Darlington transistors, where low inputs are amplified to drive bigger loads. Also known as a Darlington pair transistor, two transistors are connected, resulting in the electrical current from the first one being amplified by the second. Behaving as one transistor, the gains of both are multiplied, therefore creating a much larger overall gain to power the intended electrical device.

Darlington transistor circuits are most commonly used in small devices, such as audio, power supplies and LEDs. We have a large range of Darlington transistors to choose from in different sizes and specifications to fit your needs. Read on to discover more about the different types of Darlington transistors and what they can be used for.

What is a Darlington transistor?

A Darlington transistor configuration is essentially a circuit made of two transistors instead of one. The emitter of the first one connects to the base of the other to amplify the electrical current. Although they consist of two transistors, most Darlington power transistors are sold and packaged as one.

Because the transistors multiply to create a larger output, they only need a small current to enable amplification and are therefore a popular option for the smaller device. Darlington transistor amplifiers, however, should not be used for high frequency devices or applications due to an inability to immediately close off the base current.

Often popular in display drivers, audio, and power supply outputs and light or touch sensors, they are easy to use and configure. They are also ideal transistors to be used as an on/off switch in a circuit. A Darlington transistor circuit also takes up minimal space and is often considered an essential electrical component.

Types of Darlington transistor

Darlington transistors are either PNP or NPN transistors. The Darlington transistor NPN is the most common as it's generally a faster, high-speed amplifier. NPN transistors are easier to manufacture and, therefore, these will be the types most often used.

The Darlington transistor PNP, though less commonly used in applications, is the preferred option for class B amplifiers where they work together with an NPN transistor. Often, battery operated devices will use the PNP transistor.

We stock a wide range of options for both NPN and PNP Darlington transistors from some of North America's most trusted brands so you're sure to find one to suit you and your needs.

Specifications

Our Darlington transistors come in a wide range of specifications to suit your needs. Choose your preferred transistor type and, depending on your circuit type, you can select either a common base or dual base.

For collector to emitter voltage, our products range from 40v to 800v and our options for emitter to base voltage range from 5v to 13v. We also have different mounting options for easy assembly to ensure you receive the right Darlington transistor amplifier circuit for your needs.

Our drop-down menus allow you to easily filter our products to your exact specifications.

Choose the best Darlington transistor for your needs

We stock a large range of Darlington transistors from reputable manufacturers, including:

• Diodes Inc, Microchip Technology Inc.
• NTE Electronics Inc.
• ON Semiconductor
• Solid State Manufacturing

So, no matter which you choose, you can be sure you're choosing a well-known, high-quality product.

If you have any questions about our products or need some advice, simply contact us and we'll be happy to help. If you already know the exact product you need, our Quick Order Portal allows you to easily search by stock or part number and add to your cart.

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