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The PNP transistor is a mystery to many. But it doesn’t have to be. If you want to design circuits with transistors, it’s really worth knowing about this type of transistor.
For example: Want to automatically turn on a light when it gets dark? The PNP transistor will make this easy for you.
If you understand the NPN transistor, it will make it easier to understand the PNP transistor. They work pretty much in the same way, with one major difference: The currents in the PNP transistor flow in the opposite directions of the currents in the NPN transistor.
Note: This topic is much easier with an understanding of current flow and voltages.
How PNP Transistors Work
The PNP transistor has the same leg names as the NPN:
- Base
- Emitter
- Collector
A PNP transistor will “turn on” when you have a small current running from emitter to base of the transistor. When I say “turn on”, I mean that the transistor will open up a channel between emitter and collector. And this channel can carry a much larger current.
To get current running from emitter to base, you need a voltage difference of about 0.7V. Since the current goes from emitter to base, the base needs to be 0.7V lower than the emitter.
By setting the base voltage of a PNP transistor to 0.7V lower than the emitter, you “turn the transistor on” and allow for current to flow from emitter to collector.
I know this can sound a bit confusing, so read on to see how you can design a circuit with the PNP transistor.
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Example: PNP Transistor Circuit
