Everything You Need to Know About MOSFET Transistor BS170

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A MOSFET transistor BS170 is an N-channel enhancement field effect transistor that has a wide range in modern electric devices, especially those that involve the transmission and reception of signals. It is mainly designed for switching and amplification functions.

Like most MOSFETs, this one has three terminals, the Source(S), Drain (D) and Gate (G). Electric signal or current flows from the source to the Gate (G).  The transistor comes with a specific rated current, voltage and power capacities.

Are you undertaking a project that will require low power? This is the ideal MOSFET transistor to use. Keep reading as we dig more about MOSFET transistor BS170. At the end of it, you will know what it does, where to use it and how to choose the best supplier of this transistor.

Structure of MOSFET transistor BS170

This transistor comprises of three terminals. These are the source, the drain and the Gate terminals. The whole setup is made of the semiconductor material  and silicon is preferred. Different regions of the structure are doped with different materials to give it the ultimate electrical property.

Some regions have plenty of free electrons and are called the N-type region while others have less electrons and are called P regions. Since this is an N-channel MOSFET, positive voltage is applied on the channel between the Drain and the Source.

A thin layer of silicon oxide is deposited on the top of the semiconductor and it serves as an insulator between the Gate and the semiconductor material used. This oxide layer also serves as a dielectric whereby it controls the flow of current between the source and the Drain terminals of the MOSFET.

How does MOSFET BS170 transistor work?

The working principle of MOSFET BS170 transistor is based on the general operation of most MOSFET transistors. As we have already mentioned, it works by controlling the flow of electric current from the source to the drain. The control action is executed by applying a specified amount of voltage at the Gate terminal.

Once you apply a positive voltage at the  Gate terminal, an electric field is created. This field is powerful enough to attract the electrons at the interface between the semiconductor material of the transistor and the metal oxide layer. In doing so, it will create a path or channel through which the current flows from the Drain terminal to the Source terminal.

BS170 transistor technical specifications

Here are the key specs about this MOSFET transistor:

• Gate-Source Voltage (Vgs): 20V
• Drain-Source Voltage (Vds):60V
• Power Dissipation (Pd): 625mW
• Continuous Drain Current (Id): 500mA
• Junction Temperature (Tj) -55°C to + -150°C

MOSFET BS170 transistor Pinout

The pinout of this transistor is as follow

• Source  (S): This terminal is to be connected to the negative terminal or ground of the circuit
• Gate (G): The Gate terminal of the transistor is to be connected to the input voltage or control signal of the circuit
• Drain (D): This terminal is to be connected to the positive terminal or load of the circuit

How is BS170 integrated to the target device?

Now that you know how BS170 transistor works and its application, how is it integrated to the target device so that it can execute its functions?

The integration of this transistor will depend on its function in the device and application area.

One technique of integration is if you intend to use the transistor as a switch. Here, The Gate terminal of the MOSFET is directly connected to the control signal. This signal is capable of turning the transistor On and Off by supplying the required voltage to the Gate. You will then connect the Drain terminal to the load of the circuit such as light or motor and the Source terminal to the Ground.

The same integration technique works in other applications of the BS170 transistor such as amplifiers. Otherwise, the design of this transistor allows it to be easily mounted on the printed circuit board just like other electronic components.

All the three terminals are connected to their respective pins using the relevant wires and in some cases the traces. Standard soldering techniques are applicable when integrating the transistor to the circuit and PCB.

In overall, the make and design of the BS170 transistor allows it to fit perfectly into different circuits without putting too much effort.

Applications of BS170 MOSFET

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Here are some common applications of the BS170 MOSFET transistor:

• Switches: BS170 transistors are designed to serve as switches in electric circuits. Their working mechanism can turn the loads on and off when needed. Th e switching application is common in LED lights and motor
• Amplification:  The transistor is used as an amplifier whereby it accepts small input  signal and generates large output signal.
• Oscillators: Here, the BS170 are designed to generate signals of specific frequency.

BS170 Transistor Packaging

MOSFET BS170 transistor comes in the TO-92 package. This is quite a small terminal package that is designed to accommodate the three terminals of the transistor. From the packaging, you can tell the approximate size of the transistor. It measures 4.5mm×4.5mm×5mm in terms of the LWH. However, these dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Also, MOSFET BS170 transistor has a quite a distinctive shape whereby its front is flat and the back is curved. The three terminals of the transistor (SDG) are at the bottom of the TO-92 package and are arranged in a triangular pattern. The source terminal is to the left of the package The Drain is to the right while the Gate terminal is at the center of the package.

In overall, MOSFET BS170 transistor features a compact design and packaging. This feature alone makes it flexible and easy to use. The design also makes it compatible with an array of breadboards and other boards used in electronic projects.

What is equivalent to BS170 MOSFET?

The ideal equivalents to this transistor include 2N7000, IRFZ44, IRF540N,IRF3205 and 2N7002 (SMD version).

These MOSFET transistors have the same pinout and specifications as the BS170 MOSFET hence are interchangeable.

I hope that now you have all the information you need about the BS170 MOSFET transistor. In case you need any other information, find it from reputable transistor suppliers and distributors in China.

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