Darlington pairs, or Darlington transistors, are semiconductor devices comprising two standard bipolar junction transistors (BJT), allowing high current gain. The Darlington pair amplifies weak signals, allowing them to be detected by other sources such as computers, microprocessors, or circuits. One of the two transistors is high-gain, whereas the alternate is high current.
Why use Darlington pairs?
Darlington pairs feature various key attributes and are a convenient source of high current gain with very compact footprints and minimal space on printed circuit boards. Furthermore, they offer high input impedance for the entire circuit and are available as either a single package or separate dual transistors.
Darlington pair types:
Darlington transistors come in different configurations and are supplied in varied forms, such as:
- NPN (Negative-Positive-Negative) Transistors
- PNP (Positive-Negative-Positive) Transistors
- Darlington Array IC package
- Simple Discrete components
- Standard Package (SOT-23, TO-252, SOIC, TO-220)
What are the uses of Darlington pairs?
As they function to gain a very high current, they are ideal for use in power applications in:
- Relays
- Driving Motors
- Display Drivers
- Power Regulators
- Light Sensors
- Touch Sensors
- Audio Outputs
- Supply Outputs.
Note: They should not be used in high-frequency applications as the base current supply cannot be turned off quickly.
