building a 10mA current source

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gehan_s

Joined Sep 17, 2012
38
hey all,

i need to build a current source where i have to draw 10mA from a 1.25V to 20V varying DC supply. my question is will this work for the given ranges and if the voltage at the collector becomes 0V or at 20V will it destroy the transistor ???. this is what i have come up with

thanks in advance !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

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JDT

Joined Feb 12, 2009
657
That should work.

No you won't destroy the transistor with 0V on the collector (or open circuit).

For the high voltage check transistor max collector volts (probably any transistor OK for 20V) and maximum power dissipation (only 0.2W in your case so OK).

But if you were designing for higher currents or higher voltages you would also need to check the "Safe Operating Area" from the transistor data sheet.

Edit:
Don't forget that the transistor base current is also "measured" by the emitter resistor so for better accuracy I suggest a "darlington" pair of transistors should be used. (Can be got in a single package). Or better, a MOSFET.
 

bertus

Joined Apr 5, 2008
22,270
Hello,

The 25 Volts for the Vceo might be a bit short if you want to run it upto 20 Volts.
It might stress the transistor.
For safety take a transistor with a Vceo of at least 40 Volts.

Bertus
 

ErnieM

Joined Apr 24, 2011
8,377
It should "work," but it is regulating the base + collector current, not the collector current. A mosfet instead of a transistor would regulate drain current alone.
 

bountyhunter

Joined Sep 7, 2009
2,512
if the voltage at the collector becomes 0V or at 20V will it destroy the transistor ???.
You will have about 200 mW of power dissipation maximum. If it's a TO-92 device, it will raise the temp about 40C above ambient. A little hot but not dangerous.

Just don't use any of those microscopic tiny surface mount devices or they might cook too hot.
 
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