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Suggestions on transistor to use to control 120V devices

I have been looking at some circuits using triacs and mosfets to
control devices that run on 120V power mains. The mosfets & triacs in
these circuits were able to manage about 300 watts. This made me start
thinking about power transistors also. What are some transistors (part
numbers) that would be able to control 120V devices in the 300 watt
range? I know that a trasistors probably are not the best choice for
this application, but I want to experiment anyway. Humor me.

Also, what if I want to control some real power like maybe 600-1200
watts. Any suggestions for mosfets, triacs, and transistors in this
range?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
 
W

Wim Lewis

Jan 1, 1970
0
I have been looking at some circuits using triacs and mosfets to
control devices that run on 120V power mains. The mosfets & triacs in
these circuits were able to manage about 300 watts. This made me start
thinking about power transistors also. What are some transistors (part
numbers) that would be able to control 120V devices in the 300 watt
range? I know that a trasistors probably are not the best choice for
this application, but I want to experiment anyway. Humor me.

well, 300 W at 120 V means 2.5 Amps RMS, or about 3.5 Amps peak if
it's a resistive load. Glancing through a parts catalog, I see
lots of BJTs that are spec'd to handle 3A or so, such as the TIP102.
But that doesn't have the voltage rating you'd need. The 2N6547 and
2N6678 might work. They have pretty low beta, so you'd need to use them
as part of a Darlington or something. Maybe a TIP102 followed by a
2N6678?

Triacs are definitely an easier way to do it, though, if you just
want on/off control of an AC-powered load.
 
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