Instead the TIP120, like other bipolar transistors. are current amplifiers - put a little current in and they will switch much larger values. As the TIP120 is a Darlington (actually TWO transistors inside the case) its gain is much higher than a single transistor. For the TIP120 the gain is 1000 so if you put in 1 milliamp it can pass 1 full amp through the collector-emitter circuit to drive that motor.
hope that helps!
MJAndersonPhoto 1 year ago
Instead the TIP120, like other bipolar transistors. are current amplifiers - put a little current in and they will switch much larger values. As the TIP120 is a Darlington (actually TWO transistors inside the case) its gain is much higher than a single transistor. For the TIP120 the gain is 1000 so if you put in 1 milliamp it can pass 1 full amp through the collector-emitter circuit to drive that motor.
MJAndersonPhoto 1 year ago
Clarification. Per the data sheet, the Emitter-Base Voltage spec of 5 volts does not mean it "needs" 5v it means that above that it will burn out.
MJAndersonPhoto 1 year ago
@MJAndersonPhoto
oic ok thx
xy9izzy 1 year ago