On 15/04/2011 16:59, V G wrote: > I didn't know the gain worked like that. I assumed 10 mA into the base = =3D > 1000 mA pulled by the collector. I tested it on LTSpice and that's what I > saw as well. > If the current gain is 100, then that is what the collector will sink,=20 but the emitter will sink 1010mA. Check the Ie on LTSpice, compare it with the Ic and you will find the=20 difference is Ib. If this Ib is flowing through a low side sense resistor then it will add=20 an error, as you are sensing the Ie but wanting to control Ic. This is=20 why a high side sense resistor would be better, but that requires a=20 differential amp, or use a load with less base current, like a Fet or a=20 Darlington. > If I drive the base with 10 mA, why does the collector only pull 990 mA? > > Also, if I use a Darlington pair, should I use a small transistor as the > first transistor and the large transistor for the second? Or should both = of > them be the same large transistor? > To measure current, I'll just measure the voltage drop across the load > resistor and adjust the base current according to that. Where will the load resistor be? --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .