If my collector current VCC = 3.3V & Ic = 31.82uA then how to calculate minimum base current is required put transistor in saturation mode? Depending on it I will calculate base series resistor
As per my understanding hfe varies drastically in saturation region. Which hfe value to put into Ic = hfeIb formula?
Best Answer
The Vce(sat) curves on a typical datasheet for that part don't go under 1mA (see figures 2 and 6). Gain drops at lower current, especially on some older parts, but it's probably >> 20 at 31uA Ic. The MMBT4401, for example, lists minimum hFE as 20 at 100uA, but typically the gain does not drop off as rapidly as that would suggest (see figure 1).
You are probably safe using Ic/Ib = 10 (as in figure 2), but Ic/Ib = 5 would be even safer, since the datasheet is silent on lower collector currents.
The minimum is a bad number to use, it will vary from part to part. You want to use a safe number that will saturate any transistor you pull off any given reel of parts and will saturate it at the maximum Ic and over the entire operating temperature range.