Electronic – Not use current limiting resistor for switching device on off using TIP122 possible

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I wanting to control MP3 player and amplifier box through PIC board.

My project is doing announcement when person standing in near PIC board with proximity sensor.

When proximity sensor detecting people, sending signal that processing by PIC board.

Now from PIC I want turn on (person present) or off (person not present) the MP3 player and also the amplifier box connected to MP3 player output and speaker.

I thinking using cheap 5A BJT like TIP122 to turn on and off the MP3 player and also the amplifier box?

Now amplifier box requiring 30V @ 2.5A, so if I need put current limiting resistor for switching TIP122, then that resistor rating calculating as:

R = (30 - 1)V/ 2.5A = 11 Ohm
Wattage = (I**2) * R = (2.5**2) * 11 = 68.75W

This very big resistor impossible for purchasing!

I thinking if possible to completely not use current limiting resistor for switching TIP122 at all?

If this possible, then base of TIP122 connect to PIC pin and TIP122 in series with amplifier box power supply path sink.

Is this workable and reliable design (not want burn TIP122)?

Best Answer

You do not need a series resistor. Think of the transistor as a switch.

You do need a base drive resistor from the PIC.

BUT use a MOSFET - it will do a better job than the TIP122 and will cost no more.

Rushing out. Look at www.digikey.com. Search for MOSFET N Channel, set filtersto 100V min and say 10A and search based on lowest price in stock in 1's.

More later maybe ...