Build Simple Transistor Circuits

A compilation of important assorted transistor simple circuits to build has been included here.

Simple Transistor Circuits for New Hobbyists

Many simple transistor configurations like, rain alarm, delay timer, set reset latch, crystal tester, light sensitive switch and many more have been discussed in this article.

In this compilation of simple transistor circuits (schematics) you will come across many small very important transistor configurations, especially designed and compiled for new budding electronic enthusiasts.

The simple circuits to build (schematics) shown below have very useful applications and are yet easy to build even for new electronic enthusiasts. Let’s begin discussing them:

Adjustable DC power supply:

A very nice adjustable power supply unit may be built using just a couple of transistors and a few other passive components.

The circuit provides good load regulation, its maximum current being not more than 500mA, sufficient for most applications.

Highly Recommended: Projects for the Beginners

Rain Alarm

This circuit is built around just two transistors as the main active components.

The configuration is in the form of a standard Darlington pair, which increases its current amplification capacity hugely.

Rain drops or water drops falling and bridging the base with the positive supply is enough to trigger the alarm.

Hum free power supply:

For many audio amplifier circuits hum pick-ups can become a big nuisance, even proper grounding sometimes are unable to rectify this problem.

However, a high-power transistor and a few capacitors when connected as shown can definitely curb this problem and provide the required hum free and ripple free power to the entire circuit.

Set-Reset Latch:

This circuit also utilizes a very few components and will faithfully set and reset the relay and the output load according to the input commands.

Pressing the upper push switch energizes the circuit and the load, whereas it is deactivated by pressing the lower push button.

Simple Delay Timer

A very simple yet very effective timer circuit can be designed by incorporating just two transistors and other handful of components.

Pressing the push ON switch instantly charges the 1000uF capacitor and switching ON the transistors and the relay.
Even after releasing the switch the circuit holds on the position until C1 is completely discharged. The time delay is determined by the values of R1 and C1. In the present design it’s around 1 minute.

Crystal Tester:

Crystals can be quite unfamiliar components especially with the electronic novices.

The shown circuit is basically a standard Colpitts oscillator incorporating a crystal to initiate its oscillations.

If the connected crystal is a good one, will be indicated through the illuminated bulb, a faulty crystal will keep the lamp shut.

Water Level Warning Indicator:

No more peeping and nervous apprehensions with overflowing water tanks.

This circuit will produce a nice little buzzing sound well before you tank spills over.

Nothing can be as simple as this one. Keep watching for more of these little giants, I mean simple circuits to build with huge potentials.

Hand Stability Tester:

Pretty confident regarding your hand dexterity? The present circuit can definitely challenge you.

Build this circuit and just try sliding a constricted metal ring over the positive supply terminal without touching it.
A buzzing sound from the speaker will entitle you with “antsy hands”.

Light Sensitive Switch:

If you are interested to build a low-cost light dependent switch, then this circuit is just for you.

The idea is simple, a presence of light switches OFF the relay and the connected load, absence of light does exactly the opposite.

Need more explanations or help? Just keep posting your valuable comments (comments need moderation, may take time to appear).

Simple Tester Circuit

Passive testing of an electronic circuit appears pretty straightforward job. All you want is really a Ohm meter.

Sadly, still, working with this type of device for semiconductors is not really advisable. The output currents will probably harm semiconductor junctions.

The tester explained in this write-up is simple to construct and possesses the benefit that a maximum of around 50 µA can only be delivered in the circuit under test.

Therefore it may be used for the majority of standard IC's and semiconductors which includes MOS based elements. The indication is implemented through a little loudspeaker, to ensure that in the course of testing, it isn't required to keep on referring to the testing device rather than the concentrating on the test points.

The transistor T1 and T2 constitute a basic voltage controlled LF-oscillator, with a loudspeaker working like a load. The oscillator frequency is formed by C1, R1, R4 and the external resistance between the measuring leads. Resistor R3 is the collector resistance of T2; C2 behaves like a low frequency decoupling of this particular resistor.

As previously mentioned, the tester never will cause any sort of harm to the circuit under check; alternatively, it is best to include diodes D1 and D2 in order that the circuit under test is no way able to counter damage the tester parts. So long as you don't have an electrical interconnection between the testing prods, the circuit pulls absolutely no current. Battery-life can then be approximately same as the shelf life of the battery.

Car Fused Tail Lamp Indicator

For those who would like to be assured that the lamps on their automobile are in excellent order, this circuit is probably the remedy. It is quite basic and offers an honest indication any time a specific light fuses or stops working. With respect to the current drawn by the lamp L, a voltage drop develops around resistance Rx.

This voltage drop should result in being around 400 mV, which can help determine the value of R.. For instance, if it is the tail lights, where a pair of lamps of 10 W 12 V may be parallel, Rx may be worked out as given below:

The current may be expressed as P/V = 20/12 = 1.7 amps

Then Rx can be calculated as V / I = 0.4 / 1.67 = 0.24 Ohms

Due to the fact the 400 mV drop develops across RX, T1 is typically switched ON leading to T2 getting cut off. In case one of the tail lights blows out, the current by means of Rx is lowered by one half, which is 0.84 Amp. The voltage drop across Rx at this point results in being 0.84 x 0.24 = 0.2 V.

This voltage looks appreciably minimal to activate T1, which means this T2 now gets base current via R1, and the LED illuminates. To get a well-performing indication on lamps failure, it is suggested to make use of a single detector circuit for may be only a couple of lamps.

It is rather allowable, nonetheless, to use a single LED for a number of detectors: D1 and R3 work commonly to all sensors, and the collectors of all T2 transistors may be wired up with each other. R3 must be 470 Ohms for a 12 V circuitry and 220 Ohms for a 6 V procedure.

Simple Regulated Variable Power Supply

A very simple variable power supply with stabilized output can e built with just a couple of transistors as shown below:

Transistors T1 and T2 form a high current gain Darlington pair for controlling the output voltage. Since the design is basically an emitter follower, the emitter output follows the base voltage, which means varying the base voltage proportionately varies the emitter output voltage.

R1, along with the zener diode determines the base voltage of the Darlington which in turn provides the equivalent emitter output voltage.

R1 and the zener can be fixed as desired, by selecting the values as per the following date:

PCB Design for the above transistorized stabilized power supply can be seen in the following figure.

Simple 30 Watt Power Amplifier Circuit

This simple 30 watt fully transistorized amplifier circuit can be used for powering small speaker systems from USB or from mobile, Ipod music sources. The unit will provide great sounding amplified music output sufficient for any small room.

The distortion level for this 30 watt transistor amplifier circuit is highly reduced and the stability is awesome.

Capacitor C7 is positioned to make up for the phase shift from the output transistors. The value of R1 is decreased to 56 k, and supplemental decoupling, by means of a 47 k resistor and a I0 µF capacitor are placed in series with high potential side of R1 and power supply positive.

The output impedance is rather minimal, since T5/T7 and T6/T8 work like power darlingtons. The control amplifier stage is effectively competent at delivering the 1-V RMS input voltage.

Due to the reduced input sensitivity, the amplifier provides excellent stability and its level of sensitivity to hum is minimal. Significant negative feedback through R4 and R5 guarantees reduced distortion. Optimum allowable supply voltage is 42 V.

The power supply circuit must be designed as a stabilized power supply unit for the amplifier. Besides the heat sinks presented the 3nos 2N3055 transistors needs to be cooled down by clamping them on the metal cabinet using mica insulating washers. The power supply table is designed for stereo.

Electrical Specifications for the 30 watt amplifier circuit is given below:

Full parts list for the the above amplifier circuit

Car Interior Lights Delay OFF

When a vehicle trip begins after sunset, it is helpful to provide a system that can keep the interior lights on sometime after the doors have been locked, making it easy for the drivers to strap seat belts and turn the ignition key. A simple delay OFF circuit shown below can be used for implementing this function perfectly.

When the doors are shut, the door contact is opened, disconnecting the transistor base from the ground line vi D3. This breaks the ground bias for the pnp transistor. However, the relay still holds for sometime due to C1, which allows the BC557 base current to conduct via C1 and the relay coil, until eventually the C1 charges fully and shuts off the transistors and the relay.

7-Segment Display Light controller Circuit

Typical 7 Segment display currents should be restricted to approximately 25 mA, which is normally carried out through series resistors. When fitted with resistors, the display illumination cannot be any further altered. The circuit demonstrated here, alternatively, supplies the display from an adjustable voltage source built with an emitter follower circuit.

Display's LED illumination varies according to the adjustments of voltage controls P1 (coarse) and P2 (fine), approximately within 0 and 43 volts, the precise setting being somewhat crucial because of the diode characteristic of the LED.

While adjusting the display light, the voltage output is initially fixed at the minimum point, after that steadily increased attain the proper brightness.

The overall current for any 7-digit display must not go over around 1 amp to get a safe and sound segment current of 25 mA (7 segments at 25 mA for 6 digits). The selection of the series transistor (T1) is determined through its recommended dissipation spec.

Operating Relay with Lower Supply voltage

Once a relay is operated with the rated voltage, it is actually able to hold the activation even if the driving voltage is reduced considerably. With reduced voltage it allows the relay to perform optimally yet save power.

However, the initial voltage has to be close to the relay's specified voltage, otherwise the relay may not activate.

The circuit explained below allows the relay to switch ON from a lower than the rated supply by ensuring that at the switch ON the voltage is boosted through a diode/capacitor voltage doubler network. This boosted voltage provides the relay with the required higher initial supply. Once the activation is accomplished, the voltage drops to the lower value, enabling the relay to hold and work with a reduced economical power.

Simple Two Transistor Oscillator

This small experimental two transistor oscillator circuit can easily create audible frequencies within the range between 100 Hz and 2 kHz, operating a little loudspeaker. The circuit could be driven through 4nos of AA cells or constant 6 volt power supply. Current specifications for this circuit is determined by the power supply voltage and the impedance of the loudspeaker used and the range normally can be from 10 to 300 mA.

Potentiometer P1 sets the running frequency spectrum which is established inside a wide range of values. Potentiometers upto 1 M ohms may be tried, transforming the frequency range bottom control to approximately 10 Hz. C1 may likewise be modified, and values between 0.01 uF and 0.22 uF can suit the testing.

Bigger C1 values will generate frequencies in the bottom spectrum of the range. The circuit works extremely well in applications like alarms, video games, playthings and to get more info regarding transistorized oscillators.

FET Lamp Flasher

The simple lamp flasher circuit is created using a couple of FET's, that are put together like a basic astable multivibrator. These transistors conduct alternately and switch ON/OFF the two lamps.

The R/C values shown in the diagram fixes the flashing rate to about 1/3rd Hz. By simply adjusting either the values of the resistor or the capacitor pretty much any flashing rate can be obtained. For using higher rated bulbs you can put more number of MOSFTs in parallel, without employing any specific current dependent parts.

The lamps can be a typical 12V to 14V lamp having 6 ohms resistance with cold filament. Whenever 12 volts is utilized, the starting current used by the circuit will be 2 amps. The same lamp, once switched ON and OFF mode will work using only 200 mA.

Double LED Flasher

The transistor astable, often known as a square-wave generator, is a flexible circuit. For illustration, the diagram below demonstrates how this can blink a couple of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) once every second. The time constant values of resistive-capacitive configurations R4 and C1 and R3 and C2 determine the flashing frequency.

The LEDs are connected in series to the collectors of transistors Q1 and Q2, and both strobe on and off in uniform out-of-phase. Changing the values of R4 and C1 or R3 and C2 will vary the flashing rate. To convert the circuit into a one-LED flasher, swap one of the LEDs with a short jumper.

9 V Neon Globe Flasher Circuit

Flashing neon globes are employed in numerous applications, but their fairly excessive operating voltage prohibits their normal use in situations where a mains supply cannot be accessed.

This proposed neon globe flasher circuit circuit makes it possible for neon bulbs to be powered through a low voltage dc supply. The voltage necessary to fire up the neon tube is achieved through an normal step down transformer 240-6.3V connected in the in the reverse order. The circuit's battery drain is pretty low which can be in the range of 1 to 2 milliamps with respect to a 9 volt battery supply.

Q1 is a unijunction transistor that is configured to work like a relaxation oscillator. Its functional frequency is established by the R2 -C1 network. The pulses generated from the UJT Q1 are fed to the transistor Q2 which consequently switches transistor Q3 into saturation.

The sharp increase in the current arising from the 6.3V transformer winding due to Q3 going into saturation mode, forces a high voltage into the secondary winding of the transformer triggering the neon globe to flash. The diode D1 is positioned to safeguard the transistor coming from high voltage spikes produced due to the inductive switching of the transformer.

Simple Beeper Circuit

This simple beeper circuit is built around an assymetric multivibrator initialized through a pushbutton. The loudspeaker is a tiny piece having a coil impedance of about 25 to 40 ohms. You can also use earphones having an impedance of around 500 ohms instead of the recommended speaker.

The resistor R1 can be employed for adjusting the audio frequency range of the beeper. You can use any silicon, NPN, low frequency, small signal transistor for Q1 for example AC127, BC107, BC108 etc, and for Q2 any PNP transistor such as 8550, 2N2907, BD140 etc can be tried. The battery specifications can be according to the drain current of Q2.

Single Transistor Bass/Treble Circuit

This basic one transistor circuit will deliver roughly 15 dB boost at 100 Hz, or cut at 15 kHz. A low noise general purpose audio transistor is employed in this simple bass, treble circuit, and the output could be coupled straight into any power amplifier volume control, where the tone control is usually configured.

The gain of this single transistor tone control circuit is close to unity, when measured with the controls adjusted in the "flat" position.

Class A Amplifier

This is actually a Class A amplifier, which means it can drive a load with an impedance more than 65 ohms, for example a small speaker or headset. A quiescent current of roughly 20 milliamperes is drawn by the amplifier. Conversely, by raising the value of R3, this drain could be decreased. The transistors Q1 and Q2 are set up as common-emitter amplifiers, with Q1's output linked directly to Q2's input.

The total voltage gain of this circuit is around 80 dB. Observe how capacitor C3 decouples resistor R3, Q2's emitter load, such that the Q2 emitter voltage follows the average collector voltage of Q1.

Using R2, the base bias for Q1 is obtained from the emitter of Q2. Negative DC feedback stabilizes the bias in this setup. The loudness of the circuit is controlled by the input potentiometer R4.

Noise Limiter Circuit

Audio noise may be irritating, specifically when attempting to listen to a poor broadcast channel. You could discover that the undesired background noise totally drowns out the broadcast signal, rendering it unusable. The transistorized noise limiter circuit depicted in the diagram below can be used to solve this problem.

Using potentiometer R3, both the signal and the noise are sent to amplifier Q1 in this circuit. These waveforms are amplified identically by transistor Q1, however diodes D1 and D2 restrict the peak-to-peak output fluctuation of Q1 to around 1.2 volts.

The noise peaks would not surpass the signal output if R3 is set so that the signal output is increased to this peak level. As a result, the signal strength might be more clear and understandable.

Beat Frequency Oscillator BFO

Inductance-capacitance (LC) oscillators have a wide range of applications in test equipment and practical circuits. A local oscillator, sometimes known as a beat frequency oscillator or BFO, can be built using a single BJ, as shown in the figure below.

The collector load of transistor Q1 is a tweaked 465 kHz intermediate frequency transformer, which is arranged as a traditional Hartley oscillator. When the transformer's inbuilt tuning capacitor is removed, variable capacitor C1 converts into the variable-frequency oscillator's tuning control. The output frequency may be set anywhere between 465 kHz and 1.7 MHz.

When a radio capable of detecting broadcasting range frequencies is positioned close to the signal generation circuit, this would catch the oscillation frequency. A beat note could be audible if the signal generator is adjusted to the radio's intermediate frequency. Continuous-wave or single-sideband broadcasts could be easily received as a result.

Simplest Metal Detector

The following single transistor circuit diagram is a variation of the aforementioned BFO idea, however it does not include a transformer secondary. When combined with a nearby radio receiver acting as a detector and amplifier, the circuit transforms into a basic metal object finder.

Oscillator coil L1 is constructed by firmly wrapping 30 turns of wire on a 3 to 4-inch diameter plastic base or bobbin. When a three-wire cable connects it to the circuit, it converts into a search head or sensing coil. When you're using the circuit as a traditional ground-sweeping metal detector, the search head or sensor may be put at the bottom end of a long wooden or plastic pole.

Detecting buried riches or army mines with at a minimum of some metal pieces could be done using identical circuits. If you wish to detect metal pipes or wires that are concealed by brick, wood, or plastered walls, the entire circuit could be stored in a portable box. The existence of a metal body which will conflict with coil L1's electromagnetic field is required for the object finder circuit to work.

Both the inductance value of L1 and the frequency of the field are affected by the intruding object. A battery-powered portable broadcast band radio brought closer to the locator circuit may pinpoint the location of the metal item. It detects the variation in frequency and emits a loud shriek.

To listen to a low-frequency rhythm or flutter from the radio's speaker, initially set the radio to a local station. Next tweak C1 to observe a low-frequency beat or chirp from the radio's speaker. If the locating circuit is positioned closed to the concealed metal object, the beat note will change drastically.

9V to 300V Converter using a Single Transistor

Yet again a Hartley oscillator is employed as a DC-to-DC converter in the next figure below. It has the ability to convert a 9-volt battery's output to 300-volts DC. T1 is a transformer that converts 9 -0- -9 volts to 250 volts. The oscillator's inductance (L) is formed by its primary.

At T1's secondary, the 9V supply is stepped up to a maximum of roughly 350 volts. Half-wave rectifier diode D1 rectifies this waveform and charges capacitor C4. With a load current of several milliamperes, the output drops to roughly 300 volts with a permanent load.

Warning: Because C4 is not permanently loaded, it can store and discharge a severe but nonlethal shock to any newbie.

Logic Probe

Our next device is a two-transistor logic probe, also known as a positive voltage sensor. When attached to a positive potential, sounds a buzzer and illuminates an LED.

The Darlington connection between transistors Q1 and Q2 provides the circuit an extremely high input impedance.

The LED and piezo buzzer are powered by the common collector output of the transistors. The transistors switch on and provide visible and audible output signals as soon as the probe detects a positive voltage higher than about 1.5 volts (logic high).

For the logic probe to function, the probe's negative lead is necessary to be attached to the common or negative supply rail of the PCB that is being tested.

Light Operated Music Generator Circuit

This strange transistorized device, sometimes known as an audio light detector, transforms light energy into melody. Simply placing it close to a bulb causes the speaker to start emitting tones right away.

Simple hand motions between the background light and the LDR can be used to make music. This method of severing the light rays alters the amount of light that reaches the sensitive LDR, which in turn generates various audio tones.

With a bit of effort, you will quickly be capable of generating well-known tunes from the circuit.

This oscillator is not truly a light detected  oscillator. For powering the speaker and transistors, it does comes with a built-in 9-volt battery. The LDR just changes the bias resistance of transistor T1.

The end result is a device that generates a diverse variety of sounds while maintaining the same intensity. By the way, you'll discover that the generated tone gets higher as the light source becomes stronger (for instance, in a direct sunshine). The best technique to diffuse light is to let it travel across your fingers.

Universal Signal Generator

Do you need a practical yet affordable transistorized audio signal generator to test your audio projects? Perhaps you would want to get some of your broken radios and amplifiers operating again?

Whatever your needs, this handy small signal generator has all the functionality available in the more costly commercial models, making it the perfect tool for general troubleshooting.

This straightforward transistor-based signal generator simply requires two control potentiometer: R2 to alter the output tone or audio frequency, and R3 to function as a "level" adjustment pot.

It may be constructed within a compact aluminium Mini-box. As soon as it's finished, you may tune your signal generator by just comparing its output against that of a verified source, like another generator.

Echo Effect Generator Circuit

This single transistor design will enhance any low music level input with interesting echo effects. The various capacitors installed around the transistor collector and emitter leads ensure that the transistor does not conduct instantaneously rather conducts with a softly with a reverb kind of effect.

The pot control can be tweaked to adjust the echo effect to the desired levels.