The maximum power dissipation capacity of a transistor is 50 mW. If the collector emitter voltage is 10 V. What is the safe collector current that can be allowed through the transistor?

Concept:

The power capacity of a transistor is given by:

P_diss. = V_CE × I_C

V_CE = Collector emitter voltage

I_C = Collector current

Application:

Given P_diss(max) = 50 mW

V_CE = 10 V

P_diss(max) = V_CE(max)× I_C(max)

\(I_C(max)=\frac{50~mW}{10~V}=5~mA\)

To prevent the transistor from destroying or from excessive heating, the safe collector current would be 2.5 mA, which is less than the maximum allowed collector current of 5 mA.