The WL431 transistor serves as a voltage reference device, offering customizable output voltage similar to the TL431 regulator diode. Unlike conventional Zener diodes, its output voltage can be adjusted by manipulating connected resistors, enabling precise voltage regulation for both negative and positive potentials. With NPN polarity and robust specifications, including a maximum power dissipation of 125 W and a wide voltage range supporting up to 400 volts collector-base voltage, it ensures reliable performance across various applications.
Moreover, featuring a stable forward current transfer ratio of 40 and a high transition frequency of 4 MHz, the WL431 transistor is well-suited for high-speed circuits. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for power amplification, voltage regulation, and switching applications in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.
The WL431 transistor, akin to the TL431 regulator diode, functions as a voltage reference device. Unlike typical Zener diodes, its output voltage can be tailored by adjusting connected resistors. This transistor is commonly utilized to establish both negative and positive voltage references.
Pin Number | Pin Name | Description |
1 | Reference | Sets the voltage rating of the equivalent Zener diode |
2 | Anode | Anode of the equivalent Zener diode |
3 | Cathode | Cathode of the equivalent Zener diode |
Parameter | Value |
Type Designator | WL431 |
Material of Transistor | Silicon (Si) |
Polarity | NPN |
Maximum Collector Power Dissipation (Pc) | 125 W |
Maximum Collector-Base Voltage ( | Vcb |
Maximum Collector-Emitter Voltage ( | Vce |
Maximum Emitter-Base Voltage ( | Veb |
Maximum Collector Current ( | Ic max |
Max. Operating Junction Temperature (Tj) | 150 °C |
Transition Frequency (ft) | 4 MHz |
Forward Current Transfer Ratio (hFE), MIN | 40 |
Noise Figure (dB) | - |
Package | TO3 |
High Power Dissipation: Capable of dissipating up to 125 watts of power, ensuring reliable performance under high-load conditions.
Wide Voltage Range: Supports a maximum collector-base voltage (|Vcb|) of 400 volts and a maximum collector-emitter voltage (|Vce|) of 325 volts, suitable for various applications.
High Collector Current: With a maximum collector current (|Ic max|) of 7 amperes, it can handle large current loads.
Low Emitter-Base Voltage: Features a low maximum emitter-base voltage (|Veb|) of 5 volts, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing power loss.
Extended Junction Temperature Range: Operates reliably at temperatures up to 150°C, adaptable to robust performance across various working conditions.
High Transition Frequency: With a transition frequency (ft) of 4 MHz, exhibits excellent high-frequency performance, suitable for high-speed applications.
NPN Polarity: Designed as an NPN transistor, capable of amplifying signals and switching loads in electronic circuits.
Stable Forward Current Transfer Ratio: Features a minimum forward current transfer ratio (hFE) of 40, ensuring consistent and predictable amplification characteristics.
Versatile Package: Housed in a TO3 package, offering mechanical durability and easy installation in various circuit configurations.
Power Amplification: WL431's high power dissipation capability, combined with its ability to handle substantial collector currents, makes it suitable for use in power amplification circuits. It can be employed in audio amplifiers, RF power amplifiers, and other high-power applications where signal amplification is necessary.
Voltage Regulation: Due to its wide voltage range and stable forward current transfer ratio, the WL431 transistor is used in voltage regulation circuits. It can help maintain a stable output voltage in power supplies, voltage regulators, and DC-DC converter circuits.
Switching Circuits: The NPN polarity and high collector current capacity of the WL431 make it suitable for switching applications. It can be utilized in switching power converters, motor control circuits, and relay drivers, where fast and efficient switching of loads is required.
Frequency Applications: With its high transition frequency, the WL431 transistor is employed in high-frequency circuits. It can be utilized in radio frequency (RF) amplifiers, oscillators, and other high-frequency applications where signal processing at MHz frequencies is necessary.
Temperature Sensing and Control: The WL431 transistor can be integrated into temperature sensing and control circuits. Its stable characteristics and extended junction temperature range allow for reliable temperature measurement and regulation in electronic systems.
Industrial Automation: In industrial automation systems, the WL431 transistor can be used in various control and monitoring circuits. It finds application in motor drives, solenoid control, and process control systems, contributing to the efficient operation of industrial machinery and equipment.
Consumer Electronics: Due to its versatility and reliability, the WL431 transistor is commonly used in consumer electronics products. It can be found in televisions, audio equipment, computer peripherals, and other consumer devices where efficient power management and signal processing are essential.
Automotive Electronics: In automotive electronics, the WL431 transistor is employed in various applications such as engine control units (ECUs), ignition systems, and lighting control circuits. Its robust performance and wide operating temperature range make it suitable for automotive environments.
The WL431 transistor, a versatile voltage reference device, can be substituted by several equivalents offering similar functionality. Common replacements include the TL431, LM431, KA431, LM317, and LM324, each providing varying degrees of precision and adjustability in voltage regulation applications.
Download WL431 transistor datasheet pdf here>>
In summary, the WL431 transistor is a reliable voltage reference device with customizable output voltage. Its ability to adjust output voltage using connected resistors distinguishes it from conventional Zener diodes. With NPN polarity and robust specifications, it ensures dependable performance across various applications. Its versatility and compatibility with equivalent components make it a preferred choice for voltage regulation in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.
What is the WL431 transistor used for?
The WL431 transistor is commonly used as a voltage reference device in electronic circuits. It allows for customizable output voltage and precise voltage regulation, making it suitable for applications such as power amplification, voltage regulation, and switching circuits.
How does the WL431 transistor differ from a Zener diode?
Unlike a conventional Zener diode, the WL431 transistor offers adjustable output voltage by manipulating connected resistors. This feature enables precise voltage regulation for both negative and positive potentials.
Is the WL431 transistor suitable for high-frequency applications?
Yes, the WL431 transistor features a high transition frequency of 4 MHz, making it well-suited for high-speed circuits and applications where signal processing at MHz frequencies is necessary.
What packaging options are available for the WL431 transistor?
The WL431 transistor is typically available in a TO3 package, offering mechanical durability and ease of installation in various circuit configurations.
Can the WL431 transistor be replaced with other components?
Yes, the WL431 transistor can be substituted by equivalent components such as the TL431, LM431, KA431, LM317, and LM324, each offering similar functionality in voltage regulation applications.
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