I am trying to verify some of the parameters listed on the datasheet for a client. I have run across something I don't understand. The datasheet specifies current Ib1 and Ib2. I understand (I think) that these 2 currents are the result from the movement of majority and minority carriers (electrons and holes) and I get that the base current (Ib) is the sum of the 2 currents. However, Ib1 = 0.6A and Ib2 = -1.2A making Ib = -0.6A.
As this is an NPN trnasistor, why is the base current negative? Is this a holdover from the physics behind the current low? That is to say, although the polarity of the base voltage is VBE (positive potential at the base with respect to the emitter) the current (the flow of electrons) is actually in reverse?
As this is an NPN trnasistor, why is the base current negative? Is this a holdover from the physics behind the current low? That is to say, although the polarity of the base voltage is VBE (positive potential at the base with respect to the emitter) the current (the flow of electrons) is actually in reverse?
