How to select bias resistor built-in transistors (BRTs)

Typically, bias resistor built-in transistors (BRTs) are used as switches. Therefore, let’s assume the use of BRTs as switches.
As a switch, use an NPN transistor when the control signal has positive logic and a PNP transistor when the control signal has negative logic. Considerations for BRTs include the following:

1. Logic polarity of the control signal (NPN/PNP)
2. Turning on and off the transistor without fail via a control signal (V_I(ON) and V_I(OFF) voltages)
3. Obtaining necessary voltage when the transistor is on (i.e., reducing a collector-emitter voltage drop in the “on” state)
4. Reducing the turn-on or turn-off time (i.e., increasing the switching speed)

These considerations are explained below using the basic circuit with an NPN BRT shown in Figure 1. The BRT is enclosed in the dashed box. V_I is a control signal, V_CC is a power supply, and R_L is a load, including a pull-up resistor.

1.Transistor’s polarity (NPN/PNP)

Select either an NPN or PNP BRT according to the logic of the preceding circuit. Use an NPN BRT if the output of the preceding circuit can assume the High-Z state and is pulled down to the GND level when it is in the High-Z state. Use a PNP BRT if the output of the preceding circuit is pulled up to the VCC level. When the output of the preceding circuit is in the High-Z state, a BRT might malfunction at the midpoint potential between the pull-up resistor and the built-in bias resistors.
You can use both PNP and NPN BRTs when the preceding circuit has neither a pull-up nor pull-down resistor. In this case, select a PNP or NPN BRT according to the specification of the following circuit.
(For example, select an NPN transistor if the following circuit requires a logic High in the initial state and a PNP transistor if it requires a logic Low. Do not connect multiple NPN and PNP BRTs in parallel as shown in Figure 3 because the midpoint potential between their built-in bias resistors causes a malfunction.

2.Turning on and off the transistor without fail via a control signal (V_I(ON) and V_I(OFF) voltages)

Set the turn-on signal to a voltage higher than the maximum V_I(ON) voltage, and set the turn-off signal to a voltage lower than the minimum V_I(OFF) voltage. Note that the V_I(ON) and V_I(OFF) characteristics are specified at 25°C. Allow sufficient design margins according to the usage environment.
For details, see the following FAQ entry.

FAQ : At what voltages does the bias resistor built-in transistor (BRT) turn on and off?

3.Obtaining necessary voltage when the transistor is on (i.e., reducing a collector-emitter voltage drop in the “on” state)

When the NPN bipolar transistor is turned on in the saturation region, the collector voltage drops to the GND level because of an external resistor (R_L) and the collector current (I_C). In practice, however, there is a voltage level called V_CE(sat) between the collector and GND (emitter) potentials. V_CE(sat) can be decreased by increasing the base current (I_B).
The I_b equation indicates that I_b can be increased by using a BRT with:
I_b = I_B – I_R2 = ( V_I –V_be ) / R₁ – V_be / R₂
1.    Small R₁ value
2.    Large R₂ value　
This does not mean a BRT with a small resistor ratio (R₁/R₂), but a BRT with a small R₁ value. Such BRTs pass a greater current to the base at a given input voltage (V_I).
For details of input voltage, see the following FAQ entry.

FAQ : Obtaining necessary voltage when a bias resistor built-in transistor (BRT) is on (i.e., reducing a collector-emitter voltage drop in the “on” state)

4.Reducing the turn-on or turn-off time (i.e., increasing the switching speed)

Select BRTs, taking the following points into consideration. For details, see the following FAQ entry.

FAQ : What can I do to increase the switching speed of a bias resistor built-in transistor (BRT)?

a) Do not bring a BRT into a deeper saturation level than is necessary.
    When the BRT is on, I_b is limited by R₁ and R₂. The saturation level is controlled by limiting I_b. Therefore, in order to increase the switching speed, select a BRT with a large R₁ value and a small R₂ value.
b) Reduce the impedance of the path through which excessive carriers are removed.
    Select a BRT with a small R₂ value because excessive carriers are removed mainly through R₂, although the carrier removal path changes slightly depending on the configuration of the preceding circuit.