The ratio of the base current to the collector current is called Beta (â). In essence, Beta is the maximum possible current gain that can be produced in a given transistor. Typical Beta values for small-signal transistors are in the range of 100 to 200. In contrast, power transistors can have Beta (â) values of 20 to 70. The equation for calculating Beta is:
â = Ic/Ib
This means that Beta is equal to the collector current divided by the base current. The important point to recognize about transistor current gain is that the higher collector current is controlled by the much smaller base current.
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