Moreover, the digital output signal that you can get out of Arduino IO pins is (0v to 5v) which is not only insufficient in terms of current delivery capability. Instead, we use the digital output signal from the Arduino IO pins to trigger a transistor (that works as an electronic switch) to turn ON or OFF the high-current load device (e.g. Why Use Transistors With Arduino?īecause the IO pins of the Arduino are not designed to deliver high-current to drive loads like motors or power LEDs. Therefore, we typically use transistors with Arduino as output drivers for high-current load devices (such as Power LEDs, DC Motors, Stepper Motors, etc). All Arduino IO pins can source or sink up to 200mA combined at any given time.Īs a rule of thumb, the Arduino IO pins are not capable of driving any sort of output load devices other than small LEDs, a buzzer, or any tiny device that require a few mA of current to operate. This is the maximum absolute current that can be sourced from or sunk to any Arduino’s IO pin at any given time. The Arduino’s IO pins are able to source or sink up to 40mA of current per IO pin. Arduino TIP120 Transistor & 12v Output (Motor Control Example).Without further ado, let’s get right into it! Table of Contents We’ll create an example project to Control The Speed of a DC Motor Using Arduino & TIP120 Transistor, we’ll simulate and run the project code example to test its functionality. You’ll learn how transistors work, and how to interface NPN/PNP transistors with Arduino.

In this tutorial, we’ll discuss Arduino Transistor Interfacing To Control Loads Like DC Motors & Power LEDs.

Transistor game switch function