Transistor?

Question

Can i determine which pins of a transistor are the base,collector or emitter by using a multimeter ?

Answer 1

Yes. The transistor appears as two diodes to a multimeter. Use the diode checking feature if you have one or the highest ohm range if you don't. You will always get a low reading for the PN junction (a diode), so for an NPN, you'd expect to see a low reading from the base to emitter and base to collector and a high reading for collector to emitter, emitter to base, and collector to base.

For a PNP you'd expect to see a low reading from collector to base and emitter to base and a high reading from collector to emitter, base to emitter, and base to collector.

All measurements use + lead on first pin, - lead on second pin, e.g. base to emitter has + lead on base, - lead on emitter.

Answer 2

yep, you can use the diode checking function. Problem is you need to know what the values represent. I can't remember right now, I'd have to check my old electronics notes. You could just try finding the data sheets for the device.