Three basic JFET biasing techniques are in common use. The JFET can be used as a linear amplifier by reverse-biasing its gate relative to its source terminal, thus driving it into the linear region.

All practical circuits shown here are specifically designed around the 2N3819, but will operate equally well when using the MPF102. This month’s article looks at basic usage information and applications of JFETs. Two of the oldest and best known n-channel JFETs are the 2N3819 and the MPF102, which are usually housed in TO92 plastic packages with the connections shown in Figure 1 Figure 2 lists the basic characteristics of these two devices. Most JFETs are n-channel (rather than p-channel) devices. Basic characteristics of the 2N3819 and MPF102 n-channel JFETs. I GSS max (= gate leakage current at 25° C)

I DSS (= drain-to-source current with V GS = 0V) Outline and connections of the 2N3819 and MPF102 JFETs. JFETs are low-power devices with a very high input resistance and invariably operate in the depletion mode, i.e., they pass maximum current when the gate bias is zero, and the current is reduced (‘depleted’) by reverse-biasing the gate terminal.įIGURE 1. Last month’s opening episode explained (among other things) the basic operating principles of JFETs. » Skip to the Extras Practical JFET circuits.

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