An analog circuit configuration where the emitter of an input transistor connects to the base of an output transistor, and their collectors are tied together. This cascaded arrangement yields an overall current gain roughly equal to the product of the two individual gains. It allows a tiny base current to switch heavy loads like motors or solenoids, though it incurs a higher base-emitter voltage drop than a single transistor.
We need a Darlington pair on the output stage to get enough current to drive the stepper coils.
Also heard as
- Darlington
Related terms
Sziklai pair
A compound transistor configuration using one NPN and one PNP transistor to achieve high current gain.
Base
The control terminal of a bipolar junction transistor.
Emitter
The emitter is one of the three terminals of a bipolar junction transistor.
Collector
One of the three terminals of a bipolar junction transistor, responsible for receiving the majority charge carriers.