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Power-User

Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Lahore
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Two Transistors Break Down Frequently

09/22/2009 11:22 PM

Dear friends;

I have an Automatic voltage stabilizer 5KVA 220V +/- 3% with 24VDC servomotor control for fans in a school. I have been facing a problem for one year that two power transistors D401 and B546 installed on its PCB break down frequently. I replace but after one or two months, one of them or both break down. For me, when ever local power supply shut down and then again comes and all the fans were already switched on, the failure of transistor(s) then appear. May be I am completely wrong as I could not find the real cause.

This is a local designed stab which worked perfectly one years after purchasing. I have replaced its servo motor but fault did not remove. Replacing the trans again and again also damaged the PCB. Now I have been thinking to replace the both transistors with doubled capacity. Any tip from anyone? Can anyone help me out which transistors would be better for replacing the old?

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Guru
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#1

Re: Two transistors break down frequently

09/23/2009 1:26 AM

Its difficult to comment without seeing actual function of these transistors, But if they are there to on and off relays or other inductive devices,then make sure they are connected with a Flyback diode or Flyback diodes are doing there job.

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Guru
Popular Science - Weaponology - New Member United Kingdom - Member - New Member

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#2

Re: Two transistors break down frequently

09/23/2009 4:30 AM

This sort of fault is always difficult to diagnose, as there may be some obscure transistor parameter which is marginal, rather than just the obvious current and voltage ratings, so simply doubling a power rating may make matters worse! A higher power device is often slower, and if it is switching it may then have overheating problems. I once solved a problem like that by going the 'wrong way' and using lower power devices which were much faster!
Adding some heatsink or improved cooling may help.
It is often impossible to tell if the fault is voltage current or temperature related.
Del

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Power-User

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Location: Hyderabad, India
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#3

Re: Two Transistors Break Down Frequently

09/24/2009 2:39 AM

Very difficult to comment without complete schematic.

1. check whether you are replacing them with matched gain (hfe) power transistors D401 and B546;

2. Is there a suppression diode across the relay coil?

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Subramanyam
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#4

Re: Two Transistors Break Down Frequently

09/24/2009 3:47 AM

It sounds like these two transistors could be part of an H bridge, are there another pair? If so change all four. The servo motor will most likely be driven directly by these transistors so there will be no relay, but there will still need to be flyback diodes across the collector/emitter junctions, seek and test those.

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Power-User

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Two Transistors Break Down Frequently

10/04/2009 4:05 AM

Please see the taached picture for power circuit control diagram of Servo motor and suggest me where should i install the fly back diod.

Power-User
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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Two Transistors Break Down Frequently

10/05/2009 3:29 AM

Sorry Signode, been on holiday for a week and just read your question. If you haven't already sorted it have a look at my edit of your photo, bit bodgey I realise but shows orientation and position of flyback diodes. Hope this is useful.

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Power-User

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Two Transistors Break Down Frequently

10/06/2009 1:41 AM

Thanks Lemmy70.

I will connect and report you back after few days.

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