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10.3: JFET Data Sheet Interpretation

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    25315
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    A data sheet for the J111 series N-channel JFET is shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\). This is a small signal device designed for audio frequency circuits. It is available in the common TO-92 through-hole package as well as in the surface mount SOT-23 package. Note that the source and drain are interchangeable for this device.

    clipboard_e3607e849fb7d1f3a5505901dd8fdd376.png

    Figure \(\PageIndex{1a}\): J111 series N-channel JFET data sheet. Used with permission from SCILLC dba ON Semiconductor.

    Examining the absolute maximum ratings and thermal characteristics, we find values typical of small signal devices. Maximum drain-gate and gate-source voltages are 35 volts and the maximum power dissipation is 625 milliwatts.

    clipboard_e636095dc3245ee1008d88f29d1b7f971.png

    Figure \(\PageIndex{1b}\): J111 series N-channel JFET data sheet (cont).

    clipboard_ed3b72f9d138fb2d37ad63f8f1783c969.png

    Figure \(\PageIndex{1c}\): J111 series N-channel JFET data sheet (cont).

    From the electrical characteristics, note the large variation in \(V_{GS(off)}\). For the J111, this runs from a minimum of −3 V to a maximum of −10 V. The J112 and J113 exhibit even wider min/max ratios. Also, note how the larger \(V_{GS(off)}\) ranges are associated with larger maximums for \(I_{DSS}\). Finally, let's take a look at a series of performance curves shown in Figure \(\PageIndex{1d}\).

    clipboard_e8dee24d73f129f36d1c30a101ddcf9d6.png

    Figure \(\PageIndex{1d}\): J111 series N-channel JFET data sheet (cont).

    The upper-left graph is a family of drain curves and corresponds to Figure 10.2.3, presented earlier. Note that the horizontal scale for \(V_{DS}\) only shows the first 2 volts. The point here is to examine the ohmic region. The two middle graphs plot the characteristic curve of the device and correspond to Figure 10.2.4, although these graphs are drawn rotated around the vertical axis (note that \(V_{GS}\) is still shown as a negative value). Two important things may be noted here. First, as already mentioned, large values of \(I_{DSS}\) tend to be associated with large values of \(V_{GS(off)}\). This graph shows that individual plots tend to scale both horizontally and vertically away from the origin. Second, thermal variations are very much apparent: As the temperature increases, the characteristic curve tends to become less steep.

    Finally, the two bottom-most graphs plot the variation of \(g_m\) with \(V_{GS}\). These correspond to Figure 10.2.5, although again, the horizontal axis has been rotated around the vertical. Once again we see considerable variation due to temperature. Also, none of the plots exhibit perfect linearity. Further, at lower temperatures, the linearity of the plots decreases even more, warping a relatively straight line into a complex curve.


    This page titled 10.3: JFET Data Sheet Interpretation is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by James M. Fiore via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.

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