mayhem2408
New Member
I am building a project involving 96 LEDs, an ATMega328, a few 2N3904 transistors and a few other bits, to create a programmable led light pattern generator. My question is probably simple.
I know the Max current of the 2N3904 is 200mA. But is this at 100% duty cycle or does the duty cycle not matter.
Can I pull 240mA at 12.5% duty cycle, or even 480mA at 25% duty cycle. I am currently running it at 180mA at 8% duty cycle to keep it under 200mA be safe, but the more current and longer the duty, the brighter I can get the LEDs. Will the 2N3904 be able to handle it. If not, what transistor do you recommend?
I know the Max current of the 2N3904 is 200mA. But is this at 100% duty cycle or does the duty cycle not matter.
Can I pull 240mA at 12.5% duty cycle, or even 480mA at 25% duty cycle. I am currently running it at 180mA at 8% duty cycle to keep it under 200mA be safe, but the more current and longer the duty, the brighter I can get the LEDs. Will the 2N3904 be able to handle it. If not, what transistor do you recommend?