Is it possible to replace the 2SC2078 bipolar transistor with an IRFZ24N MOSFET in a RF power amplifier?
I have a MIDLAND Alan48 plus radio with a frequency of 26.965-27.405 MHz, where the transmitter power amplifier uses a bipolar transistor 2sc2078. I decided to replace this transistor with a MOSFET transistor IRFZ24N and I succeeded.
The transmitter preamplifier is based on the 2sc2314 transistor.
I also tested the IRF510 transistor and it also works in the radio power amplifier.
First, I tested the transmitter's power amplifier using a 2sc2078 transistor. I loaded the amplifier's output with a 50-ohm resistor and connected an oscilloscope to it to measure the output power. With this transistor, the power is 6.76 W with a 12-volt supply.
Then I removed the 2sc2078 transistor and decided to measure the transmitter's output power without it. To do this, I installed a 1000 pF ceramic capacitor between the base and collector of the 2sc2078. The output power will be 1.44 W; this is the work of the 2sc2314 preamplifier transistor, which drives the 2sc2078 transistor to the desired output power (the circuit diagram is approximate)
Now I've installed an IRFZ24N transistor in the power amplifier, and the output power is 2.82W, but this is with a 12-volt power supply. If I increase the power supply to 14V, the output power will be 4.84W, and if I increase it to 15V, the output power will be 6.25W.
This replacement works, but the radio's supply voltage needs to be increased to 15 volts. It's important to consider whether this increase will impact the radio's overall safe operation. But in any case, it's a good idea; I'm now confident that the IRFZ24N transistor can indeed operate well at 27 MHz.
I've actually tested several other MOSFET transistors, and they all seem to work more or less. These are the BUZ73A, 2N60B, IRF610, and IRF520N transistors.








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