Transistor Amplifier Circuits Unit 6 – Transistor Specification Sheet
UNIT 6 – TRANSISTOR SPECIFICATION SHEET
UNIT OBJECTIVE
At the completion of this unit, you will be able to cite transistor parameters by using a transistor
specification sheet.
UNIT FUNDAMENTALS
A transistor parameter is a physical or an electrical property whose value determines the
characteristics or behavior of the transistor. The transistor specification (data) sheet summarizes
all the transistor parameters and technical data that the manufacturer considers important for the
user. The user should refer to the specification sheet when selecting a transistor for a specific
circuit application.
A typical transistor specification sheet contains:
- A listing of the manufacturer's transistor identification numbers and transistor casing types.
- Maximum ratings.
- Electrical characteristics.
- Characteristic curves.
- Mechanical features.
Some important transistor parameters include:
- Current gain (hFE).
- Maximum power dissipation (PD).
- Saturation voltages (VCE(sat) and VBE(sat) are measures of conductivity).
- Collector leakage (cutoff) current (ICBO).
- Breakdown voltage (V(BR)CEO, V(BR)CBO, V(BR)EBO).
- Switching characteristics.
- Noise (NF).
Transistor specification sheets are contained in the manufacturer's technical information book.
Such books usually cover the family of devices to which a transistor belongs.
NEW TERMS AND WORDS
None
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
F.A.C.E.T. base unit
TRANSISTOR AMPLIFIER CIRCUITS circuit board