Bipolar transistors increase power density

Zetex’ new range of bipolar transistors offers unmatched performance through leading edge technology. The combination of low saturation voltage, high gain and enhanced packages enables designers to provide leading edge solutions to their customers.

The development of bipolar transistors has continued apace, to rival and exceed the performance of MOSFETs in many applications. Zetex have been at the forefront of this development and now has a new range of ‘Generation 5’ bipolar transistors for use in applications that will provide value to the designer and consumer.

Transistors are inherently operated in one of 3 ways: As a saturated switch, in a pulsed linear mode or in a linear mode and in each of these modes, Zetex can provide value to the application.

As a saturated switch, Zetex offers the lowest, low-loss switch that can be used in many DC-DC, motor and LED driving solutions. With packages that are 6x smaller than products with similar performance and lower drive voltages than MOSFETs, these new transistors lead the field.

When used in a pulsed linear mode to act as a gate-driver for MOSFETs or IGBTs, or drivers as transducers or piezo actuators, the Zetex transistor provides the smallest, highest current driver with package and technology developments enabling up to 20 A peak currents in a SOT23 package (with gain hold up to match).

Finally, when operated in a linear mode Zetex transistors are the smallest, highest dissipation switches that can be used in battery charging and linear regulator circuits. With the added benefit of high reverse blocking voltage, it is also possible to eliminate the series Schottky diode required with other transistor or MOSFET battery charging circuits.

The extremely low saturation voltage also ensures minimal power loss in power-line disconnect switches or load switches. This permits a smaller package solution and reduces the amount of copper area required to disperse the heat.

Features and Benefits

- High power density products
- Excellent high current gain hold up
- Low temperature device operation through improved saturation voltages
- Small package size

Application information

- Power supplies
- Automotive lighting
- LED lighting
- DC-DC POL modules
- Motor drive
- MOSFET and IGBT gatedrive