#what is a bipolar transistor

[addohaislam2000]

What is a bipolar transistor, BJT transistor, high voltage transistor

ZXTN08400BFF Series NPN 400 V 500 mA 1.5 W Transistor SMT - SOT-23F

[grry2neil]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/semiconductors--discretes--transistors--bipolar-transistors/mjd31ct4g-onsemi-1072659

Power supplies, Insulated gate bipolar transistor, High voltage transistor

MJD31 Series 100 V 3 A 1.56 W Complementary Power Transistor - DPAK-3

[flton2sear]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/semiconductors--discretes--transistors--bipolar-transistors/mjd31ct4g-onsemi-5834395

Bipolar transistor manufacturers, Bipolar (bjt) transistors product

MJD31 Series 100 V 3 A 1.56 W Complementary Power Transistor - DPAK-3

[addohaislam2000]

What is a bipolar transistor, insulated gate bipolar transistor

MJE Series 120 V 8 A NPN Complementary Silicon Plastic Power Transistor TO-220AB

[mchel2oa]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/semiconductors--discretes--transistors--mosfets/si2309cds-t1-ge3-vishay-3122871

MOSFET transistors, Power MOSFET, bipolar junction transistors, mosfet module

SI2309CDS Series P-Channel 60 V 0.345 Ohm Power MosFet Surface Mount - SOT-23-3

[jsos2sills]

8-bit microcontroller programming, 8-bit pic microcontroller, Emergency lighting

PUMH9 Series 50 V 100 mA Surface Mount NPN Small Signal Transistor - SOT-363

[super-ion]

hi! i came across your account and am really curious about what the symbol in your pfp means? it's really cool

Hello! So I actually stumbled accross it a few years ago:

But it's a mashup of the transgender symbol and the electronic symbol for a certain kind of transistor

Mostly because I originally created this blog as part of a story about a transgender supervillain with tech powers. But also I'm trans and a diy electronics enthusiast

[auberylis]

i want to make a stereo version of the punk SVF, can the cutoff + and - voltages from one voltage generator just be sent to multiple filter cores as is? maybe some adjustment to the resistors in the generator to tune the current being split among more transistors? or do i just need to have two separate ones.

Hi!

If you want the two sides to stay at the same cutoff without an option to deviate, then the CUT+/CUT- signals can drive all 16 transistors, 8 per side. R20/R29 might need adjustment if the filter doesn't close off completely, but from what i understand, that should not be the case. Otherwise two top 2/3s of the schematic can be driven by one bottom 1/3.

That said, i can't not ask: why build two filter cores and then force them to be at the same cutoff forever? Isn't that boring? I'd say that duplicating the circuit two times, generating individual pairs of CUT+/CUT- signals, is best. Both pairs can be derived from the same manual cutoff knob and have a CV input that affects both in the same direction. But then also there can be a bipolar "deviation" knob that adds positively to one filter and negatively to the other, spreading them apart in one direction or the other. Natuarlly, a CV can be wired to work this way as well.

Then you don't get just a stereo SVF that's the same on both channels forever, but two linked patchable filters. They can be usual stereo, can be made to do crazy stereo cutoff countermotion tricks, go parallel over the same mono signal (two bandpasses mixed scanning around the same sawtooth = instant talkbox nastiness), can be MS-20 style lp-to-hp, etc, etc. So IMO since you're already going through the PITA of building this, don't limit your possibilities of using this.

Since you're anon, i can't talk to you directly, but you can check out my contacts if you want to talk faster than via asks.

Additionally i shoud point out that generally i only encourage and support non-profit renditions of my projects, so i hope you're not going for a commercial release.

[audio-luddite]

Tube Madness.

I try to be neutral in the battle between Solid State and Vacuum tubes-valves-bulbs. As stated often, I have both and like them both. Which is used has more to do with weather and heating requirements in my modest little house.

Within the opposing forces are divisions and cults. In solid state there are FETs versus Bipolar transistors. There is also class A versus, class AB versus class D as well as other initials. There are high power and low power adherents.

In tubes there is a similar breakdown except there is no class D tube amp (I think. It would not be easy at all, and all the tube sound factors disappear in the megahertz )

A special place is reserved for ultra low power vacuum triode amplifiers.

What triggered this is I just got a junk mail from one of my vacuum pushers for a special 300B matched pair for only $1200. That is enough for one stereo amp with a blistering 8 Watts of power. The style of amp is called a Single Ended Triode (SET) which operates in class A.

The come in lovely finely finished wooden jewel boxes with custom padded fitted liners to cradle these treasures.

$1200 USD!

That is just the tubes. SET amps range in price from $300 out of China to $11,000 or even $15,000 though those come with tubes. I suppose if you are spending that kind of cash, $1200 for just a pair of tubes sounds reasonable.

I have my limits. One limit is money. Even if I won the lotto, I could never bring myself to spend that kind of money for so little power. Power is my other limit. I figure the minimum power figure I can be happy with is 60 Watts. I listen to big music. That TELARC Carmina Burana would sound like crap with only 8 Watts. Don't give me shit about "normal listening levels" I can do the math. Average RMS may be low, but if a 100 or 200 Watt peak goes buy in a few milliseconds I will miss it. The ARC 60 Watter runs out of amperes every so often.

Oh just use efficient speakers it will be fine. Stop right there. A set of Klipsch horns would suit that bill and would sound big, but those sound funny. And I would need a new house to fit them, and and and. You get into accepting too many compromises.

Audiophiles in the 300 B cult wax poetic about lush sound and liquidity and on and on. That is a voice, not accuracy. I prefer accuracy thank you very much.

This is a fairly big rant, eh.

[electricalengineering25]

What is IGBT? A comprehensive overview

The primary application for an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), a three-terminal semiconductor device, is as an electronic switch. It combines the high current and low saturation voltage capabilities of a BJT (bipolar junction transistor) with the straightforward gate driving characteristics of a MOSFET. For high-performance, high-speed switching applications, this makes it perfect. In the realm of contemporary power electronics, the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor, or IGBT, is a crucial element for effective power conversion and regulation. IGBTs have completely changed the way power is managed in high-voltage, high-current applications, from consumer electronics and industrial automation to electric cars and renewable energy systems.

What is the principle of IGBT?

When a voltage is put between the gate and emitter terminals, current flows between the collector and emitter, activating the IGBT. When this gate voltage is eliminated or lowered below a threshold, it is cut off.

1-Gate on

An essential component of high-efficiency and high-speed switching applications is the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). IGBTs are the preferred semiconductor devices for precisely managing high power loads, from solar inverters to industrial motors and electric cars. However, how is the operation of an IGBT controlled by its gate?

Combining the low on-state power loss of a BJT (bipolar junction transistor) with the high input impedance of a MOSFET, the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is a three-terminal power semiconductor device. These are the terminals: Gate (G) Gatherer (C) Emitter (E) The gate terminal of the IGBT, a voltage-controlled device, is crucial to turning it on and off.

An IGBT's internal structure It's critical to comprehend the internal configuration in order to comprehend the function of the gate. The IGBT possesses:

A gate-side MOSFET structure. a p-type layer that allows bipolar conduction by joining the n-drift area. A extremely high current flows from the collector to the emitter when the gate is activated because the MOSFET component permits electrons to pass, energizing the BJT portion.

[yonderh2]

Rethinking Power: The Real Story Behind IGBT Rectifiers

In a world that increasingly runs on precise, clean, and efficient power, the components managing electrical conversion have quietly evolved into silent heroes. Among them, IGBT rectifiers are not just electronic components—they're the backbone of modern industrial energy management.

But let’s take a step back.

When most people think of rectifiers, their minds go to clunky, heat-generating boxes in power rooms. When they hear “IGBT,” they might vaguely associate it with transistors or semiconductors. But the convergence of IGBT technology with rectification isn't just a minor engineering upgrade—it's a game-changer for how we design everything from EV chargers to steel plants.

Let’s explore this through a fresh lens—not just what IGBT rectifiers are, but why they matter, how they work, and what makes them irreplaceable in high-performance environments.

What Are IGBT Rectifiers, Really?

At the core, rectifiers convert AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current). That’s not new. What is new is the use of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) in that process.

Traditionally, rectification was handled using diodes and thyristors. These worked well but had limitations in speed, control, and efficiency. Enter IGBTs—a hybrid semiconductor device combining the fast switching of a MOSFET with the high voltage handling of a bipolar transistor.

So, IGBT rectifiers are essentially intelligent rectification systems. They provide:

Precision: Regulated, ripple-free DC output.

Efficiency: Higher energy conversion with minimal heat loss.

Control: Real-time adaptability in load conditions.

Compact Design: Less bulky compared to traditional systems.

Think of it as the difference between flipping a light switch and using a dimmer with programmable automation. That’s the leap IGBT tech gives to rectifiers.

Why Now? Why IGBT Rectifiers Matter More Than Ever

We're in the midst of several overlapping revolutions:

The EV boom needs ultra-fast charging with precise voltage/current control.

The renewable energy surge requires smart inverters and converters to store and balance variable power.

Smart factories and Industry 4.0 demand real-time, programmable power systems that talk to the cloud.

IGBT rectifiers are the perfect fit for this new energy landscape.

Let’s say you’re running a manufacturing unit that relies on variable frequency drives (VFDs), robotic arms, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Traditional rectifiers might get the job done, but IGBT-based systems will optimize your power usage, reduce downtime, and offer predictive maintenance insights. In short, they don’t just work—they think.

Key Advantages of IGBT Rectifiers: Beyond the Basics

High Power Factor & Low Harmonics Unlike older thyristor-based setups, IGBT rectifiers operate at higher frequencies and reduce total harmonic distortion (THD), making them grid-friendly and compliant with IEEE-519 standards.

Regenerative Capability IGBT-based rectifiers can feed excess energy back into the grid or battery systems, increasing overall energy efficiency—something that’s becoming essential in closed-loop industrial applications.

Compact, Modular Designs With IGBT rectifiers, system integrators can fit more power in less space. That’s critical in EV charging stations, medical equipment, and aerospace technologies.

Real-Time Digital Control Thanks to microcontroller-based architecture, these rectifiers can be monitored, tuned, and diagnosed remotely. Maintenance becomes smarter, faster, and safer.

A Human Story: Real-World Use Case

Let’s humanize this for a second.

Imagine a precision medical device manufacturer in Pune. They need a clean, stable DC supply to power their sensitive electronics—something even a tiny ripple could disrupt. They tried conventional SCR-based rectifiers. But the noise, inefficiency, and lack of control led to frequent failures.

Then they adopted IGBT rectifiers from a specialized vendor. Instantly, they saw:

30% reduction in energy waste.

Improved product consistency.

Remote control over power settings during off-hours.

Now, that’s more than engineering. That’s impact.

Debunking the Myths

“IGBTs are too complex and expensive.”

Yes, the upfront cost is higher than diode or SCR rectifiers. But when you factor in operational savings, power quality, cooling costs, and space savings, IGBT rectifiers often pay for themselves within a year.

“They’re overkill for standard industrial applications.”

That’s changing. What was “high-end” five years ago is now mainstream. The same way LED bulbs replaced CFLs, IGBT rectifiers are replacing their older counterparts, even in medium-scale industries.

“Maintenance is tricky.”

On the contrary, the digital nature of IGBT systems allows predictive diagnostics. That means fewer surprises, fewer shutdowns, and more data-driven control.

Where to Use IGBT Rectifiers

EV Charging Infrastructure

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Railway Traction Systems

Industrial Automation and Robotics

Welding & Electrolysis Equipment

Data Centers & High-Performance Computing

Whether you’re a CTO building a next-gen plant or an energy consultant advising on efficiency, IGBT rectifiers deserve a place in your power strategy.

Future-Proofing with IGBT: What’s Next?

We’re entering an age where software-defined power systems will become the norm. IGBT rectifiers, integrated with IoT modules and AI-based controls, will become smarter, more predictive, and even self-healing in the event of fluctuations.

Imagine a grid-tied factory where your rectifier “knows” when to store energy, when to feed back, and when to auto-calibrate based on ambient temperature. This isn’t a pipe dream—it’s already in pilot projects across Europe and East Asia.

And the beauty? It all begins with IGBT rectifiers.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Component

A rectifier might seem like a simple cog in the machine. But with IGBT technology, it becomes the nervous system—sensing, responding, optimizing. In the years to come, the industries that thrive will be those that embrace this leap.

So next time you're designing or upgrading a power system, don’t just think about volts and amps. Think intelligence, efficiency, and future-readiness.

[bintangchipblog]

How BintangChip is Building a High-Performance Analog Chip “Golden Process Platform”

As the global demand for analog and mixed-signal chips continues to surge—fueled by electric vehicles, industrial automation, and medical electronics—BintangChip is charting a strategic course to build what it calls a “Golden Process Platform” for high-performance analog IC manufacturing.

This initiative marks a critical step in BintangChip’s vision to become the world’s premier analog/mixed-signal foundry by integrating proven process nodes with proprietary enhancements, ensuring unmatched performance, power efficiency, and design versatility for its clients.

What Is a “Golden Process Platform”?

In semiconductor manufacturing, a “golden process” refers to a highly optimized and well-characterized fabrication platform that delivers consistent electrical performance and high yield across multiple product generations. For analog ICs—where precision, signal integrity, and noise margins are paramount—such a platform must support:

Ultra-low noise characteristics

High-voltage and power handling capability

Stable analog performance over temperature and voltage variation

Mixed-signal integration compatibility

BintangChip’s approach blends decades of analog process knowledge with leading-edge foundry techniques to define a gold standard for analog manufacturing excellence.

Key Components of BintangChip’s Golden Platform

1. Proprietary Analog-Centric Process Nodes

BintangChip’s process technology spans across BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS), CMOS, SOI, and SiGe platforms. These nodes are tailored specifically for analog-rich designs such as operational amplifiers, ADCs/DACs, power management ICs, and sensor interfaces.

2. Ultra-High Precision Design Kits

The company provides designers with Process Design Kits (PDKs) that are co-developed with its internal modeling teams and validated in silicon, ensuring tight PVT (Process-Voltage-Temperature) control and simulation-accurate behavior.

3. Robust Device Libraries & Analog IP Portfolio

BintangChip maintains a comprehensive library of analog primitives, including matched transistor pairs, bandgap references, current mirrors, and low-noise amplifiers, all verified on its golden platform. It also offers customizable analog IP for rapid integration.

4. Customization & Co-Development with Clients

Recognizing that many analog applications require tailored solutions, BintangChip collaborates closely with customers to optimize device structures and layout rules, ensuring optimal performance in target environments.

Advantages for Automotive, Industrial, and Medical Markets

BintangChip’s golden platform is not just a technical milestone—it’s a competitive differentiator in regulated industries where reliability and precision are non-negotiable:

Automotive: AEC-Q100 qualified flows, robust ESD protection, and high thermal reliability.

Industrial: Wide temperature ranges and high-voltage capability for power converters and sensors.

Medical: Low-noise and high-accuracy platforms ideal for analog front-end design in diagnostic equipment.

Conclusion: A New Era of Analog Manufacturing Excellence

By creating a scalable, customizable, and high-reliability “Golden Process Platform,” BintangChip is redefining what’s possible in analog/mixed-signal semiconductor foundry services. This strategic foundation enables its customers to innovate faster, design with confidence, and meet the demanding requirements of next-generation analog applications worldwide.

[addohaislam2000]

What is a bipolar transistor, insulated gate bipolar transistor, npn bipolar

PMEG4020 Series 40 V 50 A Low VF MEGA Schottky Barrier Rectifier - SOD-123W

[wesleylam68]

Bipolar junction transistor

Next year, I will concentrate on learning about the bestTransformers, Audio Transformers, HX1188FNLT, Pulse Electronics. I will also focus on what is multi-layer ceramic capacitor, and Bipolar junction transistor.

[teardownit]

The amazing secrets of Krank Distortus Maximus

This distortion pedal has a fascinating history, an unusual circuit design, and great sound. It's hard to believe that just one LM386N3 chip plus two bipolar transistors at the input and output can sound like this, even without clamping diodes!

Yes, that's not a typo. We are used to the fact that the LM386 is a power amplifier chip for headphones or a tiny speaker. But in essence, it is an operational amplifier. It can do a decent job as a part of the overload effect.

Krank Amplifiers is a boutique brand for expensive and rare tube guitar amps that are no longer in production and, therefore, are very desirable and collectible.

Tony Krank started his career as a guitar technician. He has collaborated with star guitarists like Slayer's Kerry King and Metallica's James Hetfield. From repairing amplifiers, Tony naturally moved on to modifying them and then making his own ones.

In 2003, brothers Tony and Kent founded Krank Amps in Tempe, Arizona. Their amplifiers came out as very innovative and unique. Of course, they were intended for the extreme metal and hard rock genres.

The amplifiers had two channels: clean (KLEEN) and cranked (KRANK). If your last name is Krank and you make amps for metal bands, these are the most appropriate names for amp channels!

In fact, the last name of brothers Tony and Kent is Dow. But Tony played for a long time in The Kranks and became known as Tony Krank. So, he passed this surname to the amplifiers.

The Krank channel provides very high gain and a compelling growl sound, mandatory for killer thrash metal riffs.

And the Kleen channel of these amplifiers has no extremes: not too sweet or sparkling. Just what you need for clean-sounding losses in modern progressive metal.

Not all guitarists liked the high-gain sound. Krank amps, like any other, take some getting used to. In particular, it takes some time to achieve such a balance of treble and presence settings to sound musically pleasing both on stage and in recording.

Ten years ago, Krank amps and cabinets were a common sight on stage, but now almost all of them have gone for good. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, the amplifier design wasn't durable enough to survive a concert tour, and breakdowns occurred quite often.

Secondly, many touring guitarists have started to favor three- and four-channel amps, not to mention those who switched to digital.

Thirdly, and most importantly, many copies of Krank cabinets, heads, and amps have been bought by music producers. These devices were successfully used in studios when there's enough time to set up the best sound; structural strength is low on the priority list, and the quality of recording for thousands of pairs of headphones and speakers is a top goal.

In 2007, Krank introduced two new pedals at NAMM. The first was fine, yet unremarkable, Krankshaft Overdrive. The circuit was just a rip-off from the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808.

We have a separate post about Tube Screamers and their numerous variations. I think that every guitarist absolutely needs at least one Tube Screamer. It could also be Krankshaft Overdrive: a great-sounding, well-designed, and well-made pedal, just like your average Tube Screamer.

Much more exciting and unique was the second pedal—the Distortus Maximus. With a full three-way tone stack and an authentic Krank high-gain channel sound, this is indeed a pedal everyone should at least try!

Building your own copy is not difficult; the pedal circuit can be called very simple. The guitar signal path begins with the amplifier stage on transistor Q1. This seems to be the most common cascade with a common emitter, but it has a few features affecting the sound.

The BC550C is a low-noise transistor with a high current gain of 420 to 800. Look closer at the resistor values that set its base bias.

Typically, in preamp stages, these ratings are made equal or almost equal so that half the supply voltage is at the base of the transistor, and the stage operates in class A mode with minimal distortion.

There are also circuits with no lower resistor, and the resistance of the upper one is selected so that it provides the desired quiescent currents of the collector and base.

This was often done on battery-powered radios to save battery life. DIY superheterodyne from the post on Regency TR-1 is no exception. All high-, intermediate-, and audio-frequency pre-amplifier stages in the circuit of this receiver are designed exactly like this.

And in the Krank Distortus Maximus circuit, the resistance values in the base circuit are designed to ensure the minimum quiescent current of the cascade. For this reason, they differ tenfold! This results in AB mode, which is very close to pure class B.

In this mode, the imperfections of the already low-noise transistor will be completely minimal, which is crucial for a high-gain amplifier. And also, significant nonlinear distortions will occur, which in this case will give the sound asymmetrical compression, even to the point of slight limitation. And these distortions have a pleasant "tube" tint.

One day, I will try to rebuild the Q2 preamp stage of the BOSS DS-1 according to the design of the first stage of the Distortus Maximus. This should respond more pleasantly to the powerful signal of classic hot-rodded and modern humbuckers.

The LM386 chip in the Distortus Maximus is configured to have maximum gain; pins 1 and 8 are connected. They are also connected to a tone-correcting chain consisting of a 100-ohm resistor and a 47-uF capacitor to ground.

Next, we see a complete three-way tone stack and a seemingly ordinary output buffer made according to an emitter-follower circuit. But this buffer is also unusual.

No lower resistor would set the base voltage of transistor Q2 along with the upper 100 kilo-ohm resistor. Therefore, we have not just a voltage follower but a circuit stage that introduces distortion with a "tube" character into the output signal!

This pedal is, to put it mildly, a circuitry masterpiece. Behind its apparent simplicity lies a deep feel for guitar sound; the design utilizes the nuances of transistors and LM386 operation. The video below captures its actual sound.

This is probably my best homemade distortion pedal to date. It is practically an entire single-channel amplifier in a box. I never cease to be amazed by the sound obtained from such a small pile of simple parts!