Biggest Complementary Transistors

[EWorkshop1708]

I've been searching, online, but not much luck on real good info.

What are the biggest NPN/PNP bipolar transistor pair made? Don't matter what package.

I've seen here TO-3 devices that are 250W 16A, but I imagine there's much bigger.

Huge Complementary transistors can be used in more than just amplifiers. However, a pair of really big transistors would make a darn good amp. Could come in handy for all the big amp builders here too.

What are the biggest complementary transistors available today?

[john-china]

real good for audio, the couple must be MJL4281A (NPN)
MJL4302A (PNP)

[h_a]

I'm not aware of any 250W+ parts at all. That's easy to understand as the biggest standard package widely used is the old TO-3 and the plastic TO-3P - both limit maximum dissipation to the values you mentioned (250W which is by the way only a theoretical number as it needs to be derated and SOARed).

You need larger packages for more and of course uncommon packages are very costly, thus uneconomical.

Have fun, Hannes

[jacco vermeulen]

Makes me wonder how many brands make/made the 300W TO-3 2N568* series.

And then there's stuff such as 350W BUX20/BUR50/BUR51 darlingtons in a TO-3 package.
Shoot, there even used to be a TO-3 Maxi case.

[poynton]

http://www.alldatasheet.com/datashee...C/MJ11028.html



andy

[EWorkshop1708]

Originally posted by john-china
real good for audio, the couple must be MJL4281A (NPN)
MJL4302A (PNP)

Those are great, I have a bunch of those. Also the Thermaltrak Versions too - NJL4281

[EWorkshop1708]

Originally posted by jacco vermeulen
Makes me wonder how many brands make/made the 300W TO-3 2N568* series.

And then there's stuff such as 350W BUX20/BUR50/BUR51 darlingtons in a TO-3 package.
Shoot, there even used to be a TO-3 Maxi case.

BUR50: 200V 70A

Very nice. Great for really high currents!

[myhrrhleine]

Originally posted by EWorkshop1708
Huge Complementary transistors can be used in more than just amplifiers. However, a pair of really big transistors would make a darn good amp. Could come in handy for all the big amp builders here too.

I would respectfully disagree.
Really big transistors require a great deal of compromises which leave them less than ideal for amps.
It's better IMO to parallel smaller transistors.

[CBS240]

Be carfull you're not looking at switching transistors. They typically have a higher current capacity, yet have limited SOA at larger Vce. Also linearity is more desirable than SOA, IMHO. I always wondered if one could use a device like that in a cascode arangement with error correction. One pair cranking out huge currents.


Unless you're really bored it would be a wast of time I'm afraid.

[quasi]

Originally posted by myhrrhleine


I would respectfully disagree.
Really big transistors require a great deal of compromises which leave them less than ideal for amps.
It's better IMO to parallel smaller transistors.

Originally posted by CBS240
Be carfull you're not looking at switching transistors. They typically have a higher current capacity, yet have limited SOA at larger Vce. Also linearity is more desirable than SOA, IMHO. I always wondered if one could use a device like that in a cascode arangement with error correction. One pair cranking out huge currents.


Unless you're really bored it would be a wast of time I'm afraid.

I agree. Seemingly ideal and powerful transistors leave a lot to be desired when it comes to audio output stages. Often these transistors are slow, have low Hfe and low Vce. This is why parallel units of more suitable but lower powered transistors are used.

In terms of power handling a transistor rated at 250 watts might only be good for around 20 watts at Vce = 100v. In this case you would be far better off deploying a mosfet solution if you wanted fewer output devices.

Cheers
Quasi