Power Transistors

The objectives of power transistor design are expressed in general terms which make evident the reason for certain trends in the development. The design theory is discussed in terms of the physical phenomena which are believed to be important at high current densities and high voltages. The course of development over the past ten years is then described in terms of the important factors revealed by the design theory. A brief discussion of the present status of power transistor development is followed by speculation as to the probable future results of continued development.