Re: What is the real maximum voltage for a BJT?

From: John Larkin (jjlarkin_at_highSNIPlandTHIStechPLEASEnology.com)
Date: 07/13/04 

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 10:27:44 -0700

On Mon, 12 Jul 2004 19:09:10 -0700, Jim Thompson
<thegreatone@example.com> wrote:

>On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 21:23:22 -0700, John Larkin
><jjlarkin@highlandSNIPtechTHISnologyPLEASE.com> wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 12 Jul 2004 03:58:30 GMT, "Norm Dresner" <ndrez@att.net>
>>wrote:
>>
>>>Data sheets give information like BVceo, BVebo, ... and I think I've seen
>>>an occassional BVcer ... as well.
>>>
>>>What's the absolute maximum safe value to use ? Okay, I don't mean absolute
>>>safe valeu because that's zero, but realistically, if I keep the voltage
>>>between the C & E less than BVceo, am I guaranteed that the transistor won't
>>>break down (that way)?
>>>
>>>Is there any safety margin in these figures?
>>>
>>>TIA
>>> Norm
>>
>>
>>BVcbo or BVcer are safe numbers to use in the real world in most
>>circuits. I assume the manufacturer applies the margin so I don't have
>>to, but I do have to worry about worst-case transient situations.
>>
>>BVceo is worst-case, a bit pessimistic unless you really intend to run
>>it with the base open. But to be conservative, use this one.
>>
>>John
>>
>>
>
>Only **I** know for sure ;-)
>
> ...Jim Thompson

Jim: my "conservative" comment was meant to be whimsical, not nasty (I
consider myself to be fundamantally conservative, using my own
definitions of course.) But Sloman seems, of late, to follow me around
like a deranged puppy, amplifying or clarifying my comments in
directions I never intended. He used to insult me, which I actually
preferred because that, at least, verified that we have nothing in
common. He speaks only for himself.

John