MJE16002
SAFE OPERATING AREA INFORMATION
FORWARD BIAS
There are two limitations on the power handling ability of
a transistor: average junction temperature and second
breakdown. Safe operating area curves indicate IC − VCE
limits of the transistor that must be observed for reliable
operation; i.e., the transistor must not be subjected to greater
dissipation than the curves indicate.
The data of Figure 16 is based on TC = 25_C; TJ(pk) is
variable depending on power level. Second breakdown
pulse limits are valid for duty cycles to 10% but must be
derated when TC ≥ 25_C. Second breakdown limitations do
not derate the same as thermal limitations. Allowable
current at the voltages shown on Figures 17 and 18 may be
found at any case temperature by using the appropriate curve
on Figure 20.
TJ(pk) may be calculated from the data in Figure 15. At
high case temperatures, thermal limitations will reduce the
power that can be handled to values less than the limitations
imposed by second breakdown.
REVERSE BIAS
For inductive loads, high voltage and high current must be
sustained simultaneously during turn−off, in most cases,
with the base−to−emitter junction reverse biased. Under
these conditions the collector voltage must be held to a safe
level at or below a specific value of collector current. This
can be accomplished by several means such as active
clamping, RC snubbing, load line shaping, etc. The safe
level for these devices is specified as Reverse Bias Safe
operating Area and represents the voltage−current condition
allowable pulling reverse biased turn−off. This rating is
verified under clamped conditions so that the device is never
subjected to an avalanche mode. Figure 17 gives the
RBSOA characteristics.
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