Silicon Power Plastic Transistor for Automotive Applications

The reduction in price of the plastic power transistor over its metal can counterpart is identified with new encapsulants and automation rather than reduced performance or reliability.

The production and testing of the Bendix B5000 plastic power transistor is discussed to indicate how process improvements have been reflected in a device with widespread automotive circuit applications.

Advantages of silicon plastic, the transfer molding system, automated element and device testing, and form factors permitting multiple mounting techniques are presented.