Question

What are the major differences between a switching transistor and a linear transistor?

note: please type answer

Answer 1

Linear transistor is used in amplification purpose. To work transistor as an amplifier it should be driven into Active region of operation. Power capacity is low i.e few watts only.

Switching transistor is used in power conversion devices as switches. The power handling capacities of switching transistors will be very high (Hundreds of watts) as compared to linear transistor. Switching transistor is operated in either cutoff mode ( To act as open switch) and Saturation mode( to act as closed switch).

Construction wise switching transistor os heavily doped than linear transistor as it has to withstand large voltages in Cutoff mode.