Transistor Power Dissipation: The power dissipation in a transistor is the product of which electrical quantities?

Introduction / Context:
Power dissipation is critical in transistor operation. Excessive dissipation can overheat the device and cause failure. Designers must know which current-voltage product determines device heating.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Device: BJT.
• Quantities of interest: IC, VCE, IE, VBE.

Concept / Approach:

Instantaneous power dissipated at collector junction = IC * VCE. This dominates device thermal load.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Datasheets specify maximum power rating as IC * VCE product, confirming definition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• IE * VBE: negligible compared to IC * VCE.
• IE * VCE: incorrect combination.
• None of the above: false, correct defined.

Common Pitfalls:

• Using base current × base voltage instead.

Final Answer:

collector current and collector-to-emitter voltage