Why Are BJTs Considered Cheaper to Operate Than FETs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative operating costs of Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) and Field Effect Transistors (FETs), exploring the contexts in which one may be considered cheaper to operate than the other. Participants examine the implications of circuit design and specific applications on the choice between these two types of transistors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the claim that BJTs are cheaper to operate, suggesting that FETs, which require less current, should be less expensive to operate.
  • Another participant challenges the validity of the original statement, arguing that comparisons between BJTs and FETs cannot be made without considering specific circuit applications and types of transistors involved.
  • It is noted that circuit design plays a crucial role in determining the preferred transistor type, with BJTs being advantageous in some scenarios while FETs may be better in others.
  • Participants emphasize the importance of discussing specific applications and the distinctions between different types of FETs (such as JFETs and MOSFETs) in analog circuits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the comparison between BJTs and FETs cannot be generalized and that specific applications must be considered. However, there is no consensus on the original claim regarding operating costs.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of making broad statements about operating costs without detailed context, including the types of circuits and transistors involved.

iScience
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why are people saying BJTs are cheaper to OPERATE?

the field effect devices require less current and should therefore cost less no?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
what people ? where ?

any links to that ?

Dave
 
The original statement is a lot like saying "Fords get better gas mileage than Chevys", without any other information provided. You can't make this type of comparison without talking about the type of circuit (the application), the type of BJT & FETs involved, and possibly several other things, so the statement itself has no merit.

Circuit design dictates transistor choice, and in some cases, BJTs may be the preferred transistor, while in others, FETs are a much better option (for any number of reasons but not usually "operating cost").
 
As others have said, you can not generalize. There are certain applications where BJTs are better while others where FETs are better. You have to talk about specifics of the application. And add into JFETs vs. MOSFETs vs. BJTs in analog circuits generally.
 

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