Advantages
The key advantages that have allowed transistors to replace their vacuum tube predecessors in most applications are
- Small size and minimal weight, allowing the development of miniaturized electronic devices.
- Highly automated manufacturing processes, resulting in low per-unit cost.
- Lower possible operating voltages, making transistors suitable for small, battery-powered applications.
- No warm-up period for cathode heaters required after power application.
- Lower power dissipation and generally greater energy efficiency.
- Higher reliability and greater physical ruggedness.
- Extremely long life. Some transistorized devices have been in service for more than 50 years.
- Complementary devices available, facilitating the design of complementary-symmetry circuits, something not possible with vacuum tubes.
- Insensitivity to mechanical shock and vibration, thus avoiding the problem of microphonics in audio applications.
Read more about this topic: Transistor, Comparison With Vacuum Tubes
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