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You Can Have My TIPs When You Pry Them From My Cold, Dead Hands

Posted by samzenpus on from the oldie-but-goodie dept.

szczys writes: Should you trash brand new parts developed decades ago and adopt newer models? The argument centers around TIP parts which are a standard type of transistor developed in 1969. This debate started out with a post from Tom Jennings who is known as the creator of Fidonet but works a lot with electronic hardware. Adam Fabio — himself an Electronics Engineer — picked up on the argument for the other side. He attests that if used in the proper application these parts are second to none.

2 of 170 comments (clear)

  1. We actually use them in our telescopes by NixieBunny · · Score: 4, Informative

    The TIP120 is not too efficient, but if you're already going to be dropping a couple volts in the transistor, it simply doesn't matter. Our radio telescopes use very low resistance coils to control the attenuation of a microwave signal using a device called a ferrite modulator. Its voltage drop is about 1 volt, and the lowest power supply available is 5V, so it works fine. Plus, we have a bin with 50 of the darn things in the parts cabinet. So there, Tom! (I jest. He's one of my best friends.)

    --
    The determined Real Programmer can write Fortran programs in any language.
  2. Re:TIPS means to... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    "TIPs" refers to Texas Instrument Power devices. A _Trade_ Name. A more Generic name is BJT- Bipolar Junction Transistor, of which TIPs are a variant.
    The Summary is one of the most ignorant in recent Slashdot memory. It's not even worth being labeled "Flamebait"; not enough thought was given for that designation. BJTs thrive in all sorts of Analog Markets to this day.
    But, well, Samzenpus...
    "Adam Fabio — himself and Electronics Engineer..." What the Hell is that supposed to mean?