Discrete transistors are individually packaged transistors. Transistors come in many different semiconductor packages (see image). The two main categories are through-hole (or leaded), and surface-mount, also known as surface-mount device (SMD). The ball grid array (BGA) is the latest surface-mount package (currently only for large integrated circuits). It has solder "balls" on the underside in place of leads. Because they are smaller and have shorter interconnections, SMDs have better high-frequency characteristics but lower power rating. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is a discrete transistor? ANS1 individually packaged transistors QSN2 What are the two most common types of transistor? ANS2 through-hole (or leaded), and surface-mount QSN3 What is the newest surface-mount transistor? ANS3 ball grid array (BGA) QSN4 What is another name for the surface-mount transistor? ANS4 surface-mount device (SMD) QSN5 What is a ball grid array composed of? ANS5 solder "balls" on the underside in place of leads