HF parts (was: Re: [sdiy] Anyone need any transistors? I got lots and lots...)

[harrybissell]

It means that the base cannot be more than 4V MORE negative than the
emitter (assuming NPN).  The base-emitter junction will reverse
breakdown betond this point.

Usually the base will never be more than .7V more positive than the
enitter...
or it will turn ON :^P

Some transistors will be badly damaged by the E-B breakdown... some
degraded...
some don't really care much if the current is limited to some low value.
We wouldn't have most common white noise generators without reverse
breakdown

H^) harry