Hi everyone,

I might sound retarded but CPU's made today work in the Ghz area, but can you buy transistors that switch that quickly?

Thanks!

 

PMBTH81 PNP 1 GHz Switching Transistor. May perhaps be such a transistor.

 

There are a few transistors and diodes that can work in the low Ghz frequencies. The problem is their size. They are just too big in discrete form.

Remember, these new CPU's only work in the Ghz range internally, their external interfaces are all sub-Ghz. The size of the devices, distances between them and length and geometry of the leads and circuit traces all present problems in the form of capacitance, inductance and radiating elements that work against high frequencies.

 

Surface mount works better due to what folks are talking about. Another reason it is taking over so thoroughly.