Bipolar Junction Transistor vs MOSFET Infographic

Often a MOSFET is the go-to device these days for new electronic designs, but bipolar junction transistors, BJTs still outperform MOSFETs in some areas.

Often people reach for a MOSFET for new electronic circuit designs, but this may not be the best choice as bipolar transistors still excel in many areas.

Bipolar junction transistor technology is older and more established, and MOSFETs have much to offer. But when selecting a device for a new design it is necessary to look at the characteristics of each device and select the best one on its merits.

The MOSFET excels where low power is needed or where fast switching is required.

The bipolar transistor is ideal where a current drive is required, or where low switching losses are needed from the fact that the VCE(sat) remains almost constant whatever the colector emitter current.

The key feature comparisons of BJTs vs MOSFETs are summarised in the infographic below.