Why reprint a book that is over 30 years old and out-of-print; that deals with 20-to-40-year-old bipolar transistor models when newer models are now available; and that presents measurement techniques using no-longer-available equipment? The answer is that this is a book that is of extreme interest to a certain audience – especially those folks who want to know more about how transistors work than the mind of man was meant to bear (grin). I shall explain... read on...

Modeling the Bipolar Transistor by Ian Getreu first came out in March 1976. Very popular since its inception, it was reprinted in August 1976 and again in November 1979. Although there are more recent books that describe transistor models, Ian released this second edition in September 2009, which is just a couple of months ago as I pen these words.

In fact, I was chatting with Ian a few days ago and he explained that there are several reasons why he reprinted this tome. First and foremost, he is still regularly asked for information on how to get a copy (Click Here to order one for $39.95 + shipping). In fact this is a bargain – I checked on Amazon and used copies of the original sell anywhere from $25 to $100 and more!

But Ian's main reason for republishing is that Modeling the Bipolar Transistor is a teaching tool. Although the main limitation of the models in this book is that they are one-dimensional (two- and three-dimensional effects are important it today's devices), the fundamental physics and the basis of all bipolar transistor models are covered here.

I myself have been wading through this little rascal for the past few evenings and I must admit that I had no idea there was so much involved in modeling a transistor. Of course I'm a digital logic designer by trade, so I tend to think in terms of transistors as being in only one of two states – On or Off (grin). In reality, of course, when you are working in the analog and/or radio frequency (RF) domains, you have to think of things in a very different way.

At the moment my mind is reeling with the concepts of injection versus transport versions of models, charge-storage effects, effects of base-widening, and myriad other details sufficient to make my eyes water. The real point here is that I did learn a whole lot that I never knew before (now all I have to do is wait for my head to stop aching :-)

Truth to tell, I'm not really qualified to give a detailed evaluation of this book because it is so far outside my domain of expertise. However, I think the two notes on the back cover say things better than I could hope to myself:

Bipolar transistors are now more than 60 years old, and this book is more than 30 years old, so why would it be republished now and why should you be interested in it? Primarily because it is still the best-written and clearest description of the operation and modeling of bipolar transistors. For the practicing modeling engineer it gives clear and detailed descriptions of measurement techniques and parameter extraction algorithms that are still today the basis of bipolar transistor modeling. The more recent books I have on bipolar modeling have some more up to date information, but are nowhere near as clearly or succinctly written as "Modeling the Bipolar Transistor" ... which is why I still find myself regularly consulting one of my two copies!

Dr Colin McAndrew
IEEE Fellow, Primary developer of the VBIC model,
Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, Freescale Semiconductor

I often refer people to this hard-to-find book for BJT parameter measurements and understanding. I am simply thrilled it is being reprinted. Its unique combination of models, parameter extraction and successive development is not covered in modern books and certainly not in one grand tour as it is here. I still find areas in it to think about. Many times the reason Spice doesn't "simulate correctly" is because the models parameters are incorrect. Whenever I check out an existing model in Spice or construct one of my own for an existing part I go straight to this book without delay.

Jonathan Kirwan
Embedded Programmer,
Hobbyist and Consultant

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