In electronics, SOT stands for Small Outline Transistor.
Understanding SOT in Electronics
Based on the provided reference, a Small Outline Transistor (SOT) is defined as:
- A family of electronic components.
- They have a small footprint, meaning they take up minimal space on a circuit board.
- They are discrete surface mount transistors. This means they are individual transistor components designed to be soldered directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), rather than inserted through holes.
- They are commonly used in consumer electronics.
These characteristics make SOT packages ideal for miniaturization in modern electronic devices.
Common SOT Variations
The reference highlights that the most common SOT packages are variations of the SOT23.
A specific variation mentioned is the SOT23-5. The reference notes a key physical difference between the standard SOT23 and the SOT23-5:
| Package Type | Body Width |
|---|---|
| SOT23 | 1.3 mm (0.051 in) |
| SOT23-5 | 1.6 mm (0.063 in) |
This difference in body width is one example of how variations within the SOT family can differ in their physical dimensions, impacting PCB layout and component density. SOT packages are fundamental building blocks in the design and manufacturing of compact electronic devices.
