Why are transistors called "Q"?

[Tom Peters]

"T" was taken (Transformer). That was also a problem when tubes began being 
used. I think they use X for tubes, don't they?

"Q" is quality factor, related to gain, but the gain of a transistor is b 
(beta) isn't it?




At 01:10 AM 2/26/2005 +0000, you wrote:

>Here's a question that came up at the office when a colleague looked
>at a PCB and asked "why are the transistors labelled with Q?"  Well,
>I suggested it might be to avoid a clash with "T" for transformer.
>Or maybe "Q" represents a generic semiconductor, such as a FET, SCR
>or triac.  Or is there some other reason?
>
>--
>John Honniball
>coredump at gifford.co.uk


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