TRANSISTOR MUSEUM Historic Transistor Photo Gallery
Transistor Size (1/4” Diameter X 1/4”H) Standard T0-5 Case Date Code 231 (1962, Week 31)	FAIRCHILD 2N1613 TYPE Silicon NPN Planar USAGE High Reliability Universal Type DATE INTRODUCED 1960 CASE STYLES Silver Metal AVAILABILITY Common (High Volume Production)
HISTORIC NOTES This was the first planar silicon transistor and its introduction at the 1960 WESCON by Fairchild was a truly historic event in semiconductor history. The planar technology was developed by Dr. Jean Hoerni at Fairchild and provided the basis for modern passivated surface silicon structures – this led to highly reliable transistors and shortly thereafter to the first Fairchild integrated circuits, an industry first. The high reliability performance of the planar structure (advertised as 5 million transistor hours by Fairchild at the launch of the 2N1613) was due to a protective layer of silicon oxide that covered the transistor surface. This same layer of silicon oxide also provided a stable, insulating structure ideally enabling the photolithographic process for integrated circuit construction. The 2N1613 was a very successful product, and the patented planar process provided substantial competitive advantage to Fairchild for several years. Other semiconductor companies began offering 2N1613 types by 1963. RCA, for example, offered a 2N1613 for $7.01 in the 1963 Arrow Electronics catalogue.
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