Safe operating area

In a transistor, this refers to the range in which voltages and currents at the input and output can be used for the specified lifetime with reliable performance, without causing failure or degradation of the device. Normally, this corresponds to the specified rated input and output range. A transistor has a safe operating area for both forward and reverse bias conditions. When a transistor is used in circuits such as high-power amplifiers or with inductive loads, degradation or destruction may occur even within the rated safe operating area, so caution is required.