Why are transistors called "Q"?

From: David V. Corbin <dvcorbin_at_optonline.net>
Date: Fri Feb 25 19:52:42 2005

>>> 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?
>>>

It is in one of the following three ANSI standards:

 Y1.1-1972
 Y10.5-1968
 Y10.19-1969
Received on Fri Feb 25 2005 - 19:52:42 GMT