1. A condition where the output current of an electronic device is substantially constant and independent of voltage. In the case of a device such as a field-effect transistor or thermionic valve, saturation is an inherent function of the device and produces the maximum current inherent to the device. In the case of a bipolar junction transistor, saturation occurs when both junctions are forward biased. The collector current is limited by the circuit elements of the external circuit and changing these alters the magnitude of the saturation current drawn from the device.
2. (magnetic) The maximum possible degree of magnetization of a material; it is independent of the strength of the magnetic flux density applied to the material. All the domains in the material at saturation are assumed to be fully orientated with respect to the magnetic flux density (see ferromagnetism).