Overview
The 2N3904TA is a widely used NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) produced by onsemi. It is designed for general-purpose low-power amplifying and switching applications. This transistor is known for its reliability, low cost, and robust performance, making it a favorite among electronics hobbyists and professionals alike. The 2N3904TA is part of a complementary pair with the 2N3906 PNP transistor, both of which were originally registered by Motorola Semiconductor in the mid-1960s.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Symbol | Max/Min | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collector-Base Voltage | VCBO | 60 | V |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage | VCEO | 40 | V |
| Emitter-Base Voltage | VEBO | 6.0 | V |
| Continuous Collector Current | IC | 200 | mA |
| Power Dissipation | PD | 625 | mW |
| Operating and Storage Junction Temperature | TJ, Tstg | -65 to +150 | °C |
| Thermal Resistance, Junction-to-Ambient | RθJA | 200 | °C/W |
| Transition Frequency | fT | 300 | MHz |
| Current Gain (Beta) | hFE | 100 (min) @ IC = 10 mA |
Key Features
- Low Leakage Current: ICEX = 50 nA (max) and IBL = 50 nA (max) @ VCE = 30 V, VEB = 3 V.
- Excellent DC Current Gain Linearity: Ensures stable and predictable performance in various applications.
- Low Saturation Voltage: VCE(sat) = 0.3 V (max) @ IC = 50 mA, IB = 5 mA, reducing power losses in switching applications.
- Low Collector Output Capacitance: Cob = 4 pF (max) @ VCB = 5 V, which is beneficial for high-frequency operations.
- Complementary Transistor: The 2N3904 is complementary to the 2N3906 PNP transistor, making it easy to design push-pull amplifiers and other complementary circuits.
Applications
The 2N3904TA is versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, including:
- General Purpose Amplification: Suitable for low-power amplifying circuits due to its good current gain and low noise characteristics.
- Switching Applications: Its low saturation voltage and fast switching times make it ideal for switching circuits.
- Audio and Signal Processing: Can be used in audio amplifiers, signal processing circuits, and other low-power electronic devices.
- Educational and Hobby Projects: Widely used by electronics hobbyists and students due to its availability, low cost, and ease of use.
Q & A
- What is the maximum collector current of the 2N3904TA? The maximum collector current is 200 mA.
- What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage of the 2N3904TA? The maximum collector-emitter voltage is 40 V.
- What is the thermal resistance of the 2N3904TA? The thermal resistance, junction-to-ambient, is 200 °C/W.
- What is the transition frequency of the 2N3904TA? The transition frequency is 300 MHz.
- What is the current gain (beta) of the 2N3904TA? The minimum current gain (beta) is 100 at a collector current of 10 mA.
- What are the complementary transistors to the 2N3904TA? The complementary PNP transistor is the 2N3906.
- What are the typical applications of the 2N3904TA? General-purpose amplification, switching applications, audio and signal processing, and educational/hobby projects.
- What is the package style of the 2N3904TA? The package style is TO-92.
- What is the maximum power dissipation of the 2N3904TA? The maximum power dissipation is 625 mW.
- What are the operating and storage junction temperatures for the 2N3904TA? The operating and storage junction temperatures range from -65 to +150 °C.
