2N3904 Pinout: Important Features & Equivalent
The 2N3904 is a widely used NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) that is commonly employed in various electronic circuits. Understanding the 2N3904 Pinout is crucial for proper connection and utilization in circuit designs.
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2N3904 Pinout
Let’s explore the 2N3904 pinout in detail.
The 2N3904 transistor consists of three pins: the emitter (E), base (B), and collector (C). The 2N3904 Pinout is as follows:
Emitter (E): The emitter is the first pin of the 2N3904 transistor, denoted as “E” in the datasheet. It is typically marked with an arrow or a small triangle symbol. The emitter is responsible for the majority charge carriers (electrons for NPN transistors) and serves as the reference point for current flow.
Base (B): The base is the second pin of the 2N3904 transistor, labeled as “B” in the datasheet. It is located between the emitter and collector pins. The base pin controls the current flow between the emitter and collector, allowing the transistor to amplify or switch electrical signals.
Collector (C): The collector is the third pin of the 2N3904 transistor, denoted as “C” in the datasheet. It is the output terminal and carries the majority of the current in the transistor. The collector pin is often connected to the positive supply voltage in many circuit configurations.
The 2N3904 Pinout can be represented in a triangular arrangement, with the pins extending outward from the vertices of the triangle. The emitter pin is typically located on the left side, the base pin is in the center, and the collector pin is positioned on the right side.
When using the 2N3904 transistor in a circuit, it is crucial to connect the pins correctly to ensure proper functionality and avoid potential damage to the transistor. Referring to the 2N3904 pinout diagram or datasheet will help identify and correctly connect the pins according to the desired circuit configuration.
Features of 2N3904 Transistor
- NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT)
- High current gain (hFE) of typically 100 to 300
- Low noise and distortion for amplification applications
- Suitable for low-power switching and general-purpose amplification purposes
- High voltage breakdown capability
Specifications of 2N3904 Transistor
- Maximum collector current (IC) of 200 mA
- Maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) of 40 V
- Maximum power dissipation (Ptot) of 625 mW
- Transition frequency (fT) of 300 MHz
- Operating temperature range typically from -55°C to +150°C
Equivalent ICs of 2N3904 Transistor
BC547: This is a variant of the 2N3904 transistor with similar characteristics and pinout configuration. The BC547 can serve as an equivalent or alternative to the 2N3904 in many circuit designs.
BC548: This is another NPN transistor that offers similar functionality and pinout configuration to the 2N3904. It can be used interchangeably with the 2N3904 depending on specific requirements and component availability.
PN2222A: This is another NPN transistor with comparable characteristics and pinout configuration to the 2N3904. It can be used as a substitute or equivalent to the 2N3904 in various electronic circuits.
These equivalent ICs provide similar performance and can be utilized as replacements for the 2N3904 in various electronic circuits, depending on specific needs and component availability.
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