Home » Transistor data » this page
2N3904 Transistor Data
Key transistor data for the 2N3904 general purpose transistor including key electrical parameters, pinout, package type and many other key transistor details.
Key details and performance parameters for the 2N3904 transistor.
| Transistor parameters & data |
|
|---|---|
| Parameters | Details |
| Transistor type | NPN silicon switching transistor |
| Package type | TO92 |
| VCBO max (V) | 60 |
| VCEO max (V) | 40 |
| VEBOmax (V) | 6 |
| VCEsat (V) | 300mV @ I |
| IC max (mA) | 200 |
| TJ Max °C | |
| PTOT nW | 625 |
| fT min (MHz) | |
| COB | 4p |
| hfe | 300 max |
| IC for hfe | 10 mA |
| Similar / equivalents | |
Outline:
Pinout:
Explanation of transistor parameters
| Parameter | Explanation |
|---|---|
| VCBO Max | Maximum collector-base voltage with emitter open circuit . |
| VCEO Max | Maximum collector-emitter voltage with base open circuit. |
| VEBO Max | Maximum emitter-base voltage with collector open circuit. |
| VCEsat (included where applicable) | The voltage drop across the collector-emitter when the transistor is fully saturated (acting as a closed switch). |
| IC Max | Maximum collector current. |
| Parameter | Explanation |
|---|---|
| TJ | Maximum junction temperature. |
| PTOT Max | Maximum device dissipation normally in free air at 25°C unless other conditions indicated. |
| fT Min | Minimum cutoff frequency at which the current gain in a common emitter circuit falls to unity. |
| COB Max | Maximum collector capacitane, normally measured with emitter open circuit. |
| hFE | DC current gain for HFE at IC. [Note hfe is the small signal gain and although this may be slightly different, the transistor current gain will vary considerably from ne transistor to the next of the same type.] |
| PTOT Max | Maximum device dissipation normally in free air at 25°C unless other conditions indicated. |
These are the main transistor parameers that have been included in our list. There are others, but these help quantify the main elements of the performance of the transistor.
Please note, that the data given is the best estimate we can give within a tabulated summary of this nature. Parameters also vary between manufacturers. Electronics Notes cannot accept any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, etc, although we do endevaour to ensure the data is as accurate as possible.
Notes and supplementary information
The transistor is available from a number of distributors and is easily available.
• Basic details
The 2N3904 is an NPN silicon epitaxial planar transistor for switching and amplifier applications.
As complementary type, the PNP transistor, 2N3906 is recommended as it has similar complementary characteristics.
This transistor is also available in the SOT-23 case with the type designation MMBT3904.
• Current gain
Although the general current gain is categorised by some manufacturers as being up to 300, Limimax, one of the manufacturers, have three bands for the gain:
O - 100-200Y - 200-300
G - 300-400
Written by Ian Poole .
Experienced electronics engineer and author.
Return to Component Data menu . . .
