2N2218 Pinout, Equivalent, Features, Applications and Other Details

Today we are going to discuss about transistor 2N2218 pinout, equivalent, features, applications and other details about how and where to use this TO-38 packaged NPN transistor.

Features / Technical Specifications

• Package Type: TO-38
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(IC): 0.8A or 800mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE): 30V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCB): 60V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 5V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 0.8 Watt Or 800mW
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 250 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (hFE): 100 – 300
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -65 to +200 Centigrade

PNP Complementary

PNP Complementary of 2N2218 is 2N2102

Replacement and Equivalent

2N2219, 2N4237, NTE123, 2N3108, 2N4030, 2N4238, ECG123, 2N2219A, 2N3252, 2N3110

2N2218 Transistor Explained / Description

2N2218 is a BJT transistor manufactured in TO-38 metal case package. It is an ideal transistor if your are looking for a little bit higher power transistor in the place of other general purpose TO-92 package transistors such as 2n2222, C945, 2N3904, BC547 etc. The transistor also features high operating temperature of upto 200 degree centigrade which makes it ideal to use in high temperature circuits. As a switch this transistor can perform high speed switching and capable to drive load of upto 800mA.
Moreover this transistor can also be used as an audio amplifier and also in audio amplifier stages. Max transition frequency of the transistor is 250MHz which also makes it ideal to use in RF circuits under 250MHz.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use

2N2218 transistor can be used in any general purpose application that falls under its ratings. For example it can be used as a switch to drive load of upto 800mA, with 800mA collector current it can drive high power LEDs, motors, relays, high power transistors etc. Moreover it can also be used as a separate audio amplifier to drive a speaker or it can be used in audio amplifier circuit stages. Other than that it can also be used in RF circuits such as in FM radios and FM transmitters and other RF circuits under 250MHz.

Applications

General and High Speed Switching

Audio Amplifiers

Signal Amplifiers

RF Circuits

Darlington Pairs

Variety of General Purpose Applications

How to Get Long Term Performance in a Circuit

To achieve long term performance with this transistor or any other electronic component it is suggested to always use it atleast 20% below from its max ratings. Hence same applies to 2N2218 transistor. The max collector current is 800mA therefore do not drive load of more than 640mA. The max collector emitter voltage is 30V therefore do not drive load of more than 24V. Use a suitable heatsink with the transistor and always store or operate the transistor in temperature above -65 degree centigrade and below +200 degree centigrade..

Datasheet

To Download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.

https://cdn.datasheetspdf.com/MoV/web/viewer.html?file=/pdf-down/2/N/2/2N2218_STMicroelectronics.pdf