2N3905 Transistor Pinout, Equivalents, Applications, Specs, Features, Explanation and Other Info

2N3905 is a PNP general purpose BJT small signal transistor. In this post we will dig deep into this transistor’s capabilities and see how we can use it in our circuit effectively.  The post contains 2N3905 Transistor pinout, equivalents, applications, specs, features, explanation and other useful info.

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2N3905 Transistor Pinout, Equivalents, Applications, Specs, Features, Explanation

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Features / Technical Specifications:

  • Package Type: TO-92
  • Transistor Type: PNP
  • Max Collector Current(IC): 200mA
  • Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE): 40V
  • Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCB): 40V
  • Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VBE): 5V
  • Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 625 mW
  • Max Transition Frequency (fT): 200 MHz
  • Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (hFE): 15 to 150
  • Max Storage, Operating & Junction temperature range: -55 to +150 Centigrade

 

NPN Complementary:

NPN Complementary of 2N3905 is 2N3903

 

Replacement and Equivalent:

2N2907, BC556, BC557, 2N4403, A1015, 9014, C945, BC527, BC558, BC559. The pin configurations of these transistors may differ from the 2N3905, so it is recommended that you check the pinout of the transistor you are replacing before soldering into the circuit or using it in your circuit design.

 

2N3905 Transistor Explained / Description:

2N3905 is a small signal general purpose BJT transistor available in TO-92 package. The transistor is built to perform general purpose tasks of switching and amplification in electronic applications. The maximum collector current of the transistor is 200mA which means it can handle load of upto 200mA and the maximum load voltage can be upto 40V. The emitter to base voltage of the transistor is 5.0V, total device dissipation is 625mW, max DC current gain is 150, maximum transition frequency is 200MHz and NF or noise figure of transistor is 5.0dB.

2N3905 VS 2N3906

As you already know that 2N3906 is a famous general purpose transistor and you can find it in many commercial appliances, equipment and also in many educational projects. The 2N3905 is has not exactly the same specs as the 2N3906 but can be used as a replacement in most of the conditions. So if you are looking for an alternative of 2N3906 then you can try 2N3905 transistor.

 

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

As already mentioned it is designed to use as a general purpose transistor therefore it can be used in wide variety of applications which falls under its specs. It can easily be used as a switch to drive variety of small current loads such as relays, LEDs, high power transistors etc. Other than that it can also be used for preamplification and amplification of audio and any other type of signals in electronics. Moreover it can also be used in RF application around 100MHz.

 

Applications:

Audio preamplifiers

Audio amplifiers

RF appliances such as FM radios etc.

Switching loads under 200mA

 

Safe Operating Guidelines / Absolute Maximum Ratings:

The right procedure of using any transistor or component is to not use it to its absolute maximum ratings. Using a component to its absolute maximum ratings can provide stress on the component and may damage it or weak its overall performance. So it is better to use a component atleast 20% below from its absolute maximum ratings. Follow the below guidelines when using the transistor in your circuits or circuit design.

  • The maximum collector current is 200mA or 0.2A therefore do not drive load of more than 160mA.
  • The maximum collector to emitter voltage is 40V therefore do not drive load of more than 32V.
  • And always store or operate the transistor at temperatures above -55°C and below +150 °C.

 

Datasheet:

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

https://cdn.datasheetspdf.com/pdf-down/2/N/3/2N3905_FairchildSemiconductor.pdf

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