2N3904 Silicon NPN Transistor[FAQ]:Datasheet, Pinout, Equivalent and Package

Because the 2N3904 is an NPN transistor when the base pin is held at the ground, the collector and emitter are left open (reverse biased), and when a signal is applied to the base pin, the collector and emitter are closed (forward-biased). The gain value of the 2N3904 is 300, which controls the transistor's amplification capacity. Because the maximum amount of current that can flow through the Collector pin is 200mA, we can't use this transistor to connect loads that need more than 200mA. We must feed current to the base pin of a transistor to bias it, and this current (IB) should be limited to 5mA.

When fully biased, this transistor can enable a maximum of 200mA to flow between the collector and emitter. The normal voltage allowed across the Collector-Emitter (V­CE) or Collector-Base (VCB) could be 40V or 60V, respectively, in the Saturation Region. The transistor gets entirely off when the base current is eliminated; this stage is known as the Cut-off Region, and the Base Emitter voltage may be approximately 600mV. 

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3D Models

1. Bi-Polar NPN Transistor

2. DC Current Gain (hFE) is 300 maximum

3. Continuous Collector current (IC) is 200mA

4. Base- Emitter Voltage (VBE) is 6V

5. Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE) is 40V

6. Collector-Base Voltage (VCB) is 60V

7. Available in To-92 Package

BC549, BC636, BC639, 2N2222 TO-18, 2N2369, 2N3055, 2N3906, 2SC5200

When a transistor is utilized as a switch, it operates in the Saturation and Cut-Off Regions, as previously discussed. As previously stated, a transistor will behave as an open switch during forwarding Bias and as a closed switch during Reverse Bias when the proper amount of current is supplied to the base pin. As previously stated, the biasing current should not exceed 5mA. Any current more than 5mA will destroy the transistor, hence a resistor is always connected in series with the base pin.

When in the Active Region, a transistor operates as an amplifier. It has the ability to magnify power, voltage, and current in a variety of configurations.

The following are some of the configurations found in amplifier circuits:

• Amplifier with common emitter

• Amplifier with common collector

• Amplification with a common basis

• Driver Modules like Relay Driver, LED driver, etc...

• Amplifier modules like Audio amplifiers, signal Amplifiers, etc...

• VCB and VBE are high hence can be used to control voltage loads up to 40V

• Commonly used in TV and other home appliances

2N3904TA, 2N3904BU, 2N3904TF, 2N3904TAR, 2N3904TFR

TO-92

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The 2N3904 and 2N2222 are two of the most widely used NPN bipolar junction transistors on the market today.

Comparing transistors isn't difficult because there are just a few key parameters to consider. Below is a table that compares and contrasts transistors, as well as an explanation of what each item in the table implies.