2N3904 vs. 2N2222: What is the difference between 2N2222 and 2N3904 Transistor?

The 2N3904 and 2N2222 are two of the most widely utilized NPN bipolar junction transistors in today's electronics. In case you're unsure which to choose or which is better or superior to the other, we've compared and contrasted the two transistors in this post.

2N3904 Pinout

2N2222 Pinout

2N2222 is packaged in a TO-18 metal package, while 2N3904is packaged in a TO-92 plastic package.

2n2904 VS. 2n2222 Package

Because of the different packages employed, the key difference is the power handling or current (Ic) handling.

Power Dissipation, Pd = V x I = Vce(sat) x Ic

TO-18 package has Pd of 1.8 W at 25 deg.C (Tc)

TO-92 package has Pd of 1.5 W at 25 deg.C (Tc)

The 2N2222 was designed to handle larger currents up to 1000mA, but the TO-18 packaging has a substantially higher production cost than the TO-92 plastic container. TO-18 package's competitiveness and popularity dwindle.

To replace 2N2222, PN2222 was introduced with the TO-92 packaging and a specification of 600-800mA, depending on the vendor.

As previously stated, the current handling is heavily reliant on the package. Although the 2N3904 is rated for 200mA Ic, it should theoretically be able to handle at least 600mA Ic.

• The low cost of the 2n2222 and 2n3904 transistors enhances their availability and allows them to be used in a wider range of devices.

• The 2n2222 is a high-speed device, while the 2n3904 is a modern-day high-speed circuit.

• The 2n2222 transistor's main advantage over other similar transistor types is its ability to handle high currents.

• 2n3904 has a collector current of 200mA, while 2n2222 has a collector current of close to 1ampere, allowing 2n2222 to handle high-value loads like 2n3904.

• The collector current dissipation of 2n2222 vs 2N3904 values demonstrates that both devices may function as amplifiers.

• As for 2N2222 Equivalent

The 2n2222 transistor is an NPN device that requires a perfect complementary PNP transistor in some circuits.

A mix of NPN and PNP is required in applications such as siren circuits, amplifier circuits, and flash circuits.

We have the 2n2907 PNP transistor for the 2n2222 NPN transistor.

• As for 2N3904 Equivalent

The complementary transistor for the 2n3904 NPN transistor is a PNP transistor.

The 2n3906 is the most common PNP transistor used with the 2n3904.

As described, the 2N3904 and the 2N2222 are both identical in the amount of voltage they can handle across the collector-to-emitter terminals- both can handle up to 40V.

The 2N2222 differs in that it can handle a higher operating collector current. The collector current is the amplified current that passes from the emitter terminal to the collector terminal of a transistor to power on a load. A 2N3904 can withstand current flows of up to 200mA (milliamperes) from the emitter to the collector end. Because it can manage up to 1A (ampere) of current flow from the emitter to the collector to power on a load, a 2N2222can handle up to 5 times that amount.

As a result, the decision is ultimately based on the amount of current required. The 2N3904 or 2N2222 will suffice if you require less than 200mA. The 2N2222 is the one to choose if you require more than 200mA but not more than 1A. For most circuits, a 2N3904 would suffice, however, if you need more above 200mA, a 2N2222 should be used instead.