2N4401 VS 2N3904

The 2N3904 is a widely used NPN transistor that can take up to 200 mA (absolute maximum) and frequencies up to 100 MHz when used as an amplifier.

This 2N4401 transistor is intended for use as a medium-power amplifier and switch with collector currents of up to 500 milliamperes.

2N3904 CAD Model

2N3904 Symbol

2N3904 Footprint

2N4401 CAD Model

2N4401 Symbol

2N4401 Footprint

2N3904 Circuit

2N4401 Circuit

• Bi-Polar NPN Transistor

• DC Current Gain (hFE) is 300 maximum

• Continuous Collector current (IC) is 200mA

• Base- Emitter Voltage (VBE) is 6V

• Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE) is 40V

• Collector-Base Voltage (VCB) is 60V

• Available in To-92 Package

• The transition frequency is 100MHz

• General-purpose NPN Transistor

• High DC Current Gain (hFE), typically 80 when IC=10mA

• Continuous Collector current (IC) is 500mA

• Collector-Emitter voltage (VCE) is 40 V

• Collector-Base voltage (VCB) is 60V

• Emitter Base Breakdown Voltage (VBE) is 6V

• The transition frequency is 100MHz

• Available in To-92 Package

In every way, the 2N3904 and 2N4401 look to be quite similar parts. The 2N4401 has a greater current rating, but otherwise, they appear to be similar in pricing and other aspects.

2N3904 can be used in any electronic application that falls within its electrical characteristics. For example, if you want to switch a load in an electronic application that requires current under 200mA, this transistor will work well. You can use this transistor to drive a variety of loads, such as relays, high-power transistors, LEDs, or a portion of an electronic circuit. It can be used in audio amplification stages, as an amplifier to drive small speakers, as an audio preamplifier, and in the amplification stages of RF applications when utilized as an amplifier.

The 2N4401 transistor is quite similar to the 2N2222, a common NPN transistor. However, there are two key differences between the 2N4401 and the 2N222. 2N4401 has a collector current limit of 500mA and power dissipation of 652mW, making it suitable for modest loads when compared to 2N2222, but it can also drive loads greater than BC547.

So, if you're seeking an NPN transistor that can switch loads or provide adequate amplification, the 2N4401 could be the ideal choice for you.

2N3904 Applications

• Well suitable for TV and home appliance equipment

• Small load switch transistor with high gain and low saturation voltage

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

• Driver modules like relay driver led driver etc...

2N4401 Applications

• Sensor Circuits

• Audio Preamplifiers

• Audio Amplifier Stages

• Switching Loads under 500mA

• Motor speed control

• Darlington Pairs

• RF circuits under 250MHz

2N3904 Package information

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