2N3904 Pinout, Features, Specifications and Equivalent

The 2N3904 transistor is one of the most popular NPN BJT transistor and it is widely used for general purpose and low power switching and audio amplifier applications. Because of its low cost and availability, it is commonly used by students, hobbyists and professionals in electronic circuits. This article describes the 2N3904 pinout, features, electrical characteristics, applications and equivalent transistors list for replacement.

2N3904 Pinout

Hold the transistor flat side facing you and pins pointing downward, then count the pin from left to right as 1, 2 and 2. The 2N3904 comes in a TO-92 package, and the pin configuration is given in the counted order of,

1. Emitter
2. Base
3. Collector

Features of 2N3904

• NPN Silicon BJT.
• Suitable for low power general-purpose use.
• Fast switching speed.
• Good gain characteristics.
• Available in through hole TO-92 package.
• Low noise performance.
• Pb Free (RoHS compliant) versions available.

Specifications and Maximum Ratings

• Collector-Emitter Voltage VCEO: 40V
• Collector-Base Voltage VCBO: 60V
• Emitter-Base Voltage VEBO: 6V
• Continuous Collector Current IC: 200 mA
• Total Power Dissipation PD: 625 mW
• Junction Temperature Range TJ: −55⁰C to +150⁰C

Equivalent Transistors for Replacement

• 2N2222 / PN2222
• BC547 / BC548
• S8050
• SS9014
• 2N4401

Complementary Transistor

2N3906 PNP transistor is the complementary transistor for 2N3904 NPN transistor.

Applications

• Switching Circuits
• Signal Amplifiers
• Oscillators & RF circuits
• Pulse-Shaping and Waveform Circuits
• General Purpose Use