onsemi 2N3392

Overview

2N3392 from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor designed for low-to-medium power linear amplification and switching applications up to 300 mA collector current. It features a V_CEO of 25 V, V_CBO of 25 V, V_EBO of 5.0 V, continuous I_C rating of 500 mA, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 150–300 at I_C = 2.0 mA, V_CE = 4.5 V - used in audio preamplifiers, sensor interface stages, and discrete logic-level switching circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2N3392 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-92 package, 150–300 h_FE range, 25 V breakdown ratings, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200 °C/W), and suitability for general-purpose analog and digital signal handling where moderate gain and robustness are required.

Technical Context

The 2N3392 operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor fabricated using Fairchild's Process 10. Its design targets stable DC amplification and reliable switching with defined saturation and cutoff behavior under continuous operation at T_A = 25°C. The device supports linear operation with small-signal h_fe of 150–500 at 2.0 mA and exhibits low noise figure (NF ≤ 5.0 dB) only in the 2N3391A variant - not applicable to 2N3392.

Thermal performance is governed by R_θJC = 83.3 °C/W and R_θJA = 200 °C/W, limiting usable power dissipation to 625 mW at 25°C with 5.0 mW/°C derating above ambient. Absolute maximum junction temperature is 150°C, and storage temperature spans −55°C to +150°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

2N3392 is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with three leads arranged in a straight-line configuration. Pin identification follows the B-C-E (Base–Collector–Emitter) order when viewing the flat side of the package with leads pointing downward.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose amplifier applications.

Compared with 2N2222A and BC547B, the 2N3392 offers superior continuous current capacity (500 mA) and thermal margin (625 mW, 200 °C/W) while maintaining mid-range h_FE - making it optimal for mixed-signal systems needing both analog gain and robust digital switching in one discrete device.

Availability

2N3392 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifier circuits, sensor signal conditioning stages, and relay driver modules requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for 2N3392 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, analog, and discrete devices before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016. Its discrete transistor portfolio emphasized ruggedness, manufacturability, and broad parametric coverage.

The 2N3392 belongs to Fairchild's legacy "2N" series of general-purpose NPN transistors engineered for cost-sensitive, high-volume industrial and consumer applications demanding proven reliability and straightforward biasing.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N3392?

The 2N3392 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 500 mA at T_A = 25°C. This rating assumes adequate PCB copper area for heat dissipation and must be derated linearly above 25°C per the specified 5.0 mW/°C thermal coefficient. Exceeding this limit risks thermal runaway or permanent degradation of the 2N3392 junction.

Does the 2N3392 have a documented noise figure specification?

No, the 2N3392 does not have a published noise figure (NF) value in its official Fairchild datasheet. NF = 5.0 dB is explicitly specified only for the 2N3391A variant under defined test conditions (V_CE = 4.5 V, I_C = 100 µA, RG = 500 Ω, BW = 15.7 kHz); this parameter is not characterized or guaranteed for the 2N3392.

What is the pin configuration of the 2N3392 in the TO-92 package?

When viewing the 2N3392 with its flat side facing you and leads pointing downward, the left-to-right pin order is Emitter (E), Base (B), Collector (C). This B-C-E labeling convention is confirmed in Fairchild's TO-92 packaging documentation and matches mechanical drawings in Rev. B of the 2N3390–3393 datasheet.

Can the 2N3392 replace the 2N3904 in a switching application?

The 2N3392 is not a direct replacement for the 2N3904 due to significant differences: the 2N3904 has higher h_FE (100–300), lower I_C (200 mA), and smaller V_CEO (40 V), while the 2N3392 offers higher current (500 mA) but lower gain consistency. Substituting 2N3392 for 2N3904 may cause overdrive or thermal stress if the original design relies on tight h_FE tolerance or low-current saturation.

Is the 2N3392 RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Fairchild's 2N3392 was originally manufactured prior to full RoHS implementation and is not certified as lead-free. Its packaging documentation references legacy tape-and-reel codes (e.g., D26Z, D74Z) and material specifications consistent with pre-2006 production. For RoHS-compliant alternatives, consult ON Semiconductor's modern equivalents such as the NSS20501MR6T1G.