onsemi 2N3703

Overview

2N3703 from Fairchild Semiconductor is a PNP epitaxial silicon transistor designed for general-purpose amplification and switching in low-to-medium power circuits, with V_CEO = −30 V, I_C = −500 mA continuous, h_FE = 30–150 at −50 mA/−5 V, and TO-92 package. It operates across −55°C to +150°C and supports applications such as signal inversion, relay drivers, and discrete logic interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the 2N3703 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its PNP polarity, saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) = −0.25 V @ −50 mA/−5 mA), cutoff leakage (I_CBO ≤ −100 nA), f_T = 100 MHz, and thermal resistance R_θJA = 200°C/W.

Technical Context

The 2N3703 functions as a medium-current PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its DC current gain spans 30–150 under standardized bias (V_CE = −5.0 V, I_C = −50 mA), and it achieves f_T = 100 MHz with Cob = 12 pF at V_CB = −10 V, enabling audio-frequency and low-speed digital use.

Thermal design relies on R_θJA = 200°C/W and R_θJC = 83.3°C/W, with maximum power dissipation of 625 mW at 25°C derating at 5.0 mW/°C above ambient. Absolute ratings include V_CBO = −50 V, V_EBO = −5.0 V, and T_J = −55°C to +150°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

2N3703 is housed in a through-hole TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads. Lead spacing conforms to JEDEC TO-92 standard dimensions, including 1.27 mm lead pitch and 4.58 mm body width.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP general-purpose transistor applications.

Compared with 2N3703, the 2N3906 offers superior gain but reduced current drive, while the MPSA92 trades gain and speed for extreme voltage tolerance-neither is pin-compatible nor a direct replacement, but both serve adjacent PNP roles in discrete analog and power control designs.

Availability

2N3703 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay drivers, audio pre-amplifiers, DC motor direction control, and discrete logic inverters requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for 2N3703 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 company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The 2N3703 belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for robust performance in industrial control, consumer audio, and educational electronics where reliability and ease of use are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector current rating for the 2N3703?

The 2N3703 has a maximum continuous collector current rating of −500 mA at T_A = 25°C. This value decreases with rising ambient temperature due to its 5.0 mW/°C derating coefficient. Operation above this limit risks thermal runaway or permanent degradation. Always verify actual power dissipation using V_CE(sat) and I_C in the target circuit before finalizing the 2N3703 design.

Is the 2N3703 suitable for audio amplification applications?

Yes, the 2N3703 is suitable for low-power audio amplification, particularly in pre-amplifier and driver stages. Its f_T = 100 MHz and h_FE = 30–150 at −50 mA support stable gain up to mid-audio frequencies. The 2N3703 exhibits low V_CE(sat) and minimal distortion near signal zero-crossings, making it appropriate for Class-A and emitter-follower configurations in compact audio modules.

What is the pin configuration of the 2N3703 in the TO-92 package?

The 2N3703 uses a standard TO-92 package with leads arranged as Emitter (pin 1), Collector (pin 2), Base (pin 3) when viewing the flat side with leads pointing downward. This configuration is consistent across Fairchild's 2N37xx series and matches JEDEC TO-92 mechanical drawings. Always confirm orientation using the device marking and datasheet diagram before PCB layout or assembly of the 2N3703.

How does the 2N3703 compare to the 2N3906 in switching applications?

The 2N3703 supports higher collector current (−500 mA vs. −200 mA) but lower typical h_FE than the 2N3906. In saturated switching, the 2N3703 delivers greater load drive capability, while the 2N3906 requires less base current for the same collector current. For relay or LED loads under 200 mA, the 2N3906 may reduce MCU GPIO loading-but the 2N3703 remains preferred for robustness in 300–500 mA switching tasks.

Does the 2N3703 have documented compliance with RoHS or lead-free standards?

The original 2N3703 datasheet (Rev. B, July 2002) predates mandatory RoHS implementation and does not specify lead-free or RoHS-compliant construction. Current production versions supplied by Aetrix Electronics meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC J-STD-609 moisture sensitivity level 1 requirements. Confirm material content and finish via Aetrix's certified test reports for the specific 2N3703 lot prior to high-reliability or export-sensitive deployments.