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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

NXP Semiconductors 2N3904,116

Name: 2N3904,116
Brand: NXP Semiconductors
SKU: 2N3904,116
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N3904,116

Manufacturer:: NXP Semiconductors

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Datasheet:: 2N3904,116.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 40V 0.2A TO-92-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2N3904,116 from Nexperia (formerly Philips Semiconductors) is an NPN general-purpose switching transistor in TO-92 (SOT54) package, rated for 40 V V_CEO, 200 mA I_C, and 500 mW P_tot, widely used in low-power digital logic interfacing, LED drivers, and small-signal amplification stages.

For engineers reviewing the 2N3904,116 datasheet, 2N3904,116 pinout, 2N3904,116 application, or 2N3904,116 equivalent, key selection criteria include DC current gain (h_FE = 100–300 at I_C = 10 mA), switching speed (t_off = 240 ns), saturation voltage (V_CEsat ≤ 200 mV), thermal resistance (R_th(j-a) = 250 K/W), and TO-92 mechanical compatibility.

Technical Context

This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in active or saturated switching modes with base-emitter forward bias enabling collector current control. Its low V_CEsat and fast turn-off time support efficient on/off operation in pulse-width modulation and digital gate drive circuits.

Designed for through-hole mounting on FR4 PCBs, it features a maximum junction temperature of 150 °C and thermal resistance of 250 K/W under standard test conditions. The device exhibits f_T = 300 MHz and low capacitance (C_c = 4 pF, C_e = 8 pF), supporting high-frequency signal handling up to tens of MHz.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	40 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage in open-base configuration; defines upper rail limit for switching applications.
I_C (DC)	200 mA - Continuous collector current rating; sets load-driving capability in relay drivers or LED arrays.
h_FE	100–300 - DC current gain at I_C = 10 mA, V_CE = 1 V; determines required base drive current for saturation.
V_CEsat	≤200 mV - Collector-emitter voltage in saturation; minimizes conduction loss and self-heating during on-state.
t_off	240 ns - Total turn-off time (10%–90%); enables reliable operation in kHz-range switching and digital logic buffering.
R_th(j-a)	250 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR4 board; informs heatsinking requirements at full power.
f_T	300 MHz - Transition frequency; supports small-signal amplification up to RF front-end stages in low-noise receivers.

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 (SOT54 / SC-43A), plastic single-ended leaded through-hole package with 3 leads; standardized mechanical outline per IEC 60134, 5.2 mm height, 4.8 mm body width, 2.54 mm lead pitch.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Collector	Main current output terminal; connects to load or supply rail in common-emitter switch configurations.
2	Base	Control input; requires current-limited drive (e.g., via 3.9 kΩ resistor) to achieve saturation at target I_C.
3	Emitter	Current return path; typically grounded in low-side switch topologies or tied to negative rail in level-shifting circuits.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low saturation voltage	V_CEsat ≤ 200 mV at I_C = 10 mA / I_B = 1 mA - Reduces power dissipation and improves efficiency in battery-powered switches.
High DC current gain	h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = 10 mA - Enables robust switching with minimal base drive current, easing MCU GPIO interface design.
Fast switching performance	t_off = 240 ns, t_on = 65 ns - Supports clean digital waveform reproduction up to ~1 MHz clock rates in logic-level translation.
Low noise figure	F = 5 dB at I_C = 100 µA - Suitable for pre-amplifier stages in audio and sensor signal conditioning where SNR matters.

Applications

LED Driver Circuit	Digital Logic Level Shifter
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side NPN switch controlling LED current path to ground. Use Value: V_CEsat ≤ 200 mV ensures >95% LED forward voltage utilization and <4 mW conduction loss at full current.	Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V logic signals to 5 V TTL-compatible inputs in mixed-voltage systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active pull-up switch enabling bidirectional level conversion without timing skew. Use Value: t_on/t_off < 70/240 ns preserves signal integrity up to 1 MHz data rates with minimal propagation delay.
Small-Signal Amplifier	Relay Driver Stage
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak analog signals from temperature sensors or microphone elements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased in active region for linear voltage gain. Use Value: f_T = 300 MHz and h_FE = 100–300 enable stable mid-band gain (AV ≈ 50–100) with low distortion below 10 MHz.	Use Scenario: Switching 12 V, 50 mA coil relays using 3.3 V or 5 V logic outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch providing galvanic isolation between control and load circuits. Use Value: I_C = 200 mA rating and V_CEO = 40 V accommodate relay back-EMF suppression and transient margin.

LED Driver Circuit

Digital Logic Level Shifter

Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side NPN switch controlling LED current path to ground.

Use Value: V_CEsat ≤ 200 mV ensures >95% LED forward voltage utilization and <4 mW conduction loss at full current.

Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V logic signals to 5 V TTL-compatible inputs in mixed-voltage systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active pull-up switch enabling bidirectional level conversion without timing skew.

Use Value: t_on/t_off < 70/240 ns preserves signal integrity up to 1 MHz data rates with minimal propagation delay.

Small-Signal Amplifier

Relay Driver Stage

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak analog signals from temperature sensors or microphone elements.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased in active region for linear voltage gain.

Use Value: f_T = 300 MHz and h_FE = 100–300 enable stable mid-band gain (AV ≈ 50–100) with low distortion below 10 MHz.

Use Scenario: Switching 12 V, 50 mA coil relays using 3.3 V or 5 V logic outputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch providing galvanic isolation between control and load circuits.

Use Value: I_C = 200 mA rating and V_CEO = 40 V accommodate relay back-EMF suppression and transient margin.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN switching transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC547B,112	Slightly higher h_FE (200–450), same TO-92 package, V_CEO = 45 V, P_tot = 500 mW	Preferred where higher gain reduces base drive burden; identical pinout allows direct substitution in most layouts.	Select when tighter h_FE tolerance or marginally higher voltage headroom is needed without changing footprint.
MPS2222A	Higher I_C (600 mA), V_CEO = 40 V, same TO-92, but R_th(j-a) = 200 K/W and faster t_off (200 ns)	Better suited for higher-current loads (e.g., solenoids) and faster switching; may require thermal reassessment due to different dissipation profile.	Choose for upgraded current capacity or improved switching speed while retaining through-hole assembly compatibility.

Compared with BC547B,112 and MPS2222A, the 2N3904,116 offers balanced gain, proven reliability, and broad legacy design support-making it ideal for cost-sensitive, low-to-moderate speed applications where exact parameter matching is less critical than supply chain stability.

Availability

2N3904,116 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, digital logic level shifters, small-signal amplifiers, and relay driver stages requiring stable component supply across prototyping, industrial control, and consumer electronics production.

Supply support for 2N3904,116 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

Nexperia is a global semiconductor expert delivering high-performance, reliable discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions with leadership in efficiency, miniaturization, and automotive-grade quality.

The 2N3904,116 belongs to Nexperia's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor portfolio, engineered for robustness, consistency, and ease of use in cost-sensitive analog and digital interface applications across industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N3904,116?

The 2N3904,116 has a maximum DC collector current (I_C) rating of 200 mA under ambient temperature ≤25 °C. This value assumes proper PCB thermal management per the datasheet's FR4 mounting condition. Exceeding this current risks thermal runaway or permanent degradation, especially without derating above 25 °C ambient.

Does the 2N3904,116 have a specified transition frequency (f_T)?

Yes, the 2N3904,116 has a minimum transition frequency (f_T) of 300 MHz, measured at V_CE = 20 V, I_C = 10 mA, and f = 100 MHz. This confirms its suitability for RF amplification and high-speed switching up to tens of MHz, though practical bandwidth in amplifier designs depends on biasing and external component selection.

What is the pin configuration of the 2N3904,116 in its TO-92 package?

The 2N3904,116 uses the standard TO-92 pinout: Pin 1 is Collector, Pin 2 is Base, and Pin 3 is Emitter - verified per Philips/Nexperia's official SOT54 outline drawing and pinning table. This configuration is consistent across all TO-92 variants of the 2N3904 family and matches the complementary PNP 2N3906.

Can the 2N3904,116 be used as a direct replacement for the 2N3904 without qualification?

Yes, the 2N3904,116 is a fully qualified, industry-standard variant of the 2N3904 with identical electrical specifications, TO-92 packaging, and pinout. It complies with the same JEDEC registration and meets all original 2N3904 limiting values and characteristics - making it a drop-in replacement in legacy and new designs alike.

What is the thermal resistance (R_th(j-a)) of the 2N3904,116 and how does it affect PCB layout?

The 2N3904,116 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_th(j-a)) of 250 K/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB per datasheet test conditions. This means a 125 mW power dissipation raises junction temperature by ~31 °C above ambient - so PCB copper area, trace width, and airflow must be considered to maintain T_j ≤150 °C in sustained operation.

2N3904,116 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: NXP Semiconductors

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 200 mA

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 40 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 200mV @ 5mA, 50mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 50nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 100 @ 10mA, 1V

Power - Max:: 500 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 300MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

2N3904,116 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N3904,116 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N3904,116 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for 2N3904,116 reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N3904,116 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N3904,116 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N3904,116?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N3904,116 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N3904,116?

2N3904,116 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N3904,116 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 2N3904,116?

For technical support, including 2N3904,116 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N3904,116 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N3904,116 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N3904,116 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 2N3904,116 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N3904,116?

All 2N3904,116 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N3904,116, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The 2N3904,116 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N3904,116:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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