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

NXP Semiconductors 2N3906,116

Name: 2N3906,116
Brand: NXP Semiconductors
SKU: 2N3906,116
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N3906,116

Manufacturer:: NXP Semiconductors

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: 2N3906,116.pdf

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

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2N3906,116 from Nexperia (formerly Philips Semiconductors) is a PNP bipolar junction transistor designed for general-purpose low-power switching and amplification. It features a maximum collector-emitter voltage of −40 V, DC current gain (h_FE) ranging from 60 to 300 depending on bias, and a total power dissipation of 500 mW in TO-92 package. It is commonly used in digital logic level translation, relay drivers, and signal inversion circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2N3906,116 datasheet, 2N3906,116 pinout, 2N3906,116 application, or 2N3906,116 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified PNP polarity, −40 V V_CEO, −200 mA I_C, thermal resistance of 250 K/W, and compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly using TO-92 footprint.

Technical Context

The 2N3906,116 operates as a standard PNP BJT with base-controlled current amplification and exhibits well-defined saturation characteristics (V_CEsat ≤ −200 mV at I_C = −10 mA / I_B = −1 mA). Its transition frequency f_T is specified at 250 MHz under V_CE = −20 V and I_C = −10 mA, supporting high-speed switching applications up to ~65 ns turn-on time.

It shares complementary functionality with the NPN 2N3904 and is characterized across ambient temperatures from −65 °C to +150 °C. Junction temperature is rated to 150 °C, and its thermal resistance (R_th(j-a)) assumes mounting on FR4 PCB per IEC 60134 limiting values framework.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−40 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with open base; defines upper rail limit in PNP switch configurations.
I_C (DC)	−200 mA - Continuous collector current rating; sets load drive capability in linear or saturated operation.
h_FE	60–300 - DC current gain range across I_C = −0.1 mA to −50 mA; determines required base drive for target collector current.
V_CEsat	≤ −200 mV - Saturation voltage at I_C = −10 mA / I_B = −1 mA; ensures low conduction loss in switching mode.
f_T	250 MHz - Transition frequency at V_CE = −20 V / I_C = −10 mA; indicates usable bandwidth for RF or fast-switching designs.
R_th(j-a)	250 K/W - Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on FR4 board; informs derating requirements above 25 °C ambient.
t_on	65 ns - Turn-on time between 10 % and 90 % levels; enables use in sub-10 MHz digital switching applications.

Pinout & Package

2N3906,116 is housed in a plastic single-ended leaded (through-hole) TO-92 package, also designated SC-43A or SOT54. The package has three leads arranged in straight-line configuration with standardized mechanical dimensions including body length 14.5 mm, lead spacing 2.54 mm (e), and lead diameter 0.48 mm (b).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Collector	Primary current sink terminal; connects to load side of PNP switch or active load in amplifier stages.
2	Base	Control input; negative-going signal relative to emitter turns device ON; requires current-limited drive.
3	Emitter	Common reference terminal; typically tied to positive supply rail in PNP switch applications.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-voltage PNP switching	Rated for −40 V V_CEO and −6 V V_EBO; suitable for 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V logic-compatible circuits.
High DC current gain consistency	h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = −10 mA; reduces base drive burden and improves noise margin in digital interfaces.
Fast switching performance	Turn-on time ≤ 65 ns and storage time ≤ 225 ns; supports reliable operation in pulse-width modulation and logic gating.
Thermally robust packaging	TO-92 outline with R_th(j-a) = 250 K/W on FR4; enables stable operation without heatsinking below 200 mW dissipation.

Applications

Logic Level Shifting	Relay Driver Circuit
Use Scenario: Converting TTL/CMOS low-side output signals to high-side PNP control for 5 V or 12 V loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch providing inverted, rail-referenced output with fast edge response. Use Value: Enables direct interface between microcontroller GPIO and higher-voltage peripherals without level-shifter ICs.	Use Scenario: Driving electromagnetic relays requiring >100 mA coil current in industrial control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch delivering full coil voltage with minimal V_CEsat loss. Use Value: Ensures reliable relay actuation while maintaining <200 mV dropout and low base drive overhead.
LED Current Sink	Analog Signal Inversion
Use Scenario: Controlling common-anode LED arrays in multiplexed displays or status indicators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current switch operating in active or saturated region with defined h_FE. Use Value: Provides precise brightness control via base resistor tuning and avoids forward-voltage mismatch issues of MOSFET alternatives.	Use Scenario: Inverting small-signal AC or DC analog voltages in sensor conditioning front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode PNP amplifier with predictable h_FE and low noise figure (≤4 dB). Use Value: Delivers stable gain and low distortion in low-frequency (<100 kHz) inverting amplifier topologies.

Logic Level Shifting

Relay Driver Circuit

Use Scenario: Converting TTL/CMOS low-side output signals to high-side PNP control for 5 V or 12 V loads.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch providing inverted, rail-referenced output with fast edge response.

Use Value: Enables direct interface between microcontroller GPIO and higher-voltage peripherals without level-shifter ICs.

Use Scenario: Driving electromagnetic relays requiring >100 mA coil current in industrial control panels.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch delivering full coil voltage with minimal V_CEsat loss.

Use Value: Ensures reliable relay actuation while maintaining <200 mV dropout and low base drive overhead.

LED Current Sink

Analog Signal Inversion

Use Scenario: Controlling common-anode LED arrays in multiplexed displays or status indicators.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current switch operating in active or saturated region with defined h_FE.

Use Value: Provides precise brightness control via base resistor tuning and avoids forward-voltage mismatch issues of MOSFET alternatives.

Use Scenario: Inverting small-signal AC or DC analog voltages in sensor conditioning front-ends.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode PNP amplifier with predictable h_FE and low noise figure (≤4 dB).

Use Value: Delivers stable gain and low distortion in low-frequency (<100 kHz) inverting amplifier topologies.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MMBT3906	SOT-23 surface-mount package; identical electrical specs but lower thermal resistance (R_th(j-a) ≈ 300 K/W on FR4) and reduced I_CM (−200 mA vs −300 mA).	Requires rework for SMT assembly; unsuitable for through-hole prototyping or legacy boards.	Select when board space is constrained and reflow capability exists.
BC807-40	Higher h_FE (min. 250 at I_C = −100 mA); same TO-92 package; V_CEO = −45 V; slightly higher V_CEsat (−300 mV).	Better suited for higher-gain, medium-current switching where tighter gain tolerance is needed.	Prefer when designing for production stability with wider h_FE distribution control.

Compared with MMBT3906 and BC807-40, the 2N3906,116 offers proven through-hole reliability, consistent −40 V rating, and optimal balance of speed, gain, and thermal behavior for legacy and mixed-technology designs.

Availability

2N3906,116 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive body electronics, and consumer appliance designs requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 2N3906,116 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 focused on high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, spun off from Philips Semiconductors in 2017.

The 2N3906,116 belongs to Nexperia's legacy general-purpose transistor portfolio, engineered for cost-effective, robust switching and amplification in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the 2N3906,116?

The 2N3906,116 has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of −40 V with the base open. This value is defined under absolute maximum conditions per IEC 60134 and must not be exceeded to prevent permanent damage. Derating is recommended above 25 °C ambient temperature due to thermal effects on breakdown margin.

Does the 2N3906,116 have a documented DC current gain range?

Yes, the 2N3906,116 specifies h_FE from 60 to 300 depending on collector current: minimum 60 at I_C = −0.1 mA and −100 mA, 100 at I_C = −10 mA, and up to 300 at I_C = −10 mA. These values are measured at V_CE = −1 V and T_amb = 25 °C per the official Nexperia datasheet.

What package type is used for the 2N3906,116?

The 2N3906,116 uses the TO-92 plastic single-ended leaded package, also known as SC-43A or SOT54. It is a through-hole package with three leads in linear arrangement, standardized for manual soldering and wave soldering in legacy and low-volume production environments.

Can the 2N3906,116 be used as a direct replacement for the 2N3904?

No - the 2N3906,116 is a PNP transistor, while the 2N3904 is its NPN complement. They are not electrically interchangeable without circuit topology changes. Substituting one for the other would invert logic polarity and likely cause functional failure unless the schematic is redesigned to accommodate opposite current flow direction.

What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient for the 2N3906,116?

The 2N3906,116 has a thermal resistance R_th(j-a) of 250 K/W when mounted on an FR4 printed-circuit board, as specified in the Nexperia datasheet. This value assumes natural convection cooling and forms the basis for power derating curves above 25 °C ambient temperature.

2N3906,116 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:: PNP

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:: 250MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

2N3906,116 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N3906,116 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N3906,116 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 2N3906,116 reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N3906,116 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N3906,116 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N3906,116?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N3906,116 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N3906,116?

2N3906,116 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N3906,116 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 2N3906,116?

For technical support, including 2N3906,116 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N3906,116 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N3906,116 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N3906,116 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 2N3906,116 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N3906,116?

All 2N3906,116 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N3906,116, 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 2N3906,116 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N3906,116:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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