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

onsemi 2N3906ZL1

Name: 2N3906ZL1
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N3906ZL1
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N3906ZL1

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads

Datasheet:: 2N3906ZL1.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 40V 0.2A TO92

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:51,800

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Product details

Overview

2N3906ZL1 from onsemi is a PNP silicon small-signal transistor in TO-92 package, rated for V_CEO = 40 V, I_C = 200 mA, and P_D = 625 mW at T_A = 25°C, with h_FE ≥ 60 at I_C = 0.1 mA and f_T = 250 MHz - used in low-power switching and amplification circuits such as level shifters and discrete logic inverters.

For engineers reviewing the 2N3906ZL1 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include verified V_CEO/I_C ratings, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, h_FE variation across bias points, saturation voltage at defined I_C/I_B, and thermal resistance R_JA = 200°C/W for ambient-limited designs.

Technical Context

The 2N3906ZL1 operates as a general-purpose PNP bipolar junction transistor with base-emitter forward bias enabling collector current control. Its DC current gain (h_FE) ranges from 60 to 300 depending on collector current (0.1–100 mA), and it exhibits V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C = 10 mA/I_B = 1 mA.

Small-signal parameters include f_T = 250 MHz, C_obo ≤ 4.5 pF, and noise figure NF ≤ 4.0 dB at I_C = 100 μA - confirming suitability for audio-frequency amplification and fast-switching applications up to ~10 MHz with predictable transient response (t_d, t_r ≤ 35 ns).

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	40 V - Maximum safe collector-to-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in PNP switch or amplifier stages.
I_C	200 mA - Continuous collector current rating; sets maximum load drive capability in saturated switching.
P_D @ 25°C	625 mW - Total power dissipation at room ambient; derates 5.0 mW/°C above 25°C for thermal design margin.
h_FE @ I_C=10 mA	100–300 - DC current gain range at mid-bias; determines required base drive current for target collector load.
f_T	250 MHz - Transition frequency; indicates usable bandwidth for small-signal amplification up to ~25 MHz with gain >1.
V_CE(sat)	≤0.25 V @ I_C=10 mA/I_B=1 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and voltage drop in switching applications.
R_JA	200°C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires heatsinking or airflow for sustained >300 mW operation.

Pinout & Package

2N3906ZL1 is housed in TO-92 package (Case 29, Style 1), a through-hole plastic package with 3 leads, standardized for manual and wave soldering. Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Base, Pin 3 is Collector - confirmed by ON Semiconductor marking diagram and package outline on page 66 of datasheet Rev. 2.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Emitter)	Current exit terminal for PNP device	Connected to higher potential rail in common-emitter switch; polarity-sensitive for correct biasing.
2 (Base)	Control input for minority-carrier injection	Requires negative bias relative to emitter to turn on; current-limited via series resistor in most designs.
3 (Collector)	Current entry terminal for PNP device	Typically tied to ground or low-side load return; collector current flows into this pin when active.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Pb-free construction	Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; compatible with lead-free reflow and wave soldering processes.
High f_T	250 MHz transition frequency enables stable small-signal amplification up to audio and low-RF frequencies.
Low V_CE(sat)	≤0.25 V ensures minimal conduction loss in digital logic interfaces and power-efficient switching.
Wide h_FE range	60–300 across operating conditions supports robust design across manufacturing tolerances and temperature shifts.
TO-92 mechanical standardization	Compatible with legacy PCB footprints, automated insertion equipment, and hand-soldering workflows.

Applications

Discrete Level Shifter	LED Driver Switch
Use Scenario: Translating TTL/CMOS logic high (3.3 V) to a −5 V rail in mixed-voltage systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch configured in common-emitter mode, turning on when base is pulled low. Use Value: Enables bidirectional voltage translation without active ICs; leverages 2N3906ZL1's 40 V V_CEO and low V_CE(sat) for clean signal edges.	Use Scenario: Driving a 20 mA red LED from a microcontroller GPIO pin referenced to +5 V supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side PNP current sink where emitter connects to +5 V and collector drives LED cathode to ground. Use Value: Uses 2N3906ZL1's 200 mA I_C rating and h_FE ≥ 100 at 10 mA to ensure full saturation with minimal base drive.
Audio Pre-amplifier Stage	Discrete Inverter Logic
Use Scenario: First-stage amplification of microphone-level signals (≤10 mV) in battery-powered voice recorders. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier biased at I_C ≈ 1 mA for optimal NF and h_fe. Use Value: Leverages 2N3906ZL1's NF ≤ 4.0 dB and f_T = 250 MHz to preserve SNR and bandwidth up to 20 kHz.	Use Scenario: Implementing NOT logic in repairable analog subsystems where IC replacement is impractical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-bias PNP inverter with pull-up resistor, delivering rail-to-rail output swing. Use Value: Relies on 2N3906ZL1's consistent V_BE(sat) (0.65–0.85 V) and h_FE stability to ensure predictable threshold and rise/fall times.

Discrete Level Shifter

LED Driver Switch

Use Scenario: Translating TTL/CMOS logic high (3.3 V) to a −5 V rail in mixed-voltage systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch configured in common-emitter mode, turning on when base is pulled low.

Use Value: Enables bidirectional voltage translation without active ICs; leverages 2N3906ZL1's 40 V V_CEO and low V_CE(sat) for clean signal edges.

Use Scenario: Driving a 20 mA red LED from a microcontroller GPIO pin referenced to +5 V supply.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side PNP current sink where emitter connects to +5 V and collector drives LED cathode to ground.

Use Value: Uses 2N3906ZL1's 200 mA I_C rating and h_FE ≥ 100 at 10 mA to ensure full saturation with minimal base drive.

Audio Pre-amplifier Stage

Discrete Inverter Logic

Use Scenario: First-stage amplification of microphone-level signals (≤10 mV) in battery-powered voice recorders.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier biased at I_C ≈ 1 mA for optimal NF and h_fe.

Use Value: Leverages 2N3906ZL1's NF ≤ 4.0 dB and f_T = 250 MHz to preserve SNR and bandwidth up to 20 kHz.

Use Scenario: Implementing NOT logic in repairable analog subsystems where IC replacement is impractical.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-bias PNP inverter with pull-up resistor, delivering rail-to-rail output swing.

Use Value: Relies on 2N3906ZL1's consistent V_BE(sat) (0.65–0.85 V) and h_FE stability to ensure predictable threshold and rise/fall times.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP small-signal transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC557B	V_CEO = 45 V, h_FE = 200–450 @ I_C = 2 mA, TO-92 package	Higher h_FE tolerance improves low-current gain consistency but reduces max switching speed (f_T ≈ 100 MHz)	Prefer BC557B where tighter h_FE binning is needed at low I_C; verify layout compatibility with identical TO-92 footprint.
MPSA92	V_CEO = 300 V, I_C = 500 mA, TO-92, f_T ≈ 50 MHz	Higher voltage rating suits HV bias networks but lower f_T limits RF/audio use	Select MPSA92 only when >100 V V_CEO is mandatory; avoid in signal amplification due to reduced bandwidth.

Compared with BC557B and MPSA92, the 2N3906ZL1 offers balanced performance: superior f_T for wideband use versus BC557B, and better small-signal fidelity than MPSA92's high-voltage-optimized structure - making it optimal for general-purpose amplification and switching below 40 V rails.

Availability

2N3906ZL1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for discrete logic design, analog signal conditioning, and low-power switching applications requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and RoHS-compliant through-hole assembly.

Supply support for 2N3906ZL1 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensor, and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The 2N3906ZL1 belongs to onsemi's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability discrete circuit implementations where proven performance and broad second-source availability are critical.

FAQ

What is the package type and lead configuration of the 2N3906ZL1?

The 2N3906ZL1 uses the TO-92 package (Case 29, Style 1) with three leads in straight-line configuration. Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Base, and Pin 3 is Collector - matching the standard pinout defined in the ON Semiconductor datasheet Rev. 2, page 66. This configuration is mechanically and electrically identical across all TO-92 variants of the 2N3906 family, including the 2N3906ZL1.

Does the 2N3906ZL1 meet RoHS requirements?

Yes, the 2N3906ZL1 is manufactured as a Pb-free device compliant with the EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The "Z" in the part number denotes RoHS-compliant packaging, and the datasheet explicitly states Pb-free availability with reference to onsemi's Soldering and Mounting Techniques Reference Manual. This ensures compatibility with lead-free reflow profiles and environmental compliance programs.

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N3906ZL1?

The 2N3906ZL1 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 200 mA at T_A = 25°C. This value is specified under steady-state DC conditions and must be derated linearly at 5.0 mW/°C above 25°C ambient temperature. Actual usable current depends on PCB copper area, airflow, and thermal interface - especially given its R_JA = 200°C/W.

How does the DC current gain (h_FE) of the 2N3906ZL1 vary with collector current?

The 2N3906ZL1 exhibits a non-monotonic h_FE curve: minimum 60 at I_C = 0.1 mA, rising to 100 at I_C = 10 mA, peaking near 300 at I_C = 50 mA, then falling to 30 at I_C = 100 mA. This behavior is documented in Figure 13 of the datasheet and must be accounted for in bias network design to maintain stable operating points across process and temperature variation.

Can the 2N3906ZL1 replace the 2N3906RL1 in existing designs?

Yes, the 2N3906ZL1 is a direct functional and mechanical replacement for the 2N3906RL1. Both share identical TO-92 packaging, electrical specifications, and RoHS compliance. The "ZL1" suffix indicates Pb-free Ammo Pack packaging (2,000 units), while "RL1" denotes standard Ammo Pack - differing only in packaging format and material content, not device performance or pinout.

2N3906ZL1 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: PNP

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

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

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 400mV @ 5mA, 50mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: -

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

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 250MHz

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92 (TO-226)

2N3906ZL1 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N3906ZL1 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N3906ZL1 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 2N3906ZL1 reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N3906ZL1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N3906ZL1 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N3906ZL1?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N3906ZL1 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N3906ZL1?

2N3906ZL1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N3906ZL1 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 2N3906ZL1?

For technical support, including 2N3906ZL1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N3906ZL1 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N3906ZL1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N3906ZL1 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 2N3906ZL1 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N3906ZL1?

All 2N3906ZL1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N3906ZL1, 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 2N3906ZL1 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N3906ZL1:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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