Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

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

onsemi 2N3906ZL1G

Name: 2N3906ZL1G
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N3906ZL1G
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: 2N3906ZL1G

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: 2N3906ZL1G.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 40V 0.2A TO92

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:9,550

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

2N3906ZL1G from onsemi is a PNP silicon general-purpose 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. It delivers h_FE = 100 (at I_C = 10 mA, V_CE = 1.0 V) and V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V (I_C = 10 mA, I_B = 1.0 mA), widely used in low-power switching and linear amplification circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2N3906ZL1G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its PNP polarity, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, guaranteed h_FE range across collector current, saturation voltage performance at defined drive conditions, and thermal derating behavior above 25°C ambient.

Technical Context

The 2N3906ZL1G operates as a discrete bipolar junction transistor with fixed emitter-base-collector terminal assignment per TO-92 Style 1 (Emitter = Pin 1, Base = Pin 2, Collector = Pin 3). Its DC current gain (h_FE) varies from 60 to 300 depending on collector current - 60 at I_C = 100 mA and 300 at I_C = 0.1 mA - enabling predictable biasing in both switching and analog configurations.

Small-signal parameters include f_T = 250 MHz, C_obo ≤ 4.5 pF, and h_ie = 2.0–12 kΩ, supporting stable operation up to mid-VHF frequencies. Switching times are characterized with t_d/t_r ≤ 35 ns and t_s ≤ 225 ns under defined test conditions (V_CC = 3.0 V, I_C = 10 mA, I_B1 = I_B2 = 1.0 mA), confirming suitability for digital logic interfacing and pulse amplification.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	40 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in PNP switch or amplifier stages.
I_C (max)	200 mA - Continuous collector current rating; sets load-driving capability in relay drivers or LED sinks.
P_D @ 25°C	625 mW - Total power dissipation at room temperature; requires thermal derating of 5.0 mW/°C above 25°C ambient.
h_FE @ 10 mA	100 (min) - Guaranteed DC current gain at medium bias; ensures reliable base drive sizing for saturated switching.
V_CE(sat)	≤ 0.25 V - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at I_C = 10 mA / I_B = 1.0 mA; minimizes conduction loss in active-low switches.
f_T	250 MHz - Transition frequency; supports small-signal amplification up to ~100 MHz with usable gain margin.
R_θJA	200 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; informs heatsinking requirements when operating near power limits.

Pinout & Package

2N3906ZL1G is housed in a TO-92 plastic package (Case 29–11), with standardized lead spacing and mechanical dimensions compliant with ANSI Y14.5M. The device uses Style 1 pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1 (Emitter)	Current source terminal for PNP operation	Connected to higher potential node (e.g., V_CC) in common-emitter switch; reference point for base bias network.
Pin 2 (Base)	Control input for minority-carrier injection	Receives current-limited drive to turn on/off transistor; requires series resistor to limit I_B and ensure saturation.
Pin 3 (Collector)	Current sink terminal	Connected to load (e.g., relay coil or LED anode); voltage swing here determines output logic level or analog signal range.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Guaranteed h_FE range	60–300 across I_C = 0.1–100 mA enables robust bias design without gain-dependent instability.
Low V_CE(sat)	≤ 0.25 V at I_C/I_B = 10 ensures <1% voltage drop across transistor in saturated switching applications.
High f_T	250 MHz allows use in RF preamps, oscillator buffers, and fast digital interface circuits up to ~50 MHz.
JEDEC-compliant TO-92	Standardized footprint and lead form enable direct replacement in legacy through-hole designs and automated assembly.
Wide T_J range	–55°C to +150°C junction operation supports deployment in industrial, automotive under-hood, and outdoor equipment.

Applications

LED Driver Circuit	Level-Shifting Interface
Use Scenario: Driving high-brightness indicator LEDs from microcontroller GPIO pins with active-low logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch sinking current from LED anode to ground via collector, with base driven by MCU output. Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V minimizes power loss and heat generation while delivering full LED brightness at 20 mA.	Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V logic outputs to 5 V or 12 V domains in mixed-voltage systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-pull-up level shifter where 2N3906ZL1G pulls high-side rail to logic HIGH when base is pulled LOW. Use Value: Fast t_r/t_f ≤ 35 ns ensures clean edge transitions without timing skew in clock or data lines.
Relay Control Module	Audio Pre-amplifier Stage
Use Scenario: Controlling 5–12 V electromagnetic relays in PLC I/O modules and industrial control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch turning relay coil ON/OFF; collector connected to coil return path, emitter to V_CC. Use Value: I_C = 200 mA rating safely exceeds typical relay coil currents (40–150 mA), providing margin for inrush and aging.	Use Scenario: Low-noise voltage amplification stage in microphone preamps and sensor signal conditioning circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased in linear region, using h_FE-stable operating point at I_C = 1.0 mA. Use Value: NF ≤ 4.0 dB at 1 kHz and R_S = 1 kΩ ensures minimal added noise in sensitive analog front-ends.

LED Driver Circuit

Level-Shifting Interface

Use Scenario: Driving high-brightness indicator LEDs from microcontroller GPIO pins with active-low logic.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch sinking current from LED anode to ground via collector, with base driven by MCU output.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V minimizes power loss and heat generation while delivering full LED brightness at 20 mA.

Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V logic outputs to 5 V or 12 V domains in mixed-voltage systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-pull-up level shifter where 2N3906ZL1G pulls high-side rail to logic HIGH when base is pulled LOW.

Use Value: Fast t_r/t_f ≤ 35 ns ensures clean edge transitions without timing skew in clock or data lines.

Relay Control Module

Audio Pre-amplifier Stage

Use Scenario: Controlling 5–12 V electromagnetic relays in PLC I/O modules and industrial control panels.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch turning relay coil ON/OFF; collector connected to coil return path, emitter to V_CC.

Use Value: I_C = 200 mA rating safely exceeds typical relay coil currents (40–150 mA), providing margin for inrush and aging.

Use Scenario: Low-noise voltage amplification stage in microphone preamps and sensor signal conditioning circuits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased in linear region, using h_FE-stable operating point at I_C = 1.0 mA.

Use Value: NF ≤ 4.0 dB at 1 kHz and R_S = 1 kΩ ensures minimal added noise in sensitive analog front-ends.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MPSA92	V_CEO = 300 V, I_C = 500 mA, TO-92 package, h_FE = 50–250	Higher voltage blocking and current handling; larger die size increases capacitance and reduces f_T (~50 MHz)	Select when >40 V supply rails or >200 mA loads require higher ruggedness; not drop-in due to different gain profile and speed.
BC557B	V_CEO = 45 V, I_C = 100 mA, TO-92, h_FE = 200–450 at I_C = 2 mA	Narrower I_C rating and tighter h_FE binning; lower power dissipation (500 mW)	Prefer for precision biasing or low-current analog stages where higher h_FE consistency matters; verify thermal margin at full load.

Compared with MPSA92 and BC557B, the 2N3906ZL1G offers balanced trade-offs: sufficient voltage/current headroom for most 5–12 V systems, predictable h_FE vs. I_C curve, and proven manufacturability in high-volume TO-92 assembly - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical general-purpose switching.

Availability

2N3906ZL1G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, relay control modules, level-shifting interfaces, and audio pre-amplifier stages requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 2N3906ZL1G 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 supplier specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The 2N3906ZL1G belongs to onsemi's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, designed for broad compatibility, manufacturability, and reliability in cost-sensitive discrete applications across industrial controls, instrumentation, and legacy electronics.

FAQ

What is the pin configuration of the 2N3906ZL1G?

The 2N3906ZL1G uses TO-92 Style 1 pinout: Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Base, and Pin 3 is Collector. This configuration is confirmed in the official onsemi datasheet (2N3906/D, Rev. 0, p.6) and matches industry-standard PNP orientation for through-hole mounting. Always verify orientation via marking dot or lead length before PCB layout.

Does the 2N3906ZL1G support operation at elevated temperatures?

Yes, the 2N3906ZL1G is rated for junction temperatures from –55°C to +150°C. Its thermal resistance R_θJA is 200°C/W, so at 625 mW dissipation and 25°C ambient, junction temperature reaches ~150°C - the absolute maximum. For sustained operation above 85°C ambient, derate power linearly by 5.0 mW/°C as specified in the datasheet.

What is the minimum h_FE guaranteed for the 2N3906ZL1G at 10 mA collector current?

The 2N3906ZL1G guarantees h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = 10 mA and V_CE = 1.0 V, per the "ON CHARACTERISTICS" table in the onsemi datasheet (p.2). This value is tested and binned during production, ensuring consistent base drive requirements across units in switching applications.

Can the 2N3906ZL1G be used as a direct replacement for the 2N3906RL1?

Yes - the 2N3906ZL1G and 2N3906RL1 share identical electrical specifications, TO-92 packaging, and Style 1 pinout. The suffix difference (ZL1G vs. RL1) reflects onsemi's internal packaging and tape-and-reel logistics; both meet the same 2N3906 device specification and are functionally interchangeable in all circuit implementations.

Is the 2N3906ZL1G RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the 2N3906ZL1G is RoHS compliant and lead-free. onsemi confirms this status in its official product change notices and packaging documentation; the "G" suffix in the part number explicitly denotes lead-free (Pb-free) construction per JEDEC standards, with compatible reflow profiles for standard SMT processes.

2N3906ZL1G Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

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

Packaging:: Tape & Box (TB)

Product Status:: Obsolete

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)

2N3906ZL1G FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N3906ZL1G through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N3906ZL1G 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 2N3906ZL1G reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N3906ZL1G are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N3906ZL1G is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N3906ZL1G?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N3906ZL1G transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N3906ZL1G?

2N3906ZL1G orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N3906ZL1G 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 2N3906ZL1G?

For technical support, including 2N3906ZL1G datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N3906ZL1G requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N3906ZL1G is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N3906ZL1G 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 2N3906ZL1G meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N3906ZL1G?

All 2N3906ZL1G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N3906ZL1G, 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 2N3906ZL1G part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N3906ZL1G:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

Tech Hub

2026-09-09 Counterfeit Electronic Components: How to Detect, Authenticate, and Test Suspect Parts

Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …

2026-09-08 Obsolete Electronic Components: How to Source and Evaluate Replacements

A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.

2026-09-07 TTL vs CMOS Logic Levels: 74HC and 74HCT Compatibility Explained

TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.

2026-09-04 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-02 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

2026-08-28 SR Latch Explained: NOR and NAND Circuits, Truth Tables, and Applications

An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

2026-08-27 Latch Circuit: SR and D Latches, Truth Tables, Timing, and Applications

Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…