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

onsemi 2N4401_J60Z

Name: 2N4401_J60Z
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N4401_J60Z
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N4401_J60Z

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: 2N4401_J60Z.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 40V 0.6A TO-92-3

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Product details

Overview

2N4401_J60Z from ON Semiconductor is a TO-92 packaged NPN bipolar junction transistor designed for medium-power amplification and switching applications with 40 V V_CEO, 600 mA I_C, and 625 mW power dissipation at 25°C. It delivers DC current gain (h_FE) of 100 at 150 mA I_C, supports 250 MHz f_T, and is commonly used in relay drivers, LED drivers, and low-speed digital logic interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the 2N4401_J60Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-92 mechanical form factor, verified V_CEO/I_C ratings, saturation voltage behavior at 150 mA/500 mA, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200 °C/W), and compatibility with legacy through-hole PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 2N4401_J60Z operates as a standard NPN BJT with fixed emitter-base and collector-base junction structures, requiring external base current control to regulate collector current. Its performance is characterized by specified h_FE ranges across I_C (20–300), V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.75 V at 500 mA, and C_cb = 6.5 pF at 5 V reverse bias - all validated under pulsed test conditions (≤300 μs, ≤2% duty cycle).

Thermal design must account for its 200 °C/W junction-to-ambient resistance on standard FR-4 PCBs and derating slope of 5.0 mW/°C above 25°C. Absolute maximum ratings are defined with T_J = 150°C limit, and operation outside recommended conditions risks reliability degradation.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	40 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in switch/amplifier circuits.
I_C (max)	600 mA - Continuous collector current handling capacity; usable up to 500 mA with verified V_CE(sat) and thermal margin.
P_D @ 25°C	625 mW - Total device power dissipation limit on standard PCB; requires derating above ambient 25°C.
h_FE	100 @ I_C = 150 mA - Confirmed DC current gain enabling predictable base drive sizing for switching.
f_T	250 MHz - Current gain-bandwidth product; supports amplification or switching up to ~50 MHz with gain >1.
V_CE(sat)	0.75 V @ I_C = 500 mA - Verified saturation voltage defining minimum on-state voltage drop and conduction loss.
R_θJA	200 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR-4 board; determines temperature rise per watt dissipated.

Pinout & Package

2N4401_J60Z uses the JEDEC TO-92 3-lead through-hole package with straight lead configuration. Pin identification follows standard EBC (Emitter-Base-Collector) order when viewing the flat side with leads downward.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
E (Emitter)	Current sink terminal	Reference node for base drive; connects to ground or low-side return path in common-emitter configurations.
B (Base)	Control input	Receives forward-biased current to enable conduction; requires series resistor to limit I_B based on h_FE and target I_C.
C (Collector)	Current source terminal	Connects to load and supply rail; carries full switched current; voltage swing limited by V_CEO rating.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Medium-power switching capability	Supports 500 mA loads with <0.75 V saturation drop, enabling efficient low-voltage relay and solenoid control.
Wide h_FE range (20–300)	Accommodates process variation while maintaining functional gain across production lots and temperature extremes.
Low C_cb (6.5 pF)	Minimizes Miller effect in amplifier stages, preserving bandwidth and stability in high-gain common-emitter designs.
TO-92 mechanical compatibility	Matches legacy footprint and hand-soldering requirements; enables drop-in replacement in existing through-hole assemblies.
Specified pulsed switching times	Verified t_d = 15 ns, t_r = 20 ns, t_s = 225 ns, t_f = 30 ns support reliable <100 kHz digital switching.

Applications

Relay Driver Circuits	LED Current Switching
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/50 mA electromagnetic relays in industrial control panels where microcontroller GPIOs lack sufficient current drive. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured in common-emitter mode, turning relay coil on/off via base current control. Use Value: 2N4401_J60Z provides 600 mA I_C headroom and 0.40 V V_CE(sat) at 150 mA, minimizing coil power loss and heat generation.	Use Scenario: Switching high-brightness indicator LEDs in automotive dashboards with 20–100 mA forward current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side current switch controlling LED anode-to-V_CC path with PWM-compatible turn-on/turn-off timing. Use Value: Verified t_s = 225 ns and t_f = 30 ns ensure clean PWM edges up to 5 kHz without visible flicker or thermal stress.
Digital Logic Level Translation	Analog Signal Amplification
Use Scenario: Interfacing 3.3 V microcontroller outputs to 5 V TTL inputs in mixed-voltage embedded systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter inverter translating logic levels while providing current gain and noise margin. Use Value: h_FE ≥ 40 at 1 mA ensures robust switching even with weak MCU drive, and V_CEO = 40 V prevents latch-up during bus transients.	Use Scenario: Building preamplifier stages for audio sensors or low-frequency instrumentation signals (<1 MHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with emitter degeneration resistor for stable gain and linearity. Use Value: f_T = 250 MHz and h_ie = 1–15 kΩ support mid-band voltage gains >100 with minimal distortion at 10 kHz.

Relay Driver Circuits

LED Current Switching

Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/50 mA electromagnetic relays in industrial control panels where microcontroller GPIOs lack sufficient current drive.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured in common-emitter mode, turning relay coil on/off via base current control.

Use Value: 2N4401_J60Z provides 600 mA I_C headroom and 0.40 V V_CE(sat) at 150 mA, minimizing coil power loss and heat generation.

Use Scenario: Switching high-brightness indicator LEDs in automotive dashboards with 20–100 mA forward current.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side current switch controlling LED anode-to-V_CC path with PWM-compatible turn-on/turn-off timing.

Use Value: Verified t_s = 225 ns and t_f = 30 ns ensure clean PWM edges up to 5 kHz without visible flicker or thermal stress.

Digital Logic Level Translation

Analog Signal Amplification

Use Scenario: Interfacing 3.3 V microcontroller outputs to 5 V TTL inputs in mixed-voltage embedded systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter inverter translating logic levels while providing current gain and noise margin.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 40 at 1 mA ensures robust switching even with weak MCU drive, and V_CEO = 40 V prevents latch-up during bus transients.

Use Scenario: Building preamplifier stages for audio sensors or low-frequency instrumentation signals (<1 MHz).

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with emitter degeneration resistor for stable gain and linearity.

Use Value: f_T = 250 MHz and h_ie = 1–15 kΩ support mid-band voltage gains >100 with minimal distortion at 10 kHz.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose amplifier applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
2N2222A	V_CEO = 40 V, I_C = 800 mA, P_D = 500 mW, R_θJA = 200 °C/W - higher I_C but lower power rating than 2N4401_J60Z.	Preferred where peak collector current exceeds 600 mA but thermal budget is tighter due to lower P_D.	Select 2N2222A only if required I_C > 600 mA and layout allows same TO-92 footprint; verify V_CE(sat) at target current.
PN2222A	Same electrical specs as 2N2222A but with different marking and minor process variations; identical TO-92 package and pinout.	No functional difference in circuit implementation; used interchangeably in cost-sensitive consumer designs.	PN2222A offers equivalent performance with broader distributor availability; confirm h_FE binning matches design margin requirements.

Compared with 2N4401_J60Z, 2N2222A supports higher continuous collector current but has reduced power dissipation, while PN2222A provides identical functionality with alternate sourcing - both require no PCB changes but demand verification of h_FE distribution and thermal margins in high-reliability applications.

Availability

2N4401_J60Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, LED current switching, and digital logic level translation requiring stable component supply and long-term through-hole obsolescence mitigation.

Supply support for 2N4401_J60Z 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, analog, sensor, and discrete devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The 2N4401_J60Z belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy general-purpose BJT product line, engineered for cost-effective, robust switching and amplification in non-critical analog and digital interface applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N4401_J60Z?

The 2N4401_J60Z has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 600 mA at 25°C ambient temperature. This value is validated under steady-state conditions with proper PCB thermal management. At 500 mA, the device maintains V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.75 V and remains within safe operating area limits when derated per its 5.0 mW/°C slope above 25°C.

Does the 2N4401_J60Z have a documented pinout configuration for TO-92 packages?

Yes, the 2N4401_J60Z uses the standard TO-92 package with E-B-C (Emitter-Base-Collector) pin order when viewed from the flat side with leads pointing downward. This configuration is confirmed in ON Semiconductor's official datasheet (MMBT4401/D, Rev. 2, September 2017) and matches JEDEC TO-92 mechanical specifications.

Can the 2N4401_J60Z be used in switching applications above 100 kHz?

The 2N4401_J60Z has verified switching parameters including t_d = 15 ns, t_r = 20 ns, t_s = 225 ns, and t_f = 30 ns, supporting reliable operation up to approximately 100 kHz in resistive loads. For higher frequencies, parasitic capacitance (C_cb = 6.5 pF) and storage time may limit performance; actual usable frequency depends on load, drive strength, and layout.

What is the thermal resistance (R_θJA) of the 2N4401_J60Z on a standard PCB?

The 2N4401_J60Z exhibits a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 200 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB (76 mm × 114 mm, 1.57 mm thick) with minimum land pattern. This value assumes natural convection cooling and directly determines temperature rise: ΔT = P_D × 200 °C/W.

Is the 2N4401_J60Z suitable for linear amplification applications?

Yes, the 2N4401_J60Z supports linear amplification with verified h_FE = 40–300, f_T = 250 MHz, and h_ie = 1–15 kΩ. Its performance is documented in common-emitter characteristics (Figures 12–14) and small-signal parameters (h_fe, h_oe) at 1.0 kHz. Stable operation requires proper biasing, emitter degeneration, and thermal management to avoid thermal runaway.

2N4401_J60Z Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

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

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 600 mA

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

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 750mV @ 50mA, 500mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: -

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 100 @ 150mA, 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-92-3

2N4401_J60Z FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N4401_J60Z through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N4401_J60Z 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 2N4401_J60Z reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N4401_J60Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N4401_J60Z is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N4401_J60Z?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N4401_J60Z transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N4401_J60Z?

2N4401_J60Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N4401_J60Z 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 2N4401_J60Z?

For technical support, including 2N4401_J60Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N4401_J60Z requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N4401_J60Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N4401_J60Z 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 2N4401_J60Z meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N4401_J60Z?

All 2N4401_J60Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N4401_J60Z, 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 2N4401_J60Z part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N4401_J60Z:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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