onsemi 2N4403RL

Overview

2N4403RL from ON Semiconductor is a PNP silicon general-purpose transistor in TO-92 package, rated for V_CEO = 40 V, I_C = 600 mA, and P_D = 625 mW at T_A = 25°C. It delivers h_FE = 30–300 (depending on I_C), f_T = 200 MHz, and V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.75 V at I_C = 500 mA / I_B = 50 mA - used in low-voltage switching and linear amplification circuits such as discrete logic inverters and relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the 2N4403RL datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its PNP polarity, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, guaranteed h_FE range across collector current, saturation voltage performance at high drive levels, and thermal resistance (R_JA = 200°C/W) for ambient-limited board-level designs.

Technical Context

The 2N4403RL operates as a medium-speed, medium-current PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for general-purpose switching and analog amplification. Its DC current gain spans 30 to 300 across I_C = 0.1 mA to 500 mA, with V_CE(sat) tightly specified at 0.4 V (min) to 0.75 V (max) under heavy drive conditions. Small-signal parameters include f_T = 200 MHz, C_cb ≤ 8.5 pF, and C_eb ≤ 30 pF - supporting stable operation up to VHF frequencies in tuned or broadband stages.

Thermal design is constrained by R_JA = 200°C/W and R_JC = 83.3°C/W, requiring careful PCB copper area allocation when dissipating >300 mW. Switching behavior includes t_d ≤ 15 ns, t_r ≤ 20 ns, t_s ≤ 225 ns, and t_f ≤ 30 ns under standardized test conditions (V_CC = 30 V, I_C/I_B = 10), confirming suitability for moderate-speed digital interface and pulse generation tasks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

2N4403RL uses the industry-standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 1) through-hole plastic package with 3 leads. Pin identification is fixed: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector - verified per ON Semiconductor marking diagram and ordering information.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 2N4403RL, the 2N4401RL offers complementary NPN functionality in identical packaging but requires full schematic revision, while the MPSA92 trades off saturation performance and bandwidth for significantly higher voltage tolerance - making it suitable only where V_CEO > 60 V dominates design priorities.

Availability

2N4403RL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for discrete logic inverters, relay driver stages, audio pre-amplifier stages, and current mirror references requiring stable component supply across industrial control, test instrumentation, and legacy embedded upgrades.

Supply support for 2N4403RL 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 (now part of onsemi) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in power management, analog, sensors, and discrete devices for automotive, industrial, and cloud power applications.

The 2N4403RL belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, designed for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical linear and switching applications where proven TO-92 performance and long-term manufacturability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N4403RL?

The 2N4403RL has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 600 mA at T_A = 25°C. This value decreases with rising ambient temperature due to the 5.0 mW/°C derating factor above 25°C, meaning usable current drops to approximately 400 mA at 65°C ambient - a key constraint for thermally dense PCB layouts.

Is the 2N4403RL RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the 2N4403RLRPG variant (explicitly referenced in the ordering table) is Pb-free and RoHS-compliant per Directive 2011/65/EU. The "G" suffix denotes lead-free finish; standard 2N4403RL may be leaded unless ordered with G suffix - always verify the full orderable part number (e.g., 2N4403RLRPG) for compliance assurance.

What is the pin configuration for the 2N4403RL in TO-92 package?

The 2N4403RL uses TO-92 Case 29 Style 1 pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector. This is confirmed in the ON Semiconductor datasheet Figure 1 and "MARKING DIAGRAM" section - critical for correct orientation during manual or automated assembly.

Does the 2N4403RL support high-frequency amplification?

Yes, the 2N4403RL has an f_T of 200 MHz and low parasitic capacitances (C_cb ≤ 8.5 pF, C_eb ≤ 30 pF), enabling stable small-signal amplification up to ~50 MHz in properly matched common-emitter configurations - validated in the datasheet's SMALL-SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS section.

How does the 2N4403RL compare to the 2N3906 in switching applications?

The 2N4403RL offers higher I_C (600 mA vs. 200 mA), higher P_D (625 mW vs. 625 mW but with better thermal resistance), and faster switching (t_s ≤ 225 ns vs. ~250 ns) than the 2N3906. However, the 2N3906 has tighter h_FE binning and lower noise - so the 2N4403RL is preferred for higher-current switching, while the 2N3906 suits precision low-noise biasing.