onsemi 2N5087TA

Overview

2N5087TA from ON Semiconductor is a PNP general-purpose amplifier transistor optimized for low-level, high-gain, low-noise analog signal amplification at collector currents up to 50 mA. It features V_CEO = −50 V, h_FE = 250 (at I_C = −1.0 mA), f_T = 40 MHz, V_CE(sat) = −0.3 V (at I_C = −10 mA), and noise figure as low as 2.0 dB (at I_C = −20 µA, R_S = 10 kΩ). It is commonly used in preamplifier stages of audio and sensor signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5087TA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its PNP polarity, TO-92 package mechanical compatibility, guaranteed h_FE ≥ 250 at low bias, −50 V breakdown rating, and verified 2.0 dB noise performance at 10 Hz–15.7 kHz bandwidth - critical for low-noise front-end design.

Technical Context

The 2N5087TA operates as a silicon PNP bipolar junction transistor with common-emitter configuration. Its DC current gain (h_FE) is specified across three bias points (−100 µA, −1.0 mA, −10 mA), confirming stable high-gain behavior in low-current amplification. The device exhibits low V_BE(on) (−0.85 V) and tight V_CE(sat) (−0.3 V), enabling efficient operation in Class-A linear stages.

Small-signal characteristics include f_T = 40 MHz and C_cb = 4.0 pF, supporting RF-capable audio and IF amplification. Noise performance is characterized across source resistances (3 kΩ, 10 kΩ) and frequencies (10 Hz–1 MHz), with NF = 2.0 dB at 10 Hz–15.7 kHz - directly validated for microphone preamp and precision sensor interface use.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

2N5087TA is housed in a through-hole TO-92 package with standardized lead configuration and JEDEC-compliant mechanical dimensions (14.47 mm × 4.58 mm × 3.86 mm max). The package supports manual soldering, wave soldering, and long-term reliability in industrial environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 2N5086TA and MMBT5087, the 2N5087TA delivers the highest guaranteed h_FE in a through-hole TO-92 package, making it optimal for low-noise, low-bias, hand-solderable analog designs where gain headroom and thermal margin are critical.

Availability

2N5087TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifier circuits, industrial sensor interfaces, DC motor control stages, and analog input modules requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for 2N5087TA 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 energy-efficient power management, analog, sensor, and logic solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and consumer markets.

The 2N5087TA belongs to Fairchild's legacy "FACT Quiet Series™" PNP amplifier family, engineered specifically for low-noise, high-gain analog signal conditioning in cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the 2N5087TA?

The 2N5087TA has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of −50 V. This rating is confirmed under test condition I_C = −1.0 mA, I_B = 0, and defines the upper limit of reverse bias the transistor can withstand before breakdown. Exceeding this voltage risks permanent damage, especially in inductive load switching or high-voltage bias configurations. Always maintain at least 20% derating margin in production designs using the 2N5087TA.

Does the 2N5087TA have a guaranteed minimum DC current gain (h_FE)?

Yes, the 2N5087TA guarantees h_FE ≥ 250 at I_C = −1.0 mA and V_CE = −5.0 V, per its official datasheet. This value is measured and binned during production, distinguishing it from the 2N5086TA (h_FE ≥ 150). The 2N5087TA's higher gain ensures consistent performance in low-current amplifier stages without requiring gain-trimming components - a key advantage in the 2N5087TA's target applications.

What is the noise figure specification for the 2N5087TA, and under what conditions is it measured?

The 2N5087TA achieves a noise figure (NF) of 2.0 dB when tested at I_C = −20 µA, V_CE = −5.0 V, R_S = 10 kΩ, and bandwidth = 10 Hz to 15.7 kHz. This value is explicitly documented in the "Electrical Characteristics" table and verified across production lots. It makes the 2N5087TA suitable for ultra-low-noise applications such as electret microphone preamplifiers, where maintaining signal integrity at sub-millivolt levels is essential - a defining characteristic of the 2N5087TA.

Is the 2N5087TA available in surface-mount packaging?

No, the 2N5087TA is exclusively offered in the through-hole TO-92 package. For surface-mount equivalents, engineers should consider the MMBT5087, which shares identical electrical specifications (including h_FE, V_CEO, and NF) but uses the SOT-23 footprint. Note that the MMBT5087 has lower power dissipation (350 mW vs. 625 mW) and higher thermal resistance - differences that must be accounted for in layout and thermal design when substituting the 2N5087TA.

What is the thermal resistance (R_θJA) of the 2N5087TA, and how does it affect PCB layout?

The 2N5087TA has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 200 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB (1.6″ × 1.6″ × 0.06″). This value assumes no added copper pour or heatsinking. To maintain T_J ≤ 125°C at full 625 mW dissipation, ambient temperature must stay below 25°C - so practical designs require either reduced bias, airflow, or thermal relief traces. PCB layout for the 2N5087TA should avoid enclosing the TO-92 body and provide ≥ 10 mm² of 2-oz copper connected to the emitter pad to improve heat conduction.