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

onsemi 2N5088BU

Name: 2N5088BU
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N5088BU
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N5088BU

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: 2N5088BU.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 30V 0.1A TO-92-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2N5088BU from ON Semiconductor is a through-hole NPN bipolar junction transistor designed for low-noise, high-gain general-purpose amplification at collector currents from 1 µA to 50 mA. It features V_CEO = 30 V, h_FE ≥ 300 (at I_C = 100 µA), f_T = 50 MHz, NF = 3.0 dB (10 Hz–15.7 kHz), and TO-92 package - commonly used in preamplifier stages of audio signal chains and sensor interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5088BU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include verified low-noise performance at microamp bias, guaranteed minimum h_FE across temperature, thermal derating compliance up to +150°C junction, and legacy TO-92 mechanical compatibility with existing through-hole PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This device operates as a discrete NPN amplifier with fixed-emitter bias topology support. Its h_FE remains stable from −40°C to +125°C, and its f_T ensures usable gain up to mid-VHF frequencies under 500 µA bias. The 4.0 pF C_cb and 10 pF C_eb define its small-signal capacitance profile for impedance matching in tuned RF front-ends.

V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V at I_C = 10 mA / I_B = 1 mA confirms suitability for linear Class-A operation, while V_BE(on) = 0.8 V at I_C = 10 mA enables predictable base drive design. The 625 mW P_D rating at 25°C - derated by 5.0 mW/°C above ambient - supports continuous operation in thermally constrained enclosures.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	30 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; sets headroom for single-supply audio preamp rails up to ±15 V.
h_FE (min)	300 at I_C = 100 µA - ensures reliable current amplification in ultra-low-power sensor front-ends without gain collapse.
f_T	50 MHz - defines upper usable frequency limit for small-signal amplification; supports wideband instrumentation amplifier designs.
NF	3.0 dB (10 Hz–15.7 kHz) - quantifies added noise in audio-band applications; enables high-fidelity microphone preamplifiers.
P_D (max)	625 mW at 25°C - establishes thermal power budget; requires heatsinking or layout spacing when operating above 70°C ambient.
C_cb	4.0 pF - limits Miller effect in common-emitter configurations; critical for stability in multi-stage high-gain amplifiers.

Pinout & Package

2N5088BU is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with axial leads, compatible with manual soldering and wave-solder processes. Lead-to-lead spacing matches JEDEC TO-92 outline dimensions (0.100" pitch, 0.200" body width).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Emitter (E)	Current sink terminal	Connected to ground or negative rail; sets reference point for bias network and defines input impedance in common-emitter configuration.
Base (B)	Control input terminal	Receives forward-biased current to modulate collector current; requires series resistor to limit I_B and prevent thermal runaway.
Collector (C)	Current source terminal	Delivers amplified output current; connects to load resistor or next stage; polarity must match NPN operation (positive supply referenced).

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-noise amplification	NF = 3.0 dB over audio bandwidth enables clean signal conditioning in electret microphone and piezoelectric sensor interfaces.
High DC current gain	h_FE ≥ 300 at 100 µA ensures stable biasing in battery-powered IoT nodes where quiescent current must stay below 100 µA.
Wide temperature range	−55°C to +150°C operating junction range supports deployment in automotive engine control modules and industrial motor drives.
TO-92 mechanical standardization	Direct drop-in replacement for legacy 2N3904/2N2222 footprints in repair and legacy system sustainment programs.

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage	Sensor Signal Conditioning
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from electret condenser microphones in voice-activated devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN transconductance amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration. Use Value: 3.0 dB noise figure preserves SNR in sub-100 µV input signals; 300+ h_FE enables single-stage gain >100 without feedback instability.	Use Scenario: Boosting output from low-level thermistor or strain gauge bridges in portable medical monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, low-bias-current front-end amplifier with precision resistor bias network. Use Value: Stable h_FE across −40°C to +85°C ensures consistent gain calibration; 50 MHz f_T accommodates fast step-response requirements.
Legacy Circuit Repair	Industrial Control Interface
Use Scenario: Replacing obsolete 2N5088 variants in field-deployed test equipment requiring long-term component availability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Through-hole discrete gain element in analog signal path of aging oscilloscope vertical amplifiers. Use Value: Identical TO-92 footprint and pinout allows zero-layout change replacement; same V_CEO/h_FE specs ensure functional equivalence.	Use Scenario: Level-shifting and buffering digital logic outputs driving 24 V PLC input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch in common-emitter configuration with base current limiting. Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V minimizes power loss during on-state; 100 mA I_C rating supports 20 mA PLC input sourcing with margin.

Audio Preamp Stage

Sensor Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from electret condenser microphones in voice-activated devices.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN transconductance amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration.

Use Value: 3.0 dB noise figure preserves SNR in sub-100 µV input signals; 300+ h_FE enables single-stage gain >100 without feedback instability.

Use Scenario: Boosting output from low-level thermistor or strain gauge bridges in portable medical monitors.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, low-bias-current front-end amplifier with precision resistor bias network.

Use Value: Stable h_FE across −40°C to +85°C ensures consistent gain calibration; 50 MHz f_T accommodates fast step-response requirements.

Legacy Circuit Repair

Industrial Control Interface

Use Scenario: Replacing obsolete 2N5088 variants in field-deployed test equipment requiring long-term component availability.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Through-hole discrete gain element in analog signal path of aging oscilloscope vertical amplifiers.

Use Value: Identical TO-92 footprint and pinout allows zero-layout change replacement; same V_CEO/h_FE specs ensure functional equivalence.

Use Scenario: Level-shifting and buffering digital logic outputs driving 24 V PLC input modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch in common-emitter configuration with base current limiting.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V minimizes power loss during on-state; 100 mA I_C rating supports 20 mA PLC input sourcing with margin.

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
2N5089BU	V_CEO = 25 V (vs. 30 V); h_FE min = 350 at I_C = 1.0 mA; otherwise identical TO-92 package and pinout.	Lower breakdown voltage restricts use in >25 V supply rails; higher h_FE improves bias stability in medium-current (1–10 mA) stages.	Select 2N5089BU only when supply voltage is capped at 24 V and higher DC gain is prioritized over voltage headroom.
MMBT5088	SOT-23 surface-mount package; same electrical specs but 350 mW P_D (vs. 625 mW); marked "1Q" on top.	Requires PCB redesign for SMT assembly; lower power dissipation limits continuous operation above 70°C ambient.	Choose MMBT5088 for space-constrained, high-volume production where automated placement justifies layout revision and thermal derating.

Compared with 2N5089BU and MMBT5088, the 2N5088BU provides the highest V_CEO headroom and largest thermal margin in through-hole form - making it optimal for repair, prototyping, and industrial analog systems where voltage robustness and serviceability outweigh miniaturization goals.

Availability

2N5088BU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifier design, sensor signal conditioning, and legacy circuit repair requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 2N5088BU 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, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The 2N5088BU belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy bipolar transistor product line, engineered for reliability-critical analog signal paths where low noise, high gain consistency, and through-hole manufacturability remain essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the 2N5088BU?

The 2N5088BU has a V_CEO rating of 30 V, meaning it can safely withstand up to 30 volts between collector and emitter with the base open. This rating is validated per absolute maximum specifications in the official ON Semiconductor datasheet and applies at T_A = 25°C. Exceeding this voltage risks avalanche breakdown and permanent device failure.

Does the 2N5088BU have a specified noise figure, and under what conditions?

Yes, the 2N5088BU has a typical noise figure (NF) of 3.0 dB, measured at I_C = 100 µA, V_CE = 5.0 V, R_S = 10 kΩ, and over a 10 Hz to 15.7 kHz bandwidth. This value is confirmed in the "Small Signal Characteristics" section of the ON Semiconductor datasheet and reflects its suitability for low-level audio amplification.

Is the 2N5088BU pin-compatible with the 2N3904?

No, the 2N5088BU is not pin-compatible with the 2N3904. While both use TO-92 packages, their pinouts differ: 2N5088BU follows the C-B-E lead order (viewed from flat side, left to right), whereas 2N3904 uses E-B-C. Swapping them without board modification will result in incorrect biasing and circuit failure.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient (R_θJA) for the 2N5088BU?

The 2N5088BU has an R_θJA of 200°C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB per datasheet test conditions. This value assumes no added heatsinking and defines how much the junction temperature rises above ambient per milliwatt of dissipated power - critical for calculating safe operating area in continuous-use applications.

Can the 2N5088BU be used as a saturated switch in digital logic interfacing?

Yes, the 2N5088BU can operate as a saturated switch, with V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V at I_C = 10 mA and I_B = 1.0 mA. Its 100 mA I_C rating and low saturation voltage make it suitable for driving moderate-current loads like optocouplers or relay coils, provided base drive is properly calculated to ensure hard saturation.

2N5088BU 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):: 100 mA

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 30 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 500mV @ 1mA, 10mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 50nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 300 @ 100µA, 5V

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 50MHz

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

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

2N5088BU FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N5088BU through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N5088BU 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 2N5088BU reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N5088BU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N5088BU is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N5088BU?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N5088BU transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N5088BU?

2N5088BU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N5088BU 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 2N5088BU?

For technical support, including 2N5088BU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N5088BU requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N5088BU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N5088BU 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 2N5088BU meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N5088BU?

All 2N5088BU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N5088BU, 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 2N5088BU part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N5088BU:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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