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

onsemi 2N5210BU

Name: 2N5210BU
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N5210BU
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N5210BU

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: 2N5210BU.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 50V 0.1A TO-92-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2N5210BU from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor optimized for low-noise, high-gain signal amplification at collector currents from 1 µA to 50 mA. It features V_CEO = 50 V, h_FE = 250–600 (at I_C = 1–10 mA), f_T = 30 MHz, NF = 2.0–3.0 dB, and C_cb = 4.0 pF - enabling use in audio preamplifiers, sensor interface stages, and low-level analog signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5210BU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-92 package configuration, verified noise performance below 3 dB at 1 kHz with 10 kΩ source resistance, DC current gain stability across –55°C to +150°C, and suitability for linear amplification rather than switching operation.

Technical Context

The 2N5210BU operates as a single NPN bipolar junction transistor in common-emitter configuration, with base-driven control of collector current. Its design emphasizes low-noise analog amplification over switching speed, evidenced by f_T = 30 MHz and NF = 2.0 dB (I_C = 20 µA, R_S = 22 kΩ, BW = 15.7 kHz).

Thermal behavior is defined by R_θJA = 200°C/W (TO-92) and T_J range of –55°C to +150°C. Absolute maximum ratings include V_CEO = V_CB0 = 50 V, I_C = 100 mA, and P_D = 625 mW at 25°C - derated linearly above that temperature.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	50 V - supports rail-to-rail operation up to ±25 V supply in single-ended configurations
h_FE	250–600 - ensures stable small-signal gain across 1–10 mA bias points without external feedback
f_T	30 MHz - enables wideband amplification up to ~5 MHz with usable gain margin
NF	2.0–3.0 dB - meets low-noise requirements for microphone preamps and precision sensor front-ends
C_cb	4.0 pF - minimizes Miller effect distortion in high-gain CE stages at audio frequencies
P_D	625 mW - allows continuous operation at 10 mA / 50 V without heatsinking in ambient ≤25°C
T_J Range	–55°C to +150°C - qualified for industrial and automotive under-hood environments

Pinout & Package

2N5210BU is housed in a through-hole TO-92 package (3-lead, epoxy molded), with lead configuration: Emitter (pin 1), Base (pin 2), Collector (pin 3). Pin numbering follows standard JEDEC TO-92 outline with flat side facing viewer and leads down.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Emitter (E)	Current sink terminal	Reference node for bias network; connects to ground or emitter degeneration resistor
Base (B)	Control input	Receives voltage-controlled drive; requires current-limiting resistor for safe biasing
Collector (C)	Output current source	Delivers amplified output current; connects to load resistor or next stage input

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-noise amplification	NF = 2.0 dB at 1 kHz enables high-fidelity audio and sensor signal recovery
High DC current gain	h_FE ≥ 250 at I_C = 1 mA ensures reliable bias point stability in discrete gain stages
Wide operating temperature	Rated from –55°C to +150°C supports deployment in uncontrolled industrial enclosures
Controlled capacitance profile	C_cb = 4.0 pF limits high-frequency phase shift and instability in multi-stage designs
Robust absolute ratings	V_CEO/V_CBO = 50 V and I_C = 100 mA allow margin for transient overloads

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage	Sensor Signal Conditioning
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from dynamic microphones or piezoelectric transducers before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN transistor configured in common-emitter topology for voltage gain and impedance transformation. Use Value: 2.0 dB noise figure and 250–600 h_FE preserve SNR while delivering >20 dB gain at 1 kHz without oscillation.	Use Scenario: Boosting low-amplitude outputs from thermistors, photodiodes, or strain gauges in measurement systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier stage providing precise DC-coupled gain with minimal offset drift. Use Value: Stable h_FE across –55°C to +125°C and low I_CBO (<50 nA) ensure accuracy in temperature-varying environments.
Instrumentation Front-End	Low-Frequency Oscillator Core
Use Scenario: Building discrete op-amp input differential pairs or active filters in portable test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity NPN element used in matched-pair configurations for precision gain blocks. Use Value: Tight h_FE distribution (250–600) and low C_cb (4.0 pF) support predictable frequency response up to 5 MHz.	Use Scenario: Constructing Wien bridge or phase-shift oscillator circuits requiring stable gain and low distortion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gain element in feedback loop controlling oscillation amplitude and frequency stability. Use Value: Low noise and consistent V_BE(on) (0.85 V) enable repeatable startup and minimal harmonic content at 1–10 kHz.

Audio Preamp Stage

Sensor Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from dynamic microphones or piezoelectric transducers before ADC sampling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN transistor configured in common-emitter topology for voltage gain and impedance transformation.

Use Value: 2.0 dB noise figure and 250–600 h_FE preserve SNR while delivering >20 dB gain at 1 kHz without oscillation.

Use Scenario: Boosting low-amplitude outputs from thermistors, photodiodes, or strain gauges in measurement systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier stage providing precise DC-coupled gain with minimal offset drift.

Use Value: Stable h_FE across –55°C to +125°C and low I_CBO (<50 nA) ensure accuracy in temperature-varying environments.

Instrumentation Front-End

Low-Frequency Oscillator Core

Use Scenario: Building discrete op-amp input differential pairs or active filters in portable test equipment.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity NPN element used in matched-pair configurations for precision gain blocks.

Use Value: Tight h_FE distribution (250–600) and low C_cb (4.0 pF) support predictable frequency response up to 5 MHz.

Use Scenario: Constructing Wien bridge or phase-shift oscillator circuits requiring stable gain and low distortion.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gain element in feedback loop controlling oscillation amplitude and frequency stability.

Use Value: Low noise and consistent V_BE(on) (0.85 V) enable repeatable startup and minimal harmonic content at 1–10 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
2N3904	Lower h_FE (100–300), higher f_T (300 MHz), lower NF (5 dB), same TO-92 package	Better suited for high-speed switching; less optimal for ultra-low-noise analog gain	Select 2N3904 only when bandwidth >10 MHz is required and noise <3 dB is not critical
BC547B	Similar h_FE (200–450), slightly higher V_CEO (45 V), NF ≈ 3.5 dB, same TO-92 footprint	Marginally noisier; widely available but not qualified to same industrial temp range	Choose BC547B for cost-sensitive consumer designs where full –55°C to +150°C rating is unnecessary

Compared with 2N5210BU, the 2N3904 trades noise performance for speed, while the BC547B offers comparable gain at reduced thermal robustness - making 2N5210BU the preferred choice for precision analog amplification in demanding environments.

Availability

2N5210BU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, sensor interface circuits, and instrumentation front-end designs requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for 2N5210BU 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016. Its legacy products remain widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.

The 2N5210BU belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered specifically for low-noise linear amplification in analog signal chains - not for digital switching or power regulation.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector current rating for the 2N5210BU?

The 2N5210BU has a continuous collector current rating (I_C) of 100 mA per its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This limit applies at T_A = 25°C with proper heat dissipation; operation above 25°C requires linear derating per the 5.0 mW/°C specification. The device is intended for linear amplification, not pulsed or switching duty cycles exceeding 2% without factory consultation.

Does the 2N5210BU support operation at elevated temperatures?

Yes, the 2N5210BU is rated for junction temperatures from –55°C to +150°C, with storage temperature matching that range. Its thermal resistance R_θJA = 200°C/W (TO-92) enables reliable operation in industrial enclosures without forced cooling, provided ambient stays within spec and PCB copper area supports passive dissipation.

What is the typical noise figure of the 2N5210BU and under what conditions is it measured?

The 2N5210BU achieves a typical noise figure of 2.0 dB at I_C = 20 µA, V_CE = 5.0 V, R_S = 22 kΩ, and bandwidth = 15.7 kHz. A second condition yields 3.0 dB at R_S = 10 kΩ. These values are confirmed in the "Electrical Characteristics" section and reflect its optimization for low-noise analog amplification, not RF or high-speed digital use.

Is the 2N5210BU pin-compatible with other TO-92 NPN transistors like the 2N3904?

No - although both 2N5210BU and 2N3904 use TO-92 packages, their pinouts differ: 2N5210BU uses E-B-C (Emitter-Base-Collector) order, while 2N3904 uses E-C-B. Swapping them without board revision will cause circuit failure. Always verify pin configuration using the official Fairchild datasheet before substitution.

Can the 2N5210BU be used in switching applications?

The 2N5210BU is characterized and optimized for linear amplification, not switching. While it can saturate (V_CE(sat) = 0.7 V at I_C = 10 mA / I_B = 1 mA), its relatively low f_T (30 MHz) and unspecified switching times make it unsuitable for high-frequency or high-efficiency switching tasks. Use dedicated switching transistors like the 2N2222A instead.

2N5210BU 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):: 50 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 700mV @ 1mA, 10mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 50nA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 200 @ 100µA, 5V

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 30MHz

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

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

2N5210BU FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N5210BU through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N5210BU 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 2N5210BU reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N5210BU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N5210BU is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N5210BU?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N5210BU transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N5210BU?

2N5210BU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N5210BU 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 2N5210BU?

For technical support, including 2N5210BU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N5210BU requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N5210BU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N5210BU 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 2N5210BU meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N5210BU?

All 2N5210BU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N5210BU, 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 2N5210BU part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N5210BU:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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