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

onsemi 2N5400

Name: 2N5400
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N5400
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N5400

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body

Datasheet:: 2N5400.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 120V 0.6A TO92

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:5,463

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Product details

Overview

2N5400 from Fairchild Semiconductor is a PNP bipolar junction transistor designed for general-purpose amplification and switching in high-voltage circuits, with V_CEO = 120 V, I_C = 600 mA, and h_FE ≥ 30 at I_C = 1.0 mA - commonly used in relay drivers, voltage-level shifters, and discrete logic interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5400 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package, PNP polarity, breakdown voltage margin, saturation performance at 10–50 mA, and thermal derating above 25°C.

Technical Context

The 2N5400 operates as a medium-power PNP BJT with DC current gain (h_FE) specified across three collector current levels (1 mA, 10 mA, 50 mA), supporting both linear amplification and saturated switching. Its f_T of 100–400 MHz enables RF-capable small-signal use up to VHF bands under appropriate biasing.

Thermal design relies on R_θJA = 200 °C/W and R_θJC = 83.3 °C/W, with power dissipation derated at 5.0 mW/°C above 25°C. The device is rated for operation from –55°C to +150°C junction temperature, with V_(BR)EBO = 5.0 V limiting base-emitter reverse bias.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	120 V - supports high-side switching in 100 V rail systems without breakdown
I_C (max)	600 mA - suitable for driving relays, LEDs, or small solenoids directly
h_FE (min)	30 at I_C = 1 mA - ensures reliable turn-on in low-current amplifier stages
V_CE(sat)	0.2 V at I_C = 10 mA / I_B = 1 mA - minimizes conduction loss in saturated switch mode
f_T	100 MHz (typ.) - enables use in audio preamps and narrowband RF amplifiers
P_D	625 mW at 25°C - requires heatsinking or derating above ambient 25°C
C_ob	6.0 pF at V_CB = 10 V - limits high-frequency Miller effect in common-emitter configurations

Pinout & Package

2N5400 is housed in a through-hole TO-92 package with standardized lead configuration: emitter (E), base (B), and collector (C) arranged in linear order when flat side faces viewer and leads point downward.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
E (Emitter)	Current sink terminal for PNP operation	Connected to higher potential rail in high-side switch; sets reference for base drive
B (Base)	Control input for minority-carrier injection	Requires ~1.0 V forward bias (V_BE(sat)) to achieve full conduction
C (Collector)	Main output current path	Carries load current toward ground; withstands 120 V reverse bias when off

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High V_CEO rating	120 V enables direct interface with industrial 100 V DC control rails
Low V_CE(sat)	0.2 V at 10 mA reduces power loss and self-heating in switching applications
Wide operating temperature	–55°C to +150°C junction range supports automotive under-hood and industrial environments
Controlled h_FE spread	Min 30 / max 180 allows predictable biasing across production lots without trimming
Low noise figure	NF = 8.0 dB at 250 µA supports low-noise preamplifier stages in sensor signal chains

Applications

Relay Driver Circuit	High-Voltage Level Shifter
Use Scenario: Driving 12–24 V electromagnetic relays from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller GPIOs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch providing current gain and voltage inversion to energize relay coil. Use Value: V_CEO = 120 V prevents breakdown during relay coil flyback transients.	Use Scenario: Translating logic signals between 3.3 V FPGA I/O and 12 V industrial bus lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete level translator using emitter-follower or common-emitter topology. Use Value: h_FE ≥ 30 ensures sufficient drive capability while maintaining fast edge response.
Discrete Logic Inverter	Linear Audio Preamp Stage
Use Scenario: Constructing non-inverting or inverting gates in legacy TTL-compatible discrete logic boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch implementing NOT function with defined propagation delay. Use Value: V_BE(sat) = 1.0 V ensures clean logic threshold alignment with standard 5 V supply rails.	Use Scenario: Low-noise amplification of piezoelectric sensor outputs in instrumentation front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier biased in active region. Use Value: NF = 8.0 dB and f_T ≥ 100 MHz support wideband audio fidelity up to 20 kHz.

Relay Driver Circuit

High-Voltage Level Shifter

Use Scenario: Driving 12–24 V electromagnetic relays from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller GPIOs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch providing current gain and voltage inversion to energize relay coil.

Use Value: V_CEO = 120 V prevents breakdown during relay coil flyback transients.

Use Scenario: Translating logic signals between 3.3 V FPGA I/O and 12 V industrial bus lines.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete level translator using emitter-follower or common-emitter topology.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 30 ensures sufficient drive capability while maintaining fast edge response.

Discrete Logic Inverter

Linear Audio Preamp Stage

Use Scenario: Constructing non-inverting or inverting gates in legacy TTL-compatible discrete logic boards.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch implementing NOT function with defined propagation delay.

Use Value: V_BE(sat) = 1.0 V ensures clean logic threshold alignment with standard 5 V supply rails.

Use Scenario: Low-noise amplification of piezoelectric sensor outputs in instrumentation front-ends.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier biased in active region.

Use Value: NF = 8.0 dB and f_T ≥ 100 MHz support wideband audio fidelity up to 20 kHz.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MPSA92	V_CEO = 300 V, h_FE min = 25, TO-92 package	Higher breakdown enables use in >150 V flyback snubbers and CRT deflection circuits	Select when absolute maximum V_CEO margin exceeds 120 V requirements
BC557	V_CEO = 45 V, I_C = 100 mA, h_FE min = 110, TO-92	Lower voltage rating but tighter h_FE distribution suits precision bias networks	Prefer for low-power, high-gain analog stages where 45 V suffices

Compared with MPSA92 and BC557, the 2N5400 offers balanced trade-offs: higher voltage than BC557 without the over-spec of MPSA92, making it optimal for 100 V industrial control and relay interfacing where cost and availability matter.

Availability

2N5400 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, high-voltage level shifters, discrete logic inverters, and linear audio preamp stages requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 2N5400 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 devices before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The 2N5400 belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose transistor family, engineered for robustness and broad compatibility in industrial control, power supply, and interface circuitry.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for the 2N5400?

The 2N5400 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 600 mA at T_A = 25°C. This rating assumes proper PCB copper area or heatsinking; derating is required above 25°C ambient per the 5.0 mW/°C specification. At elevated temperatures or pulsed conditions, consult Fairchild's thermal curves to ensure junction temperature remains ≤150°C for reliable operation of the 2N5400.

Is the 2N5400 pin-compatible with the 2N5551?

No - the 2N5551 is an NPN transistor in TO-92, whereas the 2N5400 is PNP. Their pinouts are mirror-inverted: 2N5400 pin order (flat side up, leads down) is E-B-C, while 2N5551 is E-B-C for NPN but with opposite polarity and different gain/voltage specs. Substituting the 2N5400 for 2N5551 without circuit redesign will cause functional failure. Always verify polarity, pin mapping, and biasing when considering alternatives to the 2N5400.

What is the typical noise figure of the 2N5400 and under what conditions is it measured?

The 2N5400 has a noise figure (NF) of 8.0 dB, measured at V_CE = 5.0 V, I_C = 250 µA, R_S = 1.0 kΩ, and frequency range 10 Hz to 15.7 kHz. This value reflects its suitability for low-noise preamplification of low-level analog signals such as those from piezoelectric sensors or microphone elements. The 2N5400 achieves this performance without requiring external noise-reduction components, simplifying front-end design.

Can the 2N5400 be used in switching power supply feedback circuits?

Yes - the 2N5400 is frequently used in optocoupler-based feedback paths of isolated AC/DC converters, where its 120 V V_CEO safely handles secondary-side voltage swings and its h_FE ≥ 30 ensures stable current transfer ratio. Its f_T ≥ 100 MHz supports adequate loop bandwidth for regulation. However, for high-frequency SMPS (>500 kHz), consider faster alternatives; the 2N5400 remains optimal for <200 kHz designs requiring ruggedness and cost efficiency.

Does the 2N5400 have a documented RoHS compliance status?

Yes - original Fairchild 2N5400 devices manufactured post-2006 comply with RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC, confirmed by Fairchild's Material Declaration Sheets (MDS) and packaging labels indicating "Pb-Free" and "Green" marking. Aetrix Electronics supplies only RoHS-compliant 2N5400 units sourced from authorized channels, with full traceability to lot codes and revision history per the Rev A datasheet.

2N5400 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: PNP

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

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 120 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 500mV @ 5mA, 50mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 40 @ 10mA, 5V

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 400MHz

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

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92 (TO-226)

2N5400 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N5400 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N5400 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 2N5400 reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N5400 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N5400 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N5400?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N5400 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N5400?

2N5400 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N5400 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 2N5400?

For technical support, including 2N5400 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N5400 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N5400 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N5400 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 2N5400 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N5400?

All 2N5400 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N5400, 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 2N5400 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N5400:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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