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

onsemi 2N5401CTA

Name: 2N5401CTA
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N5401CTA
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N5401CTA

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: 2N5401CTA.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 150V 0.6A TO-92-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2N5401CTA from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) is a PNP epitaxial silicon small-signal transistor designed for general-purpose amplification and switching in low-power analog and digital circuits. It features -150 V V_CEO, -600 mA I_C, 625 mW P_C, DC current gain (h_FE) of 30–240 at I_C = -1 to -50 mA, and f_T up to 400 MHz - enabling use in audio preamplifiers, level shifters, and relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5401CTA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package, PNP polarity, high-voltage breakdown (-160 V V_CBO), low saturation voltage (-0.2 V V_CE(sat) at -10 mA/-1 mA), and noise figure of 8 dB at audio frequencies - all critical for discrete amplifier staging and high-side switch design.

Technical Context

The 2N5401CTA operates as a medium-voltage, medium-current PNP bipolar junction transistor with epitaxial base construction for improved frequency response and thermal stability. Its h_FE varies from 30 (min at I_C = -1 mA) to 240 (max at I_C = -10 mA), and it delivers f_T = 100–400 MHz under V_CE = -10 V, supporting RF front-end and broadband amplifier stages up to ~100 MHz.

It exhibits low output capacitance (C_ob = 6 pF at V_CB = -10 V), tight saturation characteristics (V_CE(sat) ≤ -0.5 V at I_C = -50 mA / I_B = -5 mA), and low leakage (I_CBO ≤ -50 nA at V_CB = -120 V), making it suitable for precision bias networks and low-noise cascode configurations.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	-150 V - supports high-side switching in 100–120 V rail systems without breakdown
I_C	-600 mA - enables driving moderate loads such as LEDs, small relays, or logic-level translators
P_C	625 mW - allows continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to +70°C with minimal heatsinking
h_FE	30–240 - provides flexible biasing across operating points from microamp to 50 mA collector current
f_T	100–400 MHz - supports wideband amplification in IF stages and low-noise preamps up to VHF
V_CE(sat)	-0.2 V (typ) at -10 mA/-1 mA - minimizes conduction loss in saturated-switch applications
NF	8 dB at 10 Hz–15.7 kHz - meets low-noise requirements for audio signal conditioning

Pinout & Package

2N5401CTA is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with lead finish compatible with wave and reflow soldering. Pin configuration follows the "Counter Collector" orientation (suffix "C"): Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Emitter)	Current source terminal for PNP device	Connected to highest potential node in common-emitter or common-base topologies
2 (Base)	Control input for minority-carrier injection	Requires negative bias relative to emitter to turn on; drives I_C ≈ h_FE × I_B
3 (Collector)	Current sink terminal	Typically tied to load and supply rail; handles full switched/signal current with -150 V standoff

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High V_CBO (-160 V)	Enables robust operation in high-voltage bias rails and flyback snubber circuits
Low V_CE(sat) (-0.2 V typ)	Reduces power dissipation in linear and saturated switching modes
Wide h_FE range (30–240)	Supports consistent gain across production lots and temperature variations from -55°C to +150°C
Low C_ob (6 pF)	Minimizes Miller effect in high-frequency amplifiers and improves stability in feedback loops
Specified NF (8 dB)	Validated for use in low-noise audio preamplifier stages without additional shielding

Applications

Audio Preamplifier Stage	High-Voltage Level Shifter
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak microphone or phono signals before ADC or tone control circuitry. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete PNP transistor in common-emitter configuration providing 20–40 dB voltage gain. Use Value: Low 8 dB noise figure and stable h_FE ensure high signal-to-noise ratio and repeatable gain across units.	Use Scenario: Translating TTL/CMOS logic levels to interface with -12 V or -48 V telecom control buses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side level-shifting switch with emitter tied to negative rail and collector driving load. Use Value: -150 V V_CEO and -160 V V_CBO prevent breakdown during transient overvoltage events on legacy infrastructure lines.
Relay Driver Circuit	Current Mirror Reference
Use Scenario: Driving 5–24 VDC electromagnetic relays in industrial PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch controlling relay coil current up to 500 mA. Use Value: -0.2 V V_CE(sat) limits power loss to <100 mW, eliminating need for heatsink in compact enclosures.	Use Scenario: Building matched current sources in analog sensor signal conditioning ICs or voltage references. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One leg of a discrete PNP current mirror with matched thermal tracking. Use Value: Tight h_FE consistency and low I_CBO (<50 nA) ensure <2% current mismatch over -40°C to +85°C.

Audio Preamplifier Stage

High-Voltage Level Shifter

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak microphone or phono signals before ADC or tone control circuitry.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete PNP transistor in common-emitter configuration providing 20–40 dB voltage gain.

Use Value: Low 8 dB noise figure and stable h_FE ensure high signal-to-noise ratio and repeatable gain across units.

Use Scenario: Translating TTL/CMOS logic levels to interface with -12 V or -48 V telecom control buses.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side level-shifting switch with emitter tied to negative rail and collector driving load.

Use Value: -150 V V_CEO and -160 V V_CBO prevent breakdown during transient overvoltage events on legacy infrastructure lines.

Relay Driver Circuit

Current Mirror Reference

Use Scenario: Driving 5–24 VDC electromagnetic relays in industrial PLC I/O modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch controlling relay coil current up to 500 mA.

Use Value: -0.2 V V_CE(sat) limits power loss to <100 mW, eliminating need for heatsink in compact enclosures.

Use Scenario: Building matched current sources in analog sensor signal conditioning ICs or voltage references.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One leg of a discrete PNP current mirror with matched thermal tracking.

Use Value: Tight h_FE consistency and low I_CBO (<50 nA) ensure <2% current mismatch over -40°C to +85°C.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP small-signal transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MPSA92	V_CEO = -300 V, h_FE = 25–200, f_T = 50 MHz - higher voltage rating but lower bandwidth	Better suited for high-voltage switching where speed is secondary (e.g., HV power supply controls)	Select MPSA92 when >200 V standoff is required and f_T > 100 MHz is not needed.
BC557B	V_CEO = -45 V, h_FE = 200–450, P_C = 500 mW - higher gain, lower voltage, reduced power handling	Preferred in low-voltage portable designs where gain stability at µA bias dominates	Choose BC557B for battery-powered audio stages requiring high h_FE below 30 V rails.

Compared with MPSA92 and BC557B, the 2N5401CTA uniquely balances -150 V capability, 400 MHz f_T, and 625 mW dissipation - making it optimal for mid-voltage, medium-speed discrete amplifier and switching nodes where both breakdown margin and bandwidth matter.

Availability

2N5401CTA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, industrial relay drivers, and high-voltage level shifters requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for 2N5401CTA 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 supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The 2N5401CTA belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy small-signal transistor product line, engineered for reliability and parametric consistency in discrete analog signal chains and power interface circuits.

FAQ

What is the pin configuration of the 2N5401CTA?

The 2N5401CTA uses a TO-92 package with Counter Collector pinout: Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Base, and Pin 3 is Collector. This differs from standard "ECB" orientation and must be verified during PCB layout to avoid reverse-bias damage. The suffix "C" explicitly denotes this arrangement, and misalignment can cause immediate failure under bias.

Does the 2N5401CTA support operation at elevated temperatures?

Yes, the 2N5401CTA has a maximum junction temperature of +150°C and specified electrical characteristics over -55°C to +150°C storage range. Derating is required above +25°C ambient: power dissipation drops linearly to zero at +150°C case temperature. Full h_FE and V_CE(sat) specs remain valid up to +125°C junction, supporting industrial-grade thermal environments.

Is the 2N5401CTA suitable for RF amplification?

Yes, the 2N5401CTA delivers f_T up to 400 MHz and low C_ob (6 pF), making it viable for VHF-band amplifiers and broadband IF stages up to ~100 MHz. Its noise figure of 8 dB at audio frequencies is not characterized for RF noise, so for sub-1 dB NF requirements above 10 MHz, dedicated RF transistors like MMBT5401 are recommended instead of the 2N5401CTA.

How does the 2N5401CTA compare to the 2N5551?

The 2N5401CTA is a PNP device with -150 V V_CEO, while the 2N5551 is an NPN counterpart rated for +160 V V_CEO. They form a complementary pair for push-pull or differential amplifier designs. Both share TO-92 packaging and similar h_FE ranges, but the 2N5401CTA's PNP polarity requires inverted biasing and is used where high-side sourcing or negative-rail switching is needed - unlike the NPN 2N5551.

Can the 2N5401CTA replace the 2N3906 in existing designs?

The 2N5401CTA offers higher voltage ratings (-150 V vs. -40 V V_CEO) and greater power dissipation (625 mW vs. 350 mW) than the 2N3906, but its h_FE spread (30–240) is wider and its f_T lower than some 2N3906 variants. Direct replacement is possible only if the circuit operates well within -40 V rails and does not rely on tight h_FE matching - otherwise, redesign of bias networks may be needed for stable operation of the 2N5401CTA.

2N5401CTA Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Packaging:: Tape & Box (TB)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: PNP

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

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 150 V

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

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

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 60 @ 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-92-3

2N5401CTA FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N5401CTA through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N5401CTA 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 2N5401CTA reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N5401CTA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N5401CTA is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N5401CTA?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N5401CTA transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N5401CTA?

2N5401CTA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N5401CTA 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 2N5401CTA?

For technical support, including 2N5401CTA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N5401CTA requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N5401CTA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N5401CTA 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 2N5401CTA meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N5401CTA?

All 2N5401CTA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N5401CTA, 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 2N5401CTA part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N5401CTA:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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