onsemi 2N5401TAR

Overview

2N5401TAR from Fairchild Semiconductor is a PNP epitaxial silicon small-signal transistor rated for -150 V V_CEO, -600 mA I_C, and 625 mW P_C, commonly used in high-voltage amplifier and switching stages of discrete analog power supplies and relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5401TAR datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its -150 V collector-emitter breakdown rating, DC current gain (h_FE) range of 30–240 at -1 mA to -50 mA, low saturation voltage (-0.2 V at -10 mA/-1 mA), TO-92 package compatibility, and 100–400 MHz f_T bandwidth.

Technical Context

This PNP bipolar junction transistor operates with reverse-polarity biasing: emitter positive relative to base and collector. Its design supports linear amplification (h_FE = 30–240) and saturated switching (V_CE(sat) = -0.2 V to -0.5 V), with low leakage (ICBO ≤ -50 nA at -120 V) and moderate noise figure (8 dB at 250 µA).

The device features a 6 pF output capacitance (C_ob) at -10 V V_CB, enabling stable operation in audio-frequency amplifiers and low-speed digital logic interfaces. Its 150 °C maximum junction temperature and -55 °C to +150 °C storage range support industrial ambient deployment.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

2N5401TAR is housed in a TO-92 plastic package with lead configuration: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector (standard "ECB" orientation per Fairchild documentation).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPSA92 and 2N3906, the 2N5401TAR delivers balanced performance: superior voltage rating over 2N3906 and higher f_T than MPSA92, making it optimal for general-purpose high-voltage amplification and switching where both breakdown safety and bandwidth matter.

Availability

2N5401TAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for discrete amplifier stages, relay drivers, and error amplifier circuits requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence resilience, and TO-92 through-hole manufacturability.

Supply support for 2N5401TAR 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.

The 2N5401TAR belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose PNP transistor product line, designed for robust, high-voltage linear and switching applications in industrial controls, power supplies, and analog instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the pin configuration of the 2N5401TAR?

The 2N5401TAR uses a TO-92 package with standardized ECB pinout: Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Base, and Pin 3 is Collector. This matches the mechanical layout documented in Fairchild's Rev. B datasheet and is consistent across tape-and-reel (TAR) and bulk variants of the 2N5401 family.

Is the 2N5401TAR suitable for linear amplifier applications?

Yes, the 2N5401TAR is specified for linear operation with h_FE = 30–240 at I_C = -1 mA to -50 mA and V_CE = -5 V, and a noise figure of 8 dB at 250 µA. Its 100–400 MHz f_T and low C_ob (6 pF) support stable audio-frequency amplification without oscillation in properly compensated circuits.

What is the maximum power dissipation of the 2N5401TAR at 70°C ambient?

The 2N5401TAR has a rated P_C = 625 mW at T_A = 25°C and θ_JA ≈ 200°C/W for TO-92. At 70°C ambient, derated power is approximately 413 mW using the linear derating rule: P_D(T_A) = 625 mW × (1 − (70 − 25)/150) = 413 mW.

Can the 2N5401TAR replace the 2N5401 in existing designs?

Yes, the 2N5401TAR is a tape-and-reel packaging variant of the 2N5401 and shares identical electrical specifications, pinout, and TO-92 package dimensions. No circuit or layout changes are required when substituting 2N5401TAR for 2N5401 in automated assembly processes.

Does the 2N5401TAR meet RoHS requirements?

The 2N5401TAR was manufactured prior to RoHS enforcement and is classified as non-RoHS-compliant per Fairchild's legacy documentation. For RoHS-compliant alternatives, consider ON Semiconductor's NSS60100MR6T1G (PNP, -100 V, TO-236) or MMBT2907ALT1G (PNP, -60 V, SOT-23), subject to voltage/current validation.