onsemi 2N5884

Overview

2N5884 from onsemi is a PNP silicon high-power transistor designed for general-purpose power amplifier and switching applications in industrial motor drives, audio output stages, and DC-DC converter output switches. It delivers 25 A continuous collector current, supports 80 V collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO), and exhibits low saturation voltage of 1.0 V at 15 A - enabling efficient high-current conduction with minimal thermal loss.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5884 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-204AA (TO-3) metal-can package, complementary pairing with 2N5886, PNP polarity, and validated safe operating area up to 200 W at T_C = 25°C with second-breakdown-limited pulse capability.

Technical Context

The 2N5884 operates as a medium-frequency, high-current PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and hard-switching duty. Its f_T ≥ 4.0 MHz at I_C = 1.0 A confirms usable gain bandwidth for audio and SMPS control loop compensation, while its h_FE ≥ 20 at I_C = 10 A ensures stable DC biasing in Class AB amplifier output stages.

Thermal design is anchored by R_θJC = 0.875°C/W and a maximum junction temperature of +200°C, supporting operation in high-ambient industrial environments when mounted on appropriately sized heatsinks. The device's safe operating area (SOA) is defined by both thermal limitation (single-pulse, T_J(pk) = 200°C) and second-breakdown boundaries, with pulse limits valid up to 10% duty cycle.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

2N5884 is housed in a TO-204AA (TO-3) metal-can package with electrically isolated case acting as the collector terminal. The package features two leads: Pin 1 is Base, Pin 2 is Emitter. The case must be electrically insulated from heatsink unless collector reference is required.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP high-power transistor applications.

Compared with MJ15024 and 2N6284, the 2N5884 offers optimal balance of 80 V blocking, 4 MHz bandwidth, and proven SOA for industrial switching - making it preferred for 48–80 V systems demanding both voltage headroom and audio-grade linearity.

Availability

2N5884 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, audio power amplification, DC-DC converter switching, and welding power supply design requiring stable component supply across multi-year production lifecycles.

Supply support for 2N5884 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The 2N5884 belongs to onsemi's legacy high-power discrete transistor family, engineered specifically for ruggedized linear and switching power applications where reliability, thermal robustness, and complementary NPN/PNP pairing are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N5884?

The 2N5884 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 25 Adc at case temperature (T_C) = 25°C. This rating decreases with rising case temperature per the specified derating curve (1.15 W/°C), and peak current capability reaches 50 Adc for short-duration pulses. Designers must verify thermal design using R_θJC = 0.875°C/W and actual heatsink performance to maintain safe junction temperature.

Is the 2N5884 pin-compatible with the 2N5886?

No - the 2N5884 is a PNP transistor while the 2N5886 is its complementary NPN counterpart; they share identical TO-204AA (TO-3) packaging and pinout (Base, Emitter, Collector-case), but polarity and biasing requirements differ fundamentally. They are intended for complementary circuit topologies (e.g., push-pull outputs), not direct substitution. Using 2N5886 in place of 2N5884 would reverse current flow and likely cause circuit failure.

What is the safe operating area (SOA) limitation for the 2N5884 at 100 V_CE?

The 2N5884's absolute maximum V_CEO is 80 Vdc, so operation at 100 V_CE exceeds its rated voltage and violates SOA limits. At its rated 80 V_CE, the SOA curve (Figure 5) restricts continuous I_C to approximately 2.5 A at T_C = 25°C due to second-breakdown limitations. Pulse operation allows higher current, but must stay within the published SOA envelope and respect t_pk and duty-cycle constraints to avoid irreversible damage.

Does the 2N5884 require a heatsink in all applications?

Yes - the 2N5884 must be mounted on a heatsink in any application dissipating more than ~5 W continuously. With R_θJC = 0.875°C/W and T_J(max) = +200°C, even modest power dissipation (e.g., 20 W at T_C = 80°C) raises junction temperature beyond safe limits without thermal management. The metal case serves as the collector and primary thermal path; electrical isolation (e.g., mica washer + thermal paste) is mandatory unless collector is referenced to heatsink potential.

What is the typical base-emitter saturation voltage (V_BE(sat)) for the 2N5884?

The 2N5884 has a maximum base-emitter saturation voltage (V_BE(sat)) of 2.5 Vdc at I_C = 25 Adc and I_B = 6.25 Adc. This value reflects the forward-biased PNP base-emitter junction under heavy conduction. Designers must ensure driver circuits can source ≥6.25 A base current while sustaining ≥2.5 V across the base-emitter terminals to achieve full saturation and minimize V_CE(sat).