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

onsemi 2N5962

Name: 2N5962
Brand: onsemi
SKU: 2N5962
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: 2N5962

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: 2N5962.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 45V 0.1A TO-92-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

2N5962 from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier optimized for low-noise, high-gain signal amplification up to 50 mA collector current, with V_CEO = 45 V, h_FE ≥ 450 at I_C = 10 µA, and noise figure as low as 3.0 dB at 1 kHz - used in preamplifier stages of audio and sensor interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the 2N5962 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200 °C/W), low-noise performance at microamp bias currents, and guaranteed h_FE minimum across multiple operating points - critical for stable small-signal gain in battery-powered instrumentation.

Technical Context

The 2N5962 employs a planar epitaxial NPN structure fabricated in Fairchild's Process 07, delivering high DC current gain with tight distribution and low base-emitter on-voltage (V_BE(on) = 0.5–0.7 V at I_C = 1 mA). Its junction temperature range spans −55 °C to +150 °C, supporting operation in industrial ambient environments.

Small-signal parameters are characterized at 1 kHz and 100 MHz: h_fe = 600 at 1 kHz but drops to 1.0–200 at 100 MHz, confirming its primary suitability for audio and low-MHz analog amplification rather than RF switching. Capacitances (C_cb = 4.0 pF, C_eb = 6.0 pF) support stable feedback design in common-emitter configurations.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	45 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; enables use in 24 V and 36 V supply rail amplifiers.
h_FE (min)	450 at I_C = 10 µA - ensures reliable bias stability in high-impedance, low-current preamp nodes.
NF	3.0 dB at I_C = 10 µA, R_S = 10 kΩ - low-noise performance critical for microphone and piezoelectric sensor front-ends.
P_D	625 mW at T_A = 25 °C - supports continuous linear operation up to ~100 mA with appropriate heatsinking or board layout.
R_θJA	200 °C/W - defines thermal derating slope (5.0 mW/°C above 25 °C); requires PCB copper area or airflow for >100 mW dissipation.
C_cb	4.0 pF at V_CB = 5 V - limits Miller-effect bandwidth degradation in common-emitter gain stages.

Pinout & Package

2N5962 is supplied in the through-hole TO-92 package (standard straight lead configuration, no lead clip), with pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector. The flat side of the package faces the viewer when leads point downward; emitter lead exits first in standard packaging orientation.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Emitter (Pin 1)	Current sink node	Reference terminal for bias network; connects to ground or emitter degeneration resistor in CE amplifier.
Base (Pin 2)	Control input	Receives bias current to set operating point; high h_FE reduces required base drive in low-power designs.
Collector (Pin 3)	Output current source	Delivers amplified current to load or next stage; rated for 45 V swing and 100 mA absolute max continuous current.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-noise amplification	3.0 dB NF at 1 kHz with 10 µA I_C - enables clean signal recovery from weak transducers without added op-amp stages.
High DC current gain	h_FE ≥ 550 at I_C = 1.0 mA - simplifies bias network design and improves temperature stability in discrete amplifier topologies.
Wide junction temperature range	−55 °C to +150 °C - supports deployment in automotive under-hood and industrial control cabinet environments.
Controlled process variation	Fabricated in Fairchild Process 07 - ensures consistent h_FE distribution and leakage (I_CBO ≤ 2.0 nA) across production lots.

Applications

Audio Preamplifier	Temperature Sensor Interface
Use Scenario: Amplifying millivolt-level output from electret condenser microphones in portable voice recorders. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN transistor configured as common-emitter voltage amplifier with emitter degeneration. Use Value: 3.0 dB noise figure and 450+ h_FE at 10 µA enable high-SNR gain without active biasing circuitry or external compensation.	Use Scenario: Linearizing and amplifying output from silicon diode-based temperature sensors in HVAC control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transconductance amplifier stage converting sensor voltage to buffered current output. Use Value: Stable h_FE over −40 °C to +85 °C and low I_CBO (<2 nA) minimize drift-induced offset errors in precision analog front-ends.
Industrial Current Sink	Low-Power Oscillator Core
Use Scenario: Driving LED indicators and optocoupler inputs in programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Switched NPN transistor operating in saturation with V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.2 V at I_C/I_B = 10 mA/0.5 mA. Use Value: Low saturation voltage reduces power loss and self-heating during sustained 50 mA sink operation in 24 V industrial systems.	Use Scenario: Active device in phase-shift or Wien-bridge oscillator circuits for calibration signal generation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gain element providing frequency-stable transconductance in linear feedback loop. Use Value: Predictable h_fe = 600 at 10 mA/5 V and low C_cb (4.0 pF) support stable oscillation at 1–10 kHz without parasitic resonance.

Audio Preamplifier

Temperature Sensor Interface

Use Scenario: Amplifying millivolt-level output from electret condenser microphones in portable voice recorders.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN transistor configured as common-emitter voltage amplifier with emitter degeneration.

Use Value: 3.0 dB noise figure and 450+ h_FE at 10 µA enable high-SNR gain without active biasing circuitry or external compensation.

Use Scenario: Linearizing and amplifying output from silicon diode-based temperature sensors in HVAC control units.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transconductance amplifier stage converting sensor voltage to buffered current output.

Use Value: Stable h_FE over −40 °C to +85 °C and low I_CBO (<2 nA) minimize drift-induced offset errors in precision analog front-ends.

Industrial Current Sink

Low-Power Oscillator Core

Use Scenario: Driving LED indicators and optocoupler inputs in programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Switched NPN transistor operating in saturation with V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.2 V at I_C/I_B = 10 mA/0.5 mA.

Use Value: Low saturation voltage reduces power loss and self-heating during sustained 50 mA sink operation in 24 V industrial systems.

Use Scenario: Active device in phase-shift or Wien-bridge oscillator circuits for calibration signal generation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gain element providing frequency-stable transconductance in linear feedback loop.

Use Value: Predictable h_fe = 600 at 10 mA/5 V and low C_cb (4.0 pF) support stable oscillation at 1–10 kHz without parasitic resonance.

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
MMBT5962	SOT-23 surface-mount variant of same die; R_θJA = 357 °C/W (vs. 200 °C/W for TO-92); identical electrical specs.	Requires PCB rework for SMT assembly; unsuitable for breadboard or through-hole prototyping.	Select MMBT5962 only when space-constrained layouts demand SMT and thermal management accommodates higher junction rise.
2N5088	Same Process 07 family; V_CEO = 30 V (vs. 45 V); h_FE min = 400 at I_C = 100 µA; higher NF (4.5 dB typical).	Limited to ≤24 V supply rails; less suitable for low-current, ultra-low-noise preamps where 2N5962 achieves 3.0 dB NF.	Choose 2N5088 only if lower voltage rating suffices and cost sensitivity outweighs noise/gain advantages of 2N5962.

Compared with MMBT5962 and 2N5088, the 2N5962 delivers superior thermal performance in through-hole form and the lowest verified noise figure in its family - making it the preferred choice for legacy-compatible, low-noise linear amplification where board real estate permits TO-92 mounting.

Availability

2N5962 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplification, sensor signal conditioning, and industrial current-sink applications requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle embedded programs.

Supply support for 2N5962 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 discrete power and analog components, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy product lines remain widely supported in industrial design.

The 2N5962 belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose bipolar transistor family designed for high-fidelity analog amplification and robust switching in cost-sensitive, medium-volume applications - emphasizing gain consistency, low noise, and wide temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the 2N5962?

The 2N5962 has an absolute maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 100 mA at T_A = 25 °C. However, its recommended operating limit for linear amplification is 50 mA per the official device description - exceeding this may compromise linearity and thermal stability without forced cooling or derating.

Does the 2N5962 have a documented noise figure specification, and under what conditions?

Yes, the 2N5962 has a documented noise figure of 3.0 dB at V_CE = 5.0 V, I_C = 10 µA, R_S = 10 kΩ, f = 1.0 kHz, and BW = 400 Hz. This value is measured under standardized low-current, high-source-impedance conditions relevant to microphone and sensor preamplifier design.

Is the 2N5962 pin-compatible with the MMBT5962, and how do their packages differ?

No - the 2N5962 uses a TO-92 through-hole package (Emitter-Base-Collector, pins 1–2–3), while the MMBT5962 is in SOT-23 surface-mount format with different pinout (Emitter-Collector-Base, pins 1–2–3). Their electrical characteristics match, but mechanical and layout compatibility requires redesign.

What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient (R_θJA) for the 2N5962 in standard mounting?

The 2N5962 has R_θJA = 200 °C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB per datasheet test condition. This value assumes no added copper pour or heatsinking; actual thermal performance improves with ≥1 cm² of 2-oz copper connected to the collector lead.

Can the 2N5962 be used in switching applications, and what is its V_CE(sat)?

Yes, the 2N5962 can operate in switching mode with V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.2 V at I_C = 10 mA and I_B = 0.5 mA. Its relatively high h_FE allows efficient saturation with modest base drive, though it is optimized for linear amplification rather than high-speed digital switching.

2N5962 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):: 45 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 200mV @ 500µA, 10mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 2nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 600 @ 10mA, 5V

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: -

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

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

2N5962 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for 2N5962 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 2N5962 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 2N5962 reliable?

The price and inventory of 2N5962 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 2N5962 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for 2N5962?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 2N5962 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for 2N5962?

2N5962 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your 2N5962 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 2N5962?

For technical support, including 2N5962 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 2N5962 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that 2N5962 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All 2N5962 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 2N5962 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of 2N5962?

All 2N5962 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 2N5962, 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 2N5962 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for 2N5962:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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