onsemi FPN330

Overview

FPN330 from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN low-saturation transistor designed for high-current switching in power management circuits, featuring V_CEO = 30 V, I_C = 3.0 A continuous, V_CE(sat) = 500 mV at I_C = 1.0 A / I_B = 100 mA, h_FE = 330 at I_C = 100 mA, and TO-226 package. It serves as a main switch in DC-DC converters and motor drivers where low conduction loss is critical.

For engineers reviewing the FPN330 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include saturation voltage under 1 A load, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 125 °C/W), current gain linearity across temperature, and compatibility with standard through-hole PCB layouts using TO-226 footprint.

Technical Context

This device uses Fairchild's Process NB to achieve low V_CE(sat) and high h_FE simultaneously, supporting stable operation up to +150 °C junction temperature. Its breakdown ratings-V_CBO = 50 V, V_EBO = 5.0 V-define safe biasing margins in inductive load switching.

The FPN330 delivers f_T = 100 MHz and C_obo = 30 pF at 10 V, enabling use in medium-frequency PWM control loops. Pulse-tested parameters (≤300 µs, ≤2% duty cycle) confirm robust transient capability without thermal runaway.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

FPN330 is housed in a TO-226 (also known as TO-92) plastic package with leads arranged in linear order: Collector (C), Base (B), Emitter (E), viewed from front with flat side facing outward and leads down.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN switching transistor applications.

Compared with FPN330, MJD31C trades lower saturation for higher voltage rating, while ZTX653 improves conduction loss but introduces h_FE variability requiring tighter design margins-FPN330 balances gain, loss, and thermal performance for cost-sensitive 24 V industrial switching.

Availability

FPN330 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC-DC converters, brushed motor drivers, LED current regulators, and OR-ing circuits requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for FPN330 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 analog and power semiconductor manufacturer, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy products remain widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.

The FPN330 belongs to Fairchild's low-saturation NPN transistor family, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, medium-current switching in space-constrained through-hole applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for FPN330?

The FPN330 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 3.0 A at T_A = 25 °C with proper heatsinking. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient per the Power Dissipation vs Ambient Temperature curve; at 75 °C ambient, usable I_C drops to approximately 2.0 A. This rating assumes TO-226 mounting on ≥0.5 in² copper area.

Is FPN330 pin-compatible with FPN330A?

Yes, FPN330 and FPN330A share identical TO-226 package, pinout (C-B-E), and absolute maximum ratings. The FPN330A variant offers improved V_CE(sat) = 450 mV at I_C = 2.0 A / I_B = 200 mA versus 500 mV for FPN330 at 1.0 A, but both are mechanically and electrically interchangeable in existing layouts.

What is the typical h_FE range for FPN330 across operating conditions?

The FPN330 specifies h_FE = 330 at I_C = 100 mA and V_CE = 2.0 V. At I_C = 1.0 A, h_FE drops to 100–120; at I_C = 2.0 A, it falls further to 50. The Current Gain vs Collector Current graph shows strong temperature dependence: h_FE increases ~20% at −40 °C and decreases ~25% at +125 °C versus 25 °C baseline.

Can FPN330 be used in switching applications above 1 MHz?

The FPN330 has f_T = 100 MHz, but its usable switching frequency is limited by storage time and saturation recovery. For hard-switched applications, reliable operation is confirmed up to 500 kHz; above that, V_CE(sat) rise and switching loss increase significantly. Use FPN330 in PWM circuits ≤500 kHz unless gate drive is optimized for fast turn-off with Baker clamp.

Does FPN330 meet RoHS and lead-free requirements?

FPN330 was manufactured under Fairchild's pre-2016 process and is not inherently lead-free; however, RoHS-compliant versions (e.g., FPN330G) exist with matte tin lead finish. Standard FPN330 contains lead in solderable terminations and does not comply with current RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU unless explicitly marked "Pb-Free" or "G" suffix. Confirm compliance via date code and packaging label.