onsemi MPSA05

Overview

MPSA05 from ON Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 60 V V_CEO, 500 mA I_C, and 625 mW P_D, designed for low-to-medium power linear amplification and switching in consumer and industrial signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MPSA05 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 100 MHz f_T, h_FE ≥ 100 at 10–100 mA, V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C/I_B = 100/10 mA, and TO-92 thermal performance (R_θJA = 200 °C/W).

Technical Context

The MPSA05 operates as a discrete silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for general-purpose amplification up to 300 mA collector current, with DC current gain specified across two operating points (10 mA and 100 mA) and validated under pulse test conditions (≤300 μs, ≤2% duty cycle).

Its breakdown ratings-V_CEO = 60 V, V_CBO = 60 V, V_EBO = 4.0 V-and leakage limits (I_CEO, I_CBO ≤ 0.1 μA) define safe operation in low-voltage analog stages and digital interface buffers where moderate voltage headroom and low standby current are required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92, 3-lead molded plastic case with straight or bent leads; standard through-hole mounting footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBTA05 and 2N3904, the MPSA05 provides superior continuous current handling (500 mA vs. 350 mA and 200 mA) and TO-92 thermal robustness, making it optimal for medium-power linear and switching roles where layout flexibility and thermal margin are prioritized over miniaturization.

Availability

MPSA05 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifier stages, LED driver switches, and relay driver circuits requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence planning, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MPSA05 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 manufacturer specializing in power management, analog, sensor, and discrete solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The MPSA05 belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, originally developed by Fairchild and optimized for cost-sensitive, high-reliability linear amplification and switching in commercial-grade equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the MPSA05?

The MPSA05 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 500 mA at T_A = 25°C. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal management; derating is required above 25°C at 5.0 mW/°C. The MPSA05 is intended for general-purpose amplifier and switching applications up to this current level, and exceeding it risks thermal runaway or permanent degradation. Always verify actual board-level thermal performance when using the MPSA05 in sustained high-current operation.

Does the MPSA05 have a guaranteed minimum DC current gain (h_FE)?

Yes, the MPSA05 guarantees h_FE ≥ 100 at two operating points: I_C = 10 mA and I_C = 100 mA, both measured at V_CE = 1.0 V and T_A = 25°C. This dual-point specification ensures predictable gain behavior across a broad range of bias conditions, supporting both low-noise preamplifier and medium-current switching designs. The MPSA05 does not specify h_FE minima outside these test conditions.

What is the collector-emitter saturation voltage (V_CE(sat)) of the MPSA05 under typical switching conditions?

The MPSA05 specifies V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V when I_C = 100 mA and I_B = 10 mA, resulting in a forced β of 10. This low saturation voltage reduces conduction losses in switching applications such as LED drivers and relay controls. The value is measured under pulse test conditions (≤300 μs, ≤2% duty cycle) and may increase slightly under DC operation due to self-heating; thermal design must account for this in sustained-use cases involving the MPSA05.

Is the MPSA05 pin-compatible with the 2N3904 or MMBTA05?

No, the MPSA05 is not pin-compatible with the 2N3904 or MMBTA05. While all three are NPN transistors, the MPSA05 uses TO-92 packaging with E-B-C pinout (1-2-3), whereas the 2N3904 also uses TO-92 but with E-B-C pinout (1-2-3) - same physical pinout but different gain and current profiles - and the MMBTA05 uses SOT-23 with B-E-C pinout (1-2-3). Substitution requires verification of both electrical parameters and PCB footprint compatibility for the MPSA05.

What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the MPSA05?

The MPSA05 has a maximum junction and storage temperature (T_J/T_STG) range of –55°C to +150°C. Its thermal resistance from junction to ambient (R_θJA) is 200°C/W on a standard FR-4 PCB (1.6″ × 0.06″), meaning that at 25°C ambient and 625 mW dissipation, junction temperature rises to approximately 150°C - the absolute maximum. To ensure reliability, design margins should keep steady-state T_J below 125°C, especially in enclosed or high-ambient environments where the MPSA05 operates.