onsemi MPSA06

Overview

MPSA06 from ON Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor designed for linear amplification and switching in low-to-medium power analog circuits, with 80 V V_CEO, 500 mA I_C, 100 MHz f_T, and TO-92 3L package - used in audio preamplifiers, signal conditioning stages, and discrete logic-level translators.

For engineers reviewing the MPSA06 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 100–300 mA h_FE range at 10–100 mA I_C, 0.25 V V_CE(sat) at I_C/I_B = 100 mA/10 mA, thermal resistance of 200 °C/W R_θJA, and suitability for DC-coupled small-signal gain blocks requiring stable β across temperature.

Technical Context

The MPSA06 operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for general-purpose linear amplification up to 100 MHz, with specified h_FE ≥ 100 at both 10 mA and 100 mA collector current under 1.0 V V_CE. Its breakdown ratings (V_CEO = V_CB0 = 80 V, V_EB0 = 4.0 V) support operation in 24–48 V rail systems with margin.

Thermal design relies on its TO-92 package's 200 °C/W R_θJA and 625 mW P_D at 25 °C, derating linearly at 5.0 mW/°C above ambient - enabling continuous operation up to ~125 °C junction temperature when mounted on standard FR-4 PCBs without heatsinking.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 3L molded plastic case with straight leads; standardized lead assignment per JEDEC TO-92 outline. Mounting requires no heatsink for ≤300 mW continuous dissipation at ≤50 °C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBTA06 and PZTA06, the MPSA06 offers the best balance of legacy through-hole compatibility, moderate power handling (625 mW), and standardized TO-92 footprint - making it ideal for prototyping, service replacement, and cost-sensitive production where thermal constraints are moderate.

Availability

MPSA06 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, industrial signal conditioners, and relay driver circuits requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and RoHS-compliant through-hole assembly.

Supply support for MPSA06 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, sensors, and discrete devices for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The MPSA06 belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, originally developed by Fairchild and maintained for reliability-critical linear amplification and switching applications in industrial control and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for the MPSA06?

The MPSA06 has an absolute maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 500 mA at T_A = 25 °C. However, practical operation is limited by power dissipation: at 625 mW P_D and typical V_CE ≥ 1 V, sustained current should remain ≤300 mA to maintain junction temperature below 150 °C on standard FR-4 PCBs. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient.

Is the MPSA06 pin-compatible with the MMBTA06 or PZTA06?

No - the MPSA06 uses TO-92 3L with E-B-C pinout, while MMBTA06 uses SOT-23 (E-B-C but different physical layout) and PZTA06 uses SOT-223 with exposed collector tab (C-E-B-C). None are pin-to-pin compatible; PCB layout and thermal pad design must be revised for each package. The MPSA06 remains the only through-hole option among the three.

What is the typical DC current gain (h_FE) of the MPSA06 at 100 mA collector current?

The MPSA06 guarantees h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = 100 mA and V_CE = 1.0 V, per its official datasheet. Measured values typically range from 100 to 300 depending on unit variation and temperature. This makes the MPSA06 suitable for bias-stable amplifier designs where predictable gain is required across production lots.

Can the MPSA06 be used in switching applications?

Yes - the MPSA06 is qualified for switching use with V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C/I_B = 100 mA/10 mA, and f_T = 100 MHz supports turn-on/turn-off times suitable for ≤1 MHz digital signals. For high-efficiency PWM or fast edge rates, verify switching losses using actual gate/base drive strength and load conditions in the final circuit.

What is the operating temperature range for the MPSA06?

The MPSA06 is rated for junction and storage temperature from −55 °C to +150 °C. Its guaranteed electrical parameters apply from −55 °C to +125 °C ambient, with derated power dissipation above 25 °C. The TO-92 package's thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200 °C/W) means junction temperature rises rapidly above 50 °C ambient unless power is reduced accordingly.