onsemi MPSA20_D26Z

Overview

MPSA20_D26Z from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild) is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 40 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and 125 MHz f_T, commonly used in low-power audio preamplification and signal switching stages of consumer electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MPSA20_D26Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include DC current gain range (h_FE = 40–400), V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C = 10 mA/I_B = 1 mA, thermal resistance R_θJA = 200 °C/W, and compatibility with FR-4 PCB mounting per JEDEC TO-92 footprint.

Technical Context

The MPSA20_D26Z operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and low-speed switching. Its h_FE variation across production lots is specified at 40–400 under I_C = 5 mA/V_CE = 10 V, and it maintains stable gain up to 125 MHz f_T with Cob = 4.0 pF at V_CB = 10 V.

Thermal design requires attention to its R_θJA = 200 °C/W on standard FR-4 (36 mm × 18 mm × 1.5 mm) with ≥6 cm² collector pad area; derating begins above 25 °C at 5.0 mW/°C, with maximum junction temperature limited to +150 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 - Three-lead through-hole plastic package with standardized 1.27 mm lead pitch, compatible with manual soldering and wave soldering processes per JEDEC TO-92 outline.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPSA20_D26Z, BC547B offers higher bandwidth and tighter gain spread at modest cost premium, while 2N3904 delivers superior minimum h_FE for simplified bias design-both retain identical TO-92 pinout and V_CEO/I_C ratings, enabling direct substitution in most linear and switching roles.

Availability

MPSA20_D26Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for low-power audio preamplification, discrete logic interfacing, and sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across industrial control, consumer electronics, and educational kit production.

Supply support for MPSA20_D26Z 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 supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions, with roots in Fairchild Semiconductor's legacy analog and discrete product lines.

The MPSA20_D26Z belongs to ON Semiconductor's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, designed for cost-sensitive, medium-frequency analog and digital interface applications where reliability, manufacturability, and JEDEC-standard packaging are prioritized.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the MPSA20_D26Z?

The MPSA20_D26Z has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 100 mA at T_A = 25 °C. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal management per datasheet guidelines-including a minimum 6 cm² copper pad for the collector lead-and must be derated by 5.0 mW/°C above 25 °C ambient temperature. Exceeding this limit risks thermal runaway or permanent degradation of the MPSA20_D26Z.

Does the MPSA20_D26Z have a specified V_CE(sat) value, and under what conditions?

Yes, the MPSA20_D26Z specifies V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V when tested at I_C = 10 mA and I_B = 1 mA. This saturation voltage reflects the device's ability to operate as a low-loss switch in digital interface and load-driving applications. The value is measured under steady-state DC conditions and remains valid across the full operating temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C for the MPSA20_D26Z.

What is the pin configuration of the MPSA20_D26Z in its TO-92 package?

The MPSA20_D26Z uses the standard TO-92 pinout: Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Base, and Pin 3 is Collector-viewed with flat side facing outward and leads pointing downward. This configuration matches JEDEC TO-92 outline drawings and is electrically identical to BC547, 2N3904, and other industry-standard NPN transistors, enabling direct PCB footprint reuse for the MPSA20_D26Z.

Can the MPSA20_D26Z be used in RF amplifier applications?

Yes, the MPSA20_D26Z supports RF amplifier use up to approximately 10–20 MHz due to its 125 MHz f_T and 4.0 pF Cob. It is suitable for low-power VHF preamplifier stages, crystal oscillator cores, and narrowband receiver front-ends where gain linearity and thermal stability outweigh ultra-high-frequency performance. For >50 MHz designs, higher-f_T alternatives like the 2N3904 are recommended over the MPSA20_D26Z.

What is the operating junction temperature range for the MPSA20_D26Z?

The MPSA20_D26Z has a specified operating and storage junction temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C. This range is defined by internal semiconductor physics and package construction, and applies to both continuous operation and transient conditions. Thermal design must ensure that actual junction temperature stays within this window under worst-case power dissipation, using R_θJA = 200 °C/W as the baseline for the MPSA20_D26Z on standard FR-4 PCBs.