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

onsemi MPSA20_D27Z

Name: MPSA20_D27Z
Brand: onsemi
SKU: MPSA20_D27Z
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MPSA20_D27Z

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: MPSA20_D27Z.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 40V 0.1A TO-92-3

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Product details

Overview

MPSA20_D27Z 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_D27Z 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_D27Z operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and low-speed switching. Its design supports continuous collector current up to 100 mA with guaranteed h_FE minimum of 40 at I_C = 5 mA and V_CE = 10 V, and exhibits f_T = 125 MHz under standard test conditions.

Thermal performance is defined for mounting on a 36 mm × 18 mm × 1.5 mm FR-4 PCB with ≥6 cm² collector pad area. Junction temperature must remain within –55 °C to +150 °C, with derating applied above 25 °C at 5.0 mW/°C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	40 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base condition.
I_C (continuous)	100 mA - Maximum steady-state collector current without thermal runaway on specified PCB layout.
h_FE	40–400 - DC current gain range enabling bias flexibility in Class-A amplifier and switch designs.
f_T	125 MHz - Unity-gain bandwidth confirming suitability for audio-frequency and low-MHz signal amplification.
V_CE(sat)	≤0.25 V - Low saturation voltage ensures minimal power loss in switching applications at I_C = 10 mA/I_B = 1 mA.
R_θJA	200 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient defines required PCB copper area for thermal management.

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-92 - Standard through-hole plastic package with 3 leads, 1.27 mm lead pitch, and JEDEC-compliant outline dimensions (14.47 mm length, 4.58 mm width).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Emitter	Current sink terminal; connected to ground or lower-potential node in common-emitter configuration.
2	Base	Control input; requires current-limited drive to bias transistor into active or saturation region.
3	Collector	Current source terminal; mounted on ≥6 cm² copper pad for thermal dissipation per datasheet layout guidance.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High f_T	125 MHz enables stable small-signal amplification up to mid-VHF range without external compensation.
Wide h_FE range	40–400 supports production tolerance stacking and simplifies bias network design across batches.
Low V_CE(sat)	≤0.25 V reduces conduction loss in relay drivers and LED switch circuits at 10 mA load.
TO-92 mechanical standardization	Enables drop-in replacement in legacy through-hole designs using industry-standard hole spacing and soldering profiles.

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage	DC Signal Switching
Use Scenario: Amplifying microphone-level signals (1–10 mV) in portable voice recorders before ADC input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN amplifier in common-emitter configuration with fixed-bias or emitter-degenerated topology. Use Value: h_FE ≥40 ensures sufficient gain margin at low supply voltages (3–5 V), while f_T = 125 MHz preserves audio band fidelity.	Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 5 V logic-controlled LEDs or relays in industrial control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch with base driven by microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤0.25 V minimizes power dissipation during sustained ON state, supporting >100,000-cycle reliability.
Signal Level Translation	Simple Oscillator Core
Use Scenario: Shifting TTL-compatible output (0/5 V) to interface with 12 V analog subsystems in automotive body controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emitter-follower buffer stage providing level shift and current gain. Use Value: V_CEO = 40 V allows safe operation with 12 V rail and transient margin; h_FE > 40 ensures adequate drive capability.	Use Scenario: Building low-frequency relaxation oscillators (1–10 kHz) in sensor wake-up timers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active device in RC-based astable multivibrator with capacitor discharge path through collector. Use Value: Consistent f_T and h_FE enable predictable timing stability across temperature (–55 °C to +150 °C).

Audio Preamp Stage

DC Signal Switching

Use Scenario: Amplifying microphone-level signals (1–10 mV) in portable voice recorders before ADC input.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN amplifier in common-emitter configuration with fixed-bias or emitter-degenerated topology.

Use Value: h_FE ≥40 ensures sufficient gain margin at low supply voltages (3–5 V), while f_T = 125 MHz preserves audio band fidelity.

Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 5 V logic-controlled LEDs or relays in industrial control panels.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch with base driven by microcontroller GPIO.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤0.25 V minimizes power dissipation during sustained ON state, supporting >100,000-cycle reliability.

Signal Level Translation

Simple Oscillator Core

Use Scenario: Shifting TTL-compatible output (0/5 V) to interface with 12 V analog subsystems in automotive body controllers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emitter-follower buffer stage providing level shift and current gain.

Use Value: V_CEO = 40 V allows safe operation with 12 V rail and transient margin; h_FE > 40 ensures adequate drive capability.

Use Scenario: Building low-frequency relaxation oscillators (1–10 kHz) in sensor wake-up timers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active device in RC-based astable multivibrator with capacitor discharge path through collector.

Use Value: Consistent f_T and h_FE enable predictable timing stability across temperature (–55 °C to +150 °C).

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
BC547B	V_CEO = 45 V, h_FE = 200–450, f_T = 300 MHz, same TO-92 package.	Higher f_T and tighter h_FE binning support higher-frequency or precision-bias designs.	Select BC547B when >100 MHz signal integrity or tighter gain matching is required.
2N3904	V_CEO = 40 V, h_FE = 100–300, f_T = 300 MHz, TO-92, but lower I_C rating (200 mA vs. 100 mA for MPSA20_D27Z).	Higher max current and broader h_FE range suit higher-drive switching where gain consistency matters less than headroom.	Choose 2N3904 for robustness in intermittent high-current pulses or where wider availability justifies requalification.

Compared with BC547B and 2N3904, the MPSA20_D27Z offers the widest h_FE range (40–400) and lowest V_CE(sat) among TO-92 NPN transistors at its price point, making it optimal for cost-sensitive linear amplification where gain variation is accommodated in circuit design.

Availability

MPSA20_D27Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplification, DC signal switching, and level translation applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MPSA20_D27Z 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 for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The MPSA20_D27Z belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, designed for cost-effective, reliable amplification and switching in non-critical analog and digital interface circuits.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for the MPSA20_D27Z?

The MPSA20_D27Z has a specified operating junction temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C. This allows use in extended-environment applications such as automotive under-hood modules or industrial controls. Derating begins at 25 °C, with total device dissipation reduced by 5.0 mW per °C above ambient. The MPSA20_D27Z must be mounted per datasheet layout guidelines to maintain thermal compliance.

Is the MPSA20_D27Z pin-compatible with other TO-92 NPN transistors like the 2N3904?

Yes, the MPSA20_D27Z uses standard TO-92 pinout (1 = Emitter, 2 = Base, 3 = Collector), matching the 2N3904, BC547, and most JEDEC-compliant TO-92 NPN devices. However, electrical parameters differ-MPSA20_D27Z has higher h_FE range (40–400) and lower V_CE(sat) (≤0.25 V) than 2N3904. Circuit validation is recommended before substitution.

What is the typical current gain (h_FE) of the MPSA20_D27Z at 5 mA collector current?

The MPSA20_D27Z exhibits h_FE ranging from 40 (minimum) to 400 (maximum) at I_C = 5 mA and V_CE = 10 V. Typical value is not specified in the datasheet, but design should accommodate the full range. This wide spread supports flexible biasing but requires worst-case analysis in critical gain-dependent circuits. The MPSA20_D27Z remains stable across this range due to its process 10 silicon construction.

Can the MPSA20_D27Z be used in switching applications?

Yes, the MPSA20_D27Z is routinely used in low-speed switching applications such as LED drivers and relay control. Its V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C = 10 mA/I_B = 1 mA ensures low conduction loss, and its 100 mA I_C rating supports moderate loads. For high-frequency switching (>100 kHz), consider devices with higher f_T-the MPSA20_D27Z is optimized for <10 MHz operation.

Does the MPSA20_D27Z require a heatsink in standard PCB mounting?

No, the MPSA20_D27Z does not require an external heatsink when mounted on a FR-4 PCB per datasheet layout: 36 mm × 18 mm × 1.5 mm board with ≥6 cm² copper area under the collector lead. Its R_θJA = 200 °C/W and P_D = 625 mW at 25 °C allow safe operation up to ~100 mW dissipation with proper copper pour. The MPSA20_D27Z exceeds thermal limits only under sustained >100 mA loads or poor layout.

MPSA20_D27Z Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 100 mA

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 40 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 250mV @ 1mA, 10mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 40 @ 5mA, 10V

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 125MHz

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

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

MPSA20_D27Z FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MPSA20_D27Z through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPSA20_D27Z 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 MPSA20_D27Z reliable?

The price and inventory of MPSA20_D27Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPSA20_D27Z is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MPSA20_D27Z?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPSA20_D27Z transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MPSA20_D27Z?

MPSA20_D27Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MPSA20_D27Z 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 MPSA20_D27Z?

For technical support, including MPSA20_D27Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPSA20_D27Z requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MPSA20_D27Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MPSA20_D27Z 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 MPSA20_D27Z meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPSA20_D27Z?

All MPSA20_D27Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPSA20_D27Z, 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 MPSA20_D27Z part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MPSA20_D27Z:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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