Nexperia USA Inc. PMBS3904,215

Overview

PMBS3904,215 from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 package, rated for 40 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and 250 mW P_tot, with DC current gain (h_FE) of 100 at 10 mA collector current. It serves as a low-voltage, low-current switch or small-signal amplifier in telephony interface circuits and professional communication equipment.

For engineers reviewing the PMBS3904,215 datasheet, PMBS3904,215 pinout, PMBS3904,215 application, or PMBS3904,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified V_CE(sat) ≤ 200 mV at I_C = 10 mA/I_B = 1 mA, f_T = 180 MHz, C_c = 4 pF, and thermal resistance R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W on FR4 PCB.

Technical Context

This discrete NPN BJT operates in linear or saturation mode depending on base drive; its h_FE varies from 40 (at 0.1 mA) to 30 (at 100 mA), enabling predictable gain scaling across bias points. Switching performance is characterized by t_on = 110 ns and t_off = 1200 ns under defined test conditions (V_CC = 3 V, I_Con = 10 mA).

Thermal design relies on its 500 K/W junction-to-ambient resistance when mounted on standard FR4, limiting continuous power dissipation to 250 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. Its low capacitance (C_c = 4 pF, C_e = 12 pF) supports stable high-frequency operation up to 180 MHz transition frequency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PMBS3904,215 is housed in a plastic surface-mount SOT23 (TO-236AB) package measuring 2.9 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm, with gull-wing leads and standardized 1.9 mm lead pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC847BW,115 and MMBT3904LT1G, PMBS3904,215 offers lower V_CE(sat) for reduced conduction loss and broader h_FE range for flexible bias design, while maintaining identical footprint and thermal behavior on FR4.

Availability

PMBS3904,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telephony line interface, professional audio signal switching, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for PMBS3904,215 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

Nexperia is a global leader in discrete, logic, and PowerMOS semiconductors, formed in 2017 from the former NXP Standard Products division, with focus on automotive, industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

PMBS3904,215 belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications demanding reliable switching and amplification at low voltage and current levels.

FAQ

Is PMBS3904,215 suitable for linear amplification?

Yes - its h_FE of 100 at 10 mA and low noise figure (5 dB) make it appropriate for Class-A audio preamplifier stages. Stable operation requires emitter degeneration and proper thermal layout due to R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W. It is not optimized for high-fidelity RF amplification beyond 30 MHz despite f_T = 180 MHz.

What is the maximum operating temperature for continuous use?

The PMBS3904,215 has a maximum junction temperature (T_j) of 150 °C and storage temperature range of −65 °C to +150 °C. At ambient temperatures up to 70 °C on FR4, it can dissipate up to 150 mW continuously, based on its 500 K/W thermal resistance and derating curve - exceeding this risks permanent parametric shift.

Does PMBS3904,215 have a PNP complement in the same package?

Yes - the PMBS3906,215 is its direct PNP complement, sharing identical SOT23 package dimensions, pinout (1: base, 2: emitter, 3: collector), and matching voltage/current ratings (V_CEO = −40 V, I_C = −100 mA). Both are designed for complementary pair use in push-pull or differential configurations.

Can PMBS3904,215 replace older 2N3904 variants in legacy designs?

Yes - PMBS3904,215 is a direct SOT23-packaged functional replacement for through-hole 2N3904 with identical electrical characteristics (V_CEO, h_FE, f_T, V_CE(sat)). No circuit redesign is needed, though PCB layout must accommodate SOT23 footprint and thermal relief pads per Nexperia's recommended land pattern.