onsemi PN100A_D26Z

Overview

PN100A_D26Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor rated for continuous collector current up to 500 mA, with V_CEO = 45 V, V_CBO = 75 V, and h_FE = 100–450 (IC = 10 mA to 150 mA). It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature and is used in low-to-medium-power linear amplification and switching circuits in consumer power supplies and signal conditioning stages.

For engineers reviewing the PN100A_D26Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package compatibility, DC current gain range at multiple bias points, saturation voltage performance under 200 mA drive, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200°C/W on FR-4), and noise figure of 5.0 dB at 1 kHz.

Technical Context

This device implements a silicon planar epitaxial NPN structure optimized for general-purpose linear amplification and medium-speed switching. Its design supports stable h_FE over IC = 100 μA to 150 mA and maintains V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.4 V at IC = 200 mA / IB = 20 mA.

It features f_T = 250 MHz at V_CE = 20 V / I_C = 20 mA, C_obo = 4.5 pF at V_CB = 5 V, and NF = 5.0 dB under RG = 2 kΩ - confirming suitability for audio-frequency amplification and low-noise preamplifier stages where bandwidth and noise are critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN100A_D26Z is supplied in the TO-92 plastic package (3-lead, through-hole), with standardized lead assignment: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector. Marking "PN100A" appears on the package body.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBT100A and PN2222A, PN100A_D26Z offers superior thermal performance in through-hole designs, higher V_CEO margin for 48 V systems, and more consistent h_FE above 100 mA - making it preferred for robust, serviceable, and thermally demanding amplifier or driver roles.

Availability

PN100A_D26Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio pre-amplifiers, DC power supply error amplifiers, LED driver switches, and signal level shifters requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for PN100A_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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The PN100A_D26Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical linear amplification and medium-speed switching in industrial and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN100A_D26Z?

The PN100A_D26Z is rated for a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 500 mA at T_A = 25°C. Derating applies above 25°C per the specified 5.0 mW/°C thermal coefficient. This rating assumes proper PCB copper area and ambient airflow; actual usable current depends on thermal design and V_CE conditions. The PN100A_D26Z must not exceed its 625 mW total power dissipation limit under steady-state operation.

Does PN100A_D26Z have a documented noise figure specification?

Yes, the PN100A_D26Z has a specified noise figure (NF) of 5.0 dB at I_C = 100 μA, V_CE = 5.0 V, R_G = 2.0 kΩ, and f = 1.0 kHz, per the official Fairchild datasheet Rev. C1. This value is measured under standardized low-frequency small-signal conditions and confirms the suitability of PN100A_D26Z for low-noise preamplifier applications where signal integrity is critical.

What package type is used for PN100A_D26Z?

PN100A_D26Z uses the TO-92 through-hole plastic package with three leads arranged as Emitter (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), and Collector (Pin 3). The package outline matches JEDEC TO-92 standards, and the device marking "PN100A" is laser-etched on the package body. This package provides mechanical robustness and ease of prototyping, distinguishing it from the SOT-23 variant MMBT100A.

Can PN100A_D26Z be used in switching applications?

Yes, PN100A_D26Z is qualified for switching use with documented t_r, t_f, t_d, and t_s values shown in Figure 7 of the datasheet. At I_C = 100 mA, typical turn-on delay is <100 ns and fall time is <60 ns. Its V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.4 V at I_C = 200 mA ensures low conduction loss. The PN100A_D26Z is appropriate for medium-speed digital switching up to ~1 MHz in non-critical timing applications.

What is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) for PN100A_D26Z?

The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) for PN100A_D26Z is 200°C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB measuring 1.6" × 1.6" × 0.06". This value assumes no added copper pour or heatsinking. Designers must apply this R_θJA to calculate maximum allowable power dissipation at elevated ambient temperatures using ΔT = P_D × R_θJA. The PN100A_D26Z's thermal performance is significantly better than its SOT-23 counterpart (R_θJA = 357°C/W).