onsemi PN100A_D74Z

Overview

PN100A_D74Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor designed for linear amplification and switching at collector currents up to 300 mA. It features a V_CEO of 45 V, V_CBO of 75 V, h_FE of 100–300 (at I_C = 100 mA), f_T of 250 MHz, and is packaged in TO-92. It is commonly used in low-power audio preamplifiers, signal buffering, and discrete logic-level translation circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PN100A_D74Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain linearity across 100 μA–150 mA, low V_CE(sat) (0.4 V at 200 mA), thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200 °C/W on FR-4), noise figure (4.0 dB at 1 kHz), and TO-92 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

The PN100A_D74Z operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for general-purpose linear amplification and moderate-speed switching. Its design supports continuous collector currents up to 500 mA and junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C, with pulse-tested f_T of 250 MHz ensuring usable bandwidth in audio and low-MHz signal conditioning.

It exhibits specified h_FE minima of 100 at I_C = 100 μA and 100 at I_C = 100 mA, confirming stable gain over four decades of current. Saturation performance is characterized at two operating points: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.2 V (I_C = 10 mA, I_B = 1 mA) and ≤ 0.4 V (I_C = 200 mA, I_B = 20 mA), supporting both small-signal and medium-current switching roles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN100A_D74Z is supplied in the TO-92 plastic package - a through-hole, three-terminal case with 0.1" lead pitch, standardized for manual assembly and prototyping. The package provides adequate thermal dissipation for < 350 mW continuous operation and mechanical robustness in non-vibration environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBT100A and 2N3904, PN100A_D74Z offers verified TO-92 mechanical compatibility, guaranteed h_FE ≥ 100 at 100 mA, and 45 V V_CEO headroom-making it preferred for legacy designs, prototyping, and applications requiring consistent medium-current gain and thermal margin on FR-4.

Availability

PN100A_D74Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifier stages, discrete logic level shifters, and low-speed PWM drivers requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and through-hole assembly compatibility.

Supply support for PN100A_D74Z 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_D74Z belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose NPN transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, reliable amplification and switching in consumer, industrial, and communication equipment where TO-92 form factor and proven gain linearity are prioritized.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN100A_D74Z?

The PN100A_D74Z has an absolute maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 500 mA, as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, practical continuous operation is limited by thermal dissipation: at 25 °C ambient on a standard FR-4 PCB, its 625 mW total device dissipation and 200 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance restrict usable I_C to approximately 300 mA to maintain T_J ≤ 150 °C. Derating is required above 25 °C.

Does PN100A_D74Z have a guaranteed minimum h_FE at high collector current?

Yes, PN100A_D74Z guarantees h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = 100 mA and V_CE = 1.0 V, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table. This specification ensures predictable DC biasing in medium-current amplifier and driver circuits. At I_C = 150 mA, h_FE remains ≥ 100, supporting stable operation up to rated switching loads.

What is the noise performance of PN100A_D74Z, and under what conditions is it measured?

PN100A_D74Z has a noise figure of 4.0 dB, measured at I_C = 100 μA, V_CE = 5.0 V, R_G = 2.0 kΩ, and f = 1.0 kHz. This low-noise characteristic makes it suitable for sensitive preamplifier applications such as electret microphone interfaces. The value is specified for the PN100A variant and applies directly to PN100A_D74Z.

Can PN100A_D74Z be used in switching applications, and what are its key timing parameters?

Yes, PN100A_D74Z is qualified for switching use, with documented turn-on delay (t_d), rise time (t_r), fall time (t_f), and storage time (t_s) in its Typical Characteristics. At I_C = 100 mA and V_CC = 10 V, t_r and t_f are each < 300 ns. These values support reliable operation in low-speed digital logic and PWM drivers up to 10 kHz without waveform distortion.

Is PN100A_D74Z RoHS compliant and halogen-free?

PN100A_D74Z was manufactured under Fairchild's pre-2016 environmental compliance program. While the original datasheet does not explicitly state RoHS or halogen-free status, Fairchild's TO-92 products produced after 2006-including the PN100A family-are documented as RoHS-compliant and halogen-free per J-STD-609. Aetrix Electronics supplies only RoHS-compliant, lead-free PN100A_D74Z units traceable to post-2006 production lots.