onsemi PN100_D27Z

Overview

PN100_D27Z 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, and DC current gain (h_FE) ranging from 100 to 450 depending on operating conditions, with f_T = 250 MHz. It is commonly used in low-voltage audio preamplifiers, signal buffering, and discrete logic-level translation circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PN100_D27Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package compatibility, saturation voltage performance (V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.4 V at I_C = 200 mA), thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200 °C/W on FR-4), and noise figure (NF = 5.0 dB at 1 kHz).

Technical Context

This device operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor fabricated using Fairchild's Process 10. It supports continuous collector current up to 500 mA and junction temperatures from –55 °C to +150 °C, with pulse operation validated under ≤300 μs width and ≤2% duty cycle.

Its small-signal characteristics include f_T = 250 MHz at V_CE = 20 V and I_C = 20 mA, C_obo = 4.5 pF at V_CB = 5 V, and NF = 5.0 dB (PN100) / 4.0 dB (PN100A) - indicating suitability for medium-frequency analog and switching applications where gain stability and low-noise biasing are required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN100_D27Z is supplied in the TO-92 through-hole package (JEDEC TO-226AA), with standardized lead configuration: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector. The package provides mechanical robustness and hand-solderability for prototyping and low-volume production.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBT100 and 2N3904, PN100_D27Z offers superior thermal performance in through-hole designs (R_θJA = 200 °C/W vs. 357 °C/W) and maintains higher h_FE at elevated collector currents - making it optimal for robust, medium-power linear amplification where layout flexibility and thermal headroom are critical.

Availability

PN100_D27Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio pre-amplifier stages, discrete logic-level translators, and low-power relay drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for PN100_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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete devices, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

PN100_D27Z belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, medium-frequency amplification and switching applications in consumer, industrial, and computing equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN100_D27Z?

The absolute maximum continuous collector current for PN100_D27Z is 500 mA at T_A = 25 °C, per Fairchild's Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, practical design limits are governed by thermal constraints: at ambient temperatures above 25 °C, derating applies at 5.0 mW/°C. For reliable operation, sustained I_C should remain ≤300 mA to maintain junction temperature below 150 °C with standard PCB mounting. PN100_D27Z is rated for this current in general-purpose amplifier applications.

Does PN100_D27Z have a specified noise figure, and under what conditions is it measured?

Yes, PN100_D27Z has a specified noise figure of 5.0 dB, measured at I_C = 100 μA, V_CE = 5.0 V, R_G = 2.0 kΩ, and f = 1.0 kHz. This value applies to the PN100 variant (as distinguished from PN100A, which specifies 4.0 dB under identical conditions). The measurement reflects low-frequency noise performance relevant to microphone preamplifiers and sensor signal conditioning. PN100_D27Z inherits this specification directly from the original Fairchild PN100 datasheet.

What is the pin configuration of PN100_D27Z, and how is it oriented in the TO-92 package?

PN100_D27Z uses the standard TO-92 (JEDEC TO-226AA) package with leads arranged as follows when viewed from the flat side with leads pointing downward: Pin 1 (left) = Emitter, Pin 2 (center) = Base, Pin 3 (right) = Collector. This configuration is consistent across all PN100-series devices and matches industry-standard NPN TO-92 orientation. PN100_D27Z must be mounted with correct lead assignment to avoid circuit malfunction or device damage.

Can PN100_D27Z be used in switching applications, and what are its typical turn-on/turn-off times?

Yes, PN100_D27Z is qualified for switching use, with typical turn-on delay (t_d), rise (t_r), storage (t_s), and fall (t_f) times documented in Figure 7 of the datasheet. At I_C = 100 mA and V_CC = 10 V with I_B1 = I_B2 = I_C/10, total switching time is ~200 ns. Its low V_CE(sat) (0.2–0.4 V) and moderate f_T make PN100_D27Z suitable for <1 MHz digital switching and relay driving, though not optimized for RF or ultrafast applications.

Is PN100_D27Z RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?

PN100_D27Z conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU as manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor prior to its acquisition by ON Semiconductor. The TO-92 package uses lead-free matte tin plating and halogen-free molding compound, meeting IPC-4101D/126 specifications. Material declarations and test reports for PN100_D27Z are available upon request from Aetrix Electronics' compliance team to support full BOM certification requirements.