NXP Semiconductors PN2222A,126

Overview

PN2222A,126 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon epitaxial planar NPN small-signal transistor in TO-92 package, rated for V_CEO = 40 V, I_C = 600 mA, and P_tot = 500 mW at T_amb = 25 °C, with h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = 150 mA and V_CE = 10 V, widely used as a low-saturation load switch in TV and home appliance equipment.

For engineers reviewing the PN2222A,126 datasheet, PN2222A,126 pinout, PN2222A,126 application, or PN2222A,126 equivalent, key selection considerations include verified DC current gain across operating currents, guaranteed V_CE(sat) ≤ 1.0 V at I_C = 500 mA, thermal resistance R_thj-amb = 250 °C/W, and compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly using TO-92 footprint.

Technical Context

This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in active, saturation, and cutoff regions with defined breakdown limits: V_(BR)CEO = 40 V (I_B = 0), V_(BR)CBO = 75 V (I_E = 0), and V_(BR)EBO = 6 V (I_C = 0). Its small-signal parameters include f_T = 270 MHz at I_C = 20 mA and V_CE = 20 V, and h_fe = 75–375 depending on bias conditions.

Switching performance is characterized by t_d = 5–10 ns, t_r = 12–25 ns, t_s = 185–225 ns, and t_f = 24–60 ns under pulsed conditions (300 µs, duty ≤ 2%). Input impedance h_ie ranges from 0.25 kΩ to 8 kΩ, and output admittance h_oe from 5 µS to 200 µS across I_C = 1–10 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN2222A,126 is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package suitable for through-hole PCB assembly, with lead spacing matching JEDEC TO-92 mechanical dimensions (P0 = 12.5–12.9 mm, P2 = 5.65–7.05 mm, W = 17.5–19.0 mm).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN small-signal transistor applications.

Compared with PN2222A,126, the ON Semiconductor PN2222A offers identical performance and form factor, while BC547B trades current handling for higher gain-making it viable only in low-power signal amplification, not load switching.

Availability

PN2222A,126 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for TV signal amplification, home appliance motor control, and industrial sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for PN2222A,126 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The PN2222A,126 belongs to ST's legacy bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-reliability through-hole applications in consumer electronics and industrial controls where robustness and consistent parametric performance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN2222A,126?

The PN2222A,126 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 600 mA at T_amb = 25 °C. This value decreases with rising ambient temperature due to thermal derating; at 100 °C, usable I_C drops to approximately 300 mA based on its 500 mW total power dissipation limit and R_thj-amb = 250 °C/W specification. Always verify actual junction temperature in final layout.

Does PN2222A,126 support high-speed switching applications?

Yes, PN2222A,126 supports high-speed switching with documented delay time t_d = 5–10 ns, rise time t_r = 12–25 ns, storage time t_s = 185–225 ns, and fall time t_f = 24–60 ns under pulsed test conditions. Its f_T = 270 MHz further confirms suitability for signal amplification and PWM frequencies up to ~50 MHz, provided layout minimizes parasitic inductance and capacitance.

What is the complementary PNP transistor for PN2222A,126?

The complementary PNP transistor for PN2222A,126 is the PN2907A, also manufactured by STMicroelectronics. It shares matching absolute maximum ratings (V_CEO = –60 V, I_C = –600 mA), similar h_FE range, and TO-92 packaging, enabling direct use in push-pull amplifier stages, H-bridge drivers, and differential pair circuits where matched NPN/PNP characteristics are required.

Is PN2222A,126 suitable for linear amplification?

Yes, PN2222A,126 is suitable for linear amplification in common-emitter and emitter-follower configurations. Its small-signal parameters-including h_fe = 75–375, h_ie = 0.25–8 kΩ, and noise figure NF = 4 dB at 1 kHz-support low-distortion audio and sensor signal amplification. Stable operation requires proper biasing to maintain V_CE > 1 V and avoid saturation or cutoff clipping.

What package type does PN2222A,126 use and how is it mounted?

PN2222A,126 uses the TO-92 plastic package with three leads arranged in standard emitter-base-collector (E-B-C) order when viewed from the flat side with leads pointing downward. It is designed for through-hole PCB assembly: leads are inserted into plated-through holes and soldered on the opposite side. Mechanical dimensions comply with JEDEC TO-92 standards, including P0 = 12.5–12.9 mm lead pitch and W = 17.5–19.0 mm body width.