onsemi PN2222ARLRAG

Overview

PN2222ARLRAG from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 40 V_CEO, 600 mA continuous collector current, and 625 mW power dissipation at T_A = 25°C. It delivers DC current gain (h_FE) of 100–300 at I_C = 10 mA, V_CE = 10 V, and supports switching applications with t_on ≤ 35 ns and t_off ≤ 285 ns.

For engineers reviewing the PN2222ARLRAG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior, switching timing data, TO-92 terminal mapping, and validated alternatives for discrete BJT replacement in low-voltage analog and digital interface circuits.

Technical Context

The PN2222ARLRAG operates as a medium-speed, low-power NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its f_T of 300 MHz at I_C = 20 mA, V_CE = 20 V enables RF-capable small-signal use up to ~100 MHz, while its V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V at I_C = 150 mA, I_B = 15 mA ensures efficient on-state conduction in driver stages.

Thermal design is constrained by R_θJA = 200°C/W and R_θJC = 83.3°C/W, requiring heatsinking only above ~300 mW dissipation. The device exhibits low leakage: I_CEX ≤ 10 nA at V_CE = 60 V and I_CBO ≤ 10 µA at V_CB = 50 V, supporting stable biasing across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN2222ARLRAG uses the industry-standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 1) plastic package with 3 leads, 5.2 mm height, and 1.39 mm lead diameter. The package is compatible with wave soldering and manual prototyping.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBT2222ALT1G and BC547C, PN2222ARLRAG offers superior thermal performance in through-hole form, guaranteed minimum h_FE of 100, and manufacturer-backed long-term supply-making it optimal for industrial control, legacy repair, and education platforms requiring robust manual assembly.

Availability

PN2222ARLRAG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, DC motor speed control, and audio signal amplification requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for PN2222ARLRAG 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier focused on energy-efficient electronics, delivering silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT applications.

PN2222ARLRAG belongs to onsemi's General Purpose Transistors product line-designed for broad utility in analog signal conditioning, digital logic interfacing, and low-power switching across commercial, industrial, and automotive environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for PN2222ARLRAG?

The PN2222ARLRAG has a V_CEO rating of 40 Vdc, meaning it can safely sustain up to 40 volts between collector and emitter terminals with base open. This rating applies under continuous DC conditions at T_A = 25°C and is derated linearly above that ambient temperature per the datasheet's thermal curves. Exceeding 40 V risks avalanche breakdown and permanent damage to the PN2222ARLRAG.

Is PN2222ARLRAG suitable for switching a 12 V relay coil drawing 40 mA?

Yes, PN2222ARLRAG is well-suited for switching a 12 V relay coil drawing 40 mA. With I_C = 40 mA well below its 600 mA continuous rating and V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V at appropriate base drive, the PN2222ARLRAG dissipates less than 12 mW in saturation-well within its 625 mW ambient-rated limit. A 1 kΩ base resistor from a 5 V MCU output provides ~4.3 mA I_B, ensuring solid saturation (I_C/I_B ≈ 9).

Does PN2222ARLRAG have a specified noise figure, and at what conditions?

Yes, PN2222ARLRAG has a specified noise figure of ≤ 4.0 dB, measured at I_C = 100 µA, V_CE = 10 V, R_S = 1.0 kΩ, and f = 1.0 kHz. This value reflects its suitability for low-noise preamplification of weak sensor or audio signals. The noise performance degrades at higher currents or frequencies, so optimal low-noise operation occurs near the 100 µA bias point with careful source impedance matching.

What is the thermal resistance junction-to-ambient for PN2222ARLRAG in free-air conditions?

The thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (R_θJA) for PN2222ARLRAG is 200°C/W under standard free-air test conditions (JEDEC JESD51-2). This means each watt of power dissipated at the die raises its temperature 200°C above ambient. For example, at 312.5 mW dissipation, junction temperature rises 62.5°C above ambient. PCB copper area and airflow significantly affect real-world R_θJA, so layout must include ≥ 0.5 cm² of 1 oz copper connected to the emitter pad for full-rated operation.

How does PN2222ARLRAG differ from the original PN2222 in terms of voltage ratings?

PN2222ARLRAG is the "A" variant of the PN2222 family and features improved voltage ratings: V_CEO = 40 V (vs. 30 V for PN2222), V_CBO = 75 V (vs. 60 V), and V_EBO = 6.0 V (vs. 5.0 V). These enhancements provide greater design margin for transient suppression, higher supply rails, and improved reliability in noisy environments-making PN2222ARLRAG the preferred choice for new designs over the legacy PN2222.