onsemi PN2222_J61Z

Overview

PN2222_J61Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN epitaxial silicon general-purpose transistor used for switching and amplification in low-power analog and digital circuits. It features a 30 V V_CEO, 600 mA I_C, 625 mW P_C, 300 MHz f_T, and TO-92 package - commonly deployed in relay drivers, LED controls, and signal buffering.

For engineers reviewing the PN2222_J61Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include DC current gain (h_FE = 35–300), saturation voltages (V_CE(sat) = 1 V @ 500 mA/50 mA), breakdown ratings, thermal limits, and TO-92 mechanical compatibility.

Technical Context

The PN2222_J61Z operates as a standard bipolar junction transistor with fixed NPN polarity and epitaxial base construction. Its design supports linear amplification at low collector currents (e.g., h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = 150 mA) and robust switching at higher currents (I_C up to 600 mA) with defined saturation behavior (V_CE(sat) ≤ 1 V).

It meets JEDEC TO-92 mechanical standards and is rated for junction temperatures up to 150°C. Electrical performance is specified under pulse test conditions (pulse width ≤ 300 µs, duty cycle ≤ 2%) to avoid thermal runaway during characterization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN2222_J61Z is housed in a through-hole TO-92 package with standardized lead configuration: Emitter (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Collector (Pin 3). The package provides mechanical robustness and thermal dissipation suitable for manual assembly and low-to-medium volume PCB production.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBT2222A and PN2222A, the PN2222_J61Z offers broader h_FE tolerance (35–300) and legacy TO-92 compatibility, making it optimal for cost-sensitive through-hole production and repair scenarios where gain variation is manageable.

Availability

PN2222_J61Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, LED current switching, low-frequency amplifiers, and signal level shifting requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for PN2222_J61Z 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 PN2222_J61Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, designed for cost-effective, reliable switching and amplification in industrial, consumer, and automotive-adjacent electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN2222_J61Z?

The PN2222_J61Z has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 600 mA at T_A = 25°C. This value decreases with rising ambient temperature due to thermal derating; full derating curves are provided in the original Fairchild datasheet. For sustained operation above 25°C, PCB copper area and airflow must be considered to maintain junction temperature below 150°C.

Is PN2222_J61Z pin-compatible with PN2222A?

Yes, PN2222_J61Z is physically pin-compatible with PN2222A - both use the TO-92 package with identical pinout (Emitter-Base-Collector on Pins 1-2-3). However, PN2222A specifies a higher minimum h_FE (100 vs. 35), so circuit gain margin should be verified if substituting into existing PN2222_J61Z designs.

What is the typical V_CE(sat) for PN2222_J61Z under switching conditions?

The typical V_CE(sat) for PN2222_J61Z is 1 V when tested at I_C = 500 mA and I_B = 50 mA. This low saturation voltage reduces conduction losses in switching applications such as relay drivers and LED controls, directly improving efficiency and thermal performance in the PN2222_J61Z-based design.

Does PN2222_J61Z support high-frequency signal amplification?

The PN2222_J61Z has an f_T of 300 MHz, but its usable small-signal amplification bandwidth is limited by gain-bandwidth trade-offs and package parasitics. In practice, it delivers stable voltage gain up to ~100 kHz in common-emitter configurations - sufficient for audio and sensor signal conditioning, but not for RF or fast digital edge sharpening.

Can PN2222_J61Z be used in automotive applications?

PN2222_J61Z was not qualified to AEC-Q101 or automotive-grade reliability standards. While it may function in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems (e.g., interior lighting), Fairchild's official documentation restricts its use to commercial and industrial environments. For automotive deployment, AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives like the NSS2222LT1G should be selected instead of PN2222_J61Z.