onsemi PN2369A

Overview

PN2369A from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN switching transistor optimized for high-speed saturated switching at collector currents from 10 mA to 100 mA. It features V_CEO = 15 V, I_C = 200 mA continuous, and t_off = 18 ns at V_CC = 3.0 V - enabling use in compact DC-DC converter control stages and digital logic interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PN2369A datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its low V_CE(sat) (0.2 V @ I_C = 10 mA, I_B = 1.0 mA), fast storage time (t_s = 13 ns), thermal resistance R_θJA = 357 °C/W (TO-92), and dual-package availability (TO-92/SOT-23).

Technical Context

The PN2369A is fabricated on Fairchild's Process 21, a planar epitaxial process optimized for consistent h_FE distribution and tight V_BE(sat) tolerance across temperature. Its switching behavior is characterized by low charge storage (t_s = 13 ns) and balanced rise/fall times (t_r = 2–20 ns, t_f = 2–12 ns), supporting reliable operation up to 100 MHz small-signal gain bandwidth.

It operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature with validated performance at extreme conditions: h_FE ≥ 20 at –55°C (I_C = 10 mA, V_CE = 0.35 V) and I_CBO ≤ 30 µA at +125°C (V_CB = 20 V), making it suitable for industrial ambient environments without derating penalties beyond standard thermal limits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN2369A is available in two industry-standard packages: TO-92 (through-hole) and SOT-23 (surface-mount). The TO-92 variant uses a straight lead configuration with emitter as first wire off; the SOT-23 variant follows standard 3-pin orientation with emitter at pin 1, base at pin 2, collector at pin 3 (marking "1S"). Both packages are RoHS-compliant and rated for reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MMBT2222A and BC847B, PN2369A offers the best balance of speed (t_off = 18 ns), thermal performance (R_θJA = 357 °C/W), and dual-package flexibility - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, and thermally demanding switching applications where 15 V rail compliance is sufficient.

Availability

PN2369A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, digital logic level shifters, DC-DC converter enable switches, and relay coil drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for PN2369A 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. Its discrete portfolio emphasized high-reliability, process-controlled bipolar and MOSFET devices.

PN2369A belongs to Fairchild's legacy NPN switching transistor family designed for high-speed, low-loss saturated operation in industrial control, power conversion, and digital interface applications - prioritizing parametric consistency and thermal robustness over ultra-high gain or ultra-low leakage.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for PN2369A?

The PN2369A has a specified operating junction temperature range of –55°C to +150°C. At +125°C ambient, its collector cutoff current I_CBO remains ≤30 µA, and h_FE retains ≥20 at I_C = 10 mA. Derating begins above 25°C per the PD = 350 mW (TO-92) and 225 mW (SOT-23) ratings, with linear thermal derating slopes of 2.8 mW/°C and 1.8 mW/°C respectively.

Is PN2369A pin-compatible with PN2222A?

No, PN2369A is not pin-compatible with PN2222A. While both are TO-92 NPN transistors, PN2222A uses emitter-collector-base (ECB) pinout order, whereas PN2369A uses collector-base-emitter (CBE) pinout in TO-92. This reversal means direct substitution without PCB modification will result in functional failure. Always verify pin assignments using the official Fairchild package drawings for PN2369A.

Does PN2369A support surface-mount assembly?

Yes, PN2369A is available in SOT-23 package (marked "1S") and is fully compatible with standard reflow soldering profiles per JEDEC J-STD-020. The SOT-23 variant has A0 = 3.15 mm, B0 = 2.77 mm, and 8 mm tape width, supporting automated pick-and-place at speeds up to 12,000 cph. Thermal resistance R_θJA = 556 °C/W is specified for the SOT-23 version on FR-4 PCB.

What is the typical storage time (t_s) of PN2369A under standard test conditions?

The typical storage time t_s of PN2369A is 13 ns, measured under the standard test condition of I_B1 = I_B2 = I_C = 10 mA. This value is confirmed across temperature extremes: t_s remains ≤16 ns at +125°C and ≥3 ns at –55°C, ensuring predictable turn-off latency in timing-critical switching applications such as PWM controllers and pulse generators.

Can PN2369A be used in linear amplifier configurations?

PN2369A is specifically characterized and optimized for saturated switching operation, not linear amplification. Its h_FE variation across V_CE (e.g., 40 at V_CE = 1.0 V vs. 20 at V_CE = 0.35 V) and lack of linearity specifications (e.g., distortion, f_T vs. I_C) indicate it is not intended for analog gain stages. For linear applications, Fairchild's BC547 or ON Semiconductor's MPSA18 are better suited alternatives with published small-signal parameters.