onsemi PN3567

Overview

PN3567 from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) designed for medium-power amplification and switching applications up to 300mA collector current. It features a V_CEO of 40 V, V_CBO of 80 V, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 40–120 at I_C = 150 mA, V_CE = 1 V - commonly used in low-voltage relay drivers and signal amplification stages in industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the PN3567 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package thermal resistance (R_θJA = 83.3 °C/W), V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C = 150 mA/I_B = 15 mA, and guaranteed breakdown voltage margins across all junctions - critical for robustness in 24 V DC control circuits.

Technical Context

The PN3567 operates as a single NPN silicon BJT with fixed emitter-base-collector terminal arrangement. Its design targets linear amplification and saturated switching in low-to-medium frequency (<100 MHz) analog and digital interface circuits, supported by specified C_ibo = 80 pF and C_obo = 20 pF at defined bias conditions.

Thermal performance is defined by R_θJC = 200 °C/W and R_θJA = 83.3 °C/W, with maximum power dissipation of 625 mW at T_A = 25°C, derating linearly at 5 mW/°C above ambient - enabling use in non-heatsinked PCB-mounted control logic without thermal runaway under pulsed loads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN3567 is housed in a standard through-hole TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads. Lead spacing matches JEDEC TO-92 outline; body diameter ~3.6 mm, length ~4.58 mm, lead pitch 1.27 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 2N3904 and BC547B, PN3567 uniquely balances 600 mA current capability, 40 V breakdown, and moderate gain - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, medium-current industrial switching where thermal margin and ruggedness outweigh ultra-high h_FE needs.

Availability

PN3567 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, HVAC actuator interfaces, and programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for PN3567 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.

PN3567 belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose NPN transistor product line, engineered for reliability and manufacturability in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer electronics applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN3567?

The PN3567 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 600 mA at T_A = 25°C, as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This value decreases with rising ambient temperature due to the 5 mW/°C derating factor applied to its 625 mW total power dissipation limit. At 75°C ambient, usable I_C drops to approximately 400 mA assuming V_CE(sat) remains constant. The PN3567 datasheet confirms this rating applies under free-air conditions with no heatsink.

Does PN3567 support switching at 10 kHz PWM frequencies?

Yes, PN3567 supports 10 kHz PWM switching reliably. Its small-signal capacitances - C_ibo = 80 pF and C_obo = 20 pF - combined with typical switching times (t_on/t_off not explicitly listed but consistent with TO-92 BJT behavior) allow full turn-on and turn-off well within 100 µs intervals. The PN3567's V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V and h_FE ≥ 40 ensure minimal switching losses and stable gate drive requirements at this frequency in low-side configurations.

Can PN3567 replace BC547 in existing designs?

PN3567 can replace BC547 in many switching applications but requires verification of current and thermal margins. While both share TO-92 packaging and pinout (E-B-C), PN3567 offers higher I_C (600 mA vs. 100 mA) and lower h_FE (40–120 vs. 200–450). In BC547-based relay drivers drawing <100 mA, PN3567 provides headroom; however, in high-gain analog stages, its lower h_FE may necessitate base resistor adjustment. Always recheck V_CE(sat) and thermal rise in the actual PN3567 implementation.

What is the base-emitter on voltage (V_BE(on)) for PN3567 under typical operating conditions?

The PN3567 exhibits a base-emitter on voltage (V_BE(on)) of 1.1 V when biased at V_CE = 1 V and I_C = 150 mA, as measured and documented in its Electrical Characteristics table. This value remains stable across the –55°C to 150°C junction temperature range, with minor positive drift (~2 mV/°C) expected. Designers should use 1.1 V in base resistor calculations for saturation, allowing margin for process variation and temperature effects.

Is PN3567 suitable for use in automotive under-hood environments?

No, PN3567 is not qualified for automotive under-hood use. Although its junction temperature range extends to 150°C, it lacks AEC-Q101 qualification, automotive-grade screening, and guaranteed parametric stability across extended temperature cycling and humidity tests. Its datasheet states "not authorized for use in life support devices or systems" and contains no automotive-specific reliability data. For under-hood applications, consider AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives such as the MMBT3904 or NSS12201LT1G instead of PN3567.