onsemi PN3568_D26Z

Overview

PN3568_D26Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) designed for medium-power amplification and switching applications up to 500mA collector current. It features V_CEO = 60 V, V_CBO = 80 V, I_C = 1.0 A continuous, h_FE = 40–120 at I_C = 30–150 mA, and V_CE(sat) = 0.25 V at I_C = 150 mA / I_B = 15 mA - used in discrete audio preamplifier stages and relay driver circuits.

For engineers reviewing the PN3568_D26Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200 °C/W), DC current gain linearity across 30–150 mA, low saturation voltage under defined drive conditions, and verified breakdown margins at V_CEO, V_CBO, and V_EBO.

Technical Context

The PN3568_D26Z operates as a silicon NPN BJT with fixed-emitter configuration and common-emitter biasing capability. Its design supports linear amplification (h_FE ≥ 40 at I_C = 30 mA) and saturated switching (V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V with I_B/I_C = 1/10), validated under pulse test conditions (≤300 ms, ≤2% duty cycle).

Thermal performance is defined by R_θJA = 200 °C/W and P_D = 625 mW at T_A = 25°C, derating 5.0 mW/°C above ambient. Junction temperature must remain ≤150°C, with storage range specified from –55°C to +150°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN3568_D26Z is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads: Emitter (Lead 1), Base (Lead 2), Collector (Lead 3), aligned per JEDEC TO-92 outline. Package dimensions are fully specified: body length 4.58 mm ±0.20 mm, lead spacing 1.27 mm ±0.20 mm, and overall height 14.47 mm ±0.40 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC547B and MPSA13, PN3568_D26Z offers balanced trade-offs: robust 60 V/500 mA capability, moderate h_FE linearity, and TO-92 compatibility - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, medium-power discrete switching where reliability under sustained load matters more than ultra-high gain.

Availability

PN3568_D26Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, discrete audio preamplifiers, DC motor on/off control, and LED current regulation requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for PN3568_D26Z 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 devices before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

PN3568_D26Z belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose NPN transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, reliable medium-power amplification and switching in industrial, consumer, and automotive-qualified auxiliary circuits.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN3568_D26Z?

The PN3568_D26Z has an absolute maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 1.0 A at T_A = 25°C. However, the device functional description specifies suitability for collector currents up to 500 mA in practical amplifier and switching applications - aligning with its thermal limits (P_D = 625 mW, R_θJA = 200 °C/W) and validated electrical characteristics.

Is PN3568_D26Z suitable for linear amplification applications?

Yes, PN3568_D26Z is explicitly characterized for linear amplification: its h_FE is specified at both I_C = 30 mA and I_C = 150 mA with V_CE = 1.0 V, and small-signal current gain (h_fe) is given as 3.0–30 at f = 20 MHz. These parameters confirm its use in common-emitter audio preamplifier stages where gain stability and low distortion are required.

What is the pin configuration of PN3568_D26Z in the TO-92 package?

PN3568_D26Z uses the standard TO-92 pinout: Lead 1 is Emitter, Lead 2 is Base, and Lead 3 is Collector - with flat side facing viewer and leads downward. This matches JEDEC TO-92 outline drawings and is confirmed in the original Fairchild datasheet Rev. B (November 2002), including dimensional tolerances and lead spacing of 1.27 mm ±0.20 mm.

Does PN3568_D26Z have a specified thermal resistance junction-to-ambient?

Yes, PN3568_D26Z has a specified R_θJA of 200 °C/W at T_A = 25°C, with a derating factor of 5.0 mW/°C above that ambient temperature. This value is measured under standard still-air conditions on FR-4 PCB with minimum copper area, and directly informs heatsink requirements and maximum allowable power dissipation in real-world layouts.

Can PN3568_D26Z replace BC547 in existing designs?

PN3568_D26Z is not a direct replacement for BC547 due to differences in voltage rating (V_CEO = 60 V vs. 45 V), current capability (500 mA vs. 100 mA), and h_FE range (40–120 vs. 200–450). While both are TO-92 NPN transistors, PN3568_D26Z supports higher power but lower gain - substitution requires verification of base drive, thermal margin, and transient voltage exposure in the target circuit.