onsemi PN3569

Overview

PN3569 from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) designed for amplification and switching applications up to 300 mA collector current. It features a V_CEO of 40 V, V_CBO of 80 V, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 100–300 at I_C = 150 mA, operating across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range. It is commonly used in low-voltage audio preamplifiers and relay driver stages.

For engineers reviewing the PN3569 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-92 package compatibility, V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C = 150 mA / I_B = 15 mA, thermal resistance R_θJA = 200°C/W, and suitability for linear amplification and saturated-switching topologies.

Technical Context

The PN3569 operates as a silicon NPN BJT with fixed-emitter configuration and base-controlled current amplification. Its h_FE variation (100–300) supports both medium-gain analog amplification and predictable digital switching when biased with sufficient base drive.

Thermal design must account for its R_θJA = 200°C/W and P_D = 625 mW at T_A = 25°C, derating by 5.0 mW/°C above ambient. The device meets JEDEC TO-92 mechanical standards and is rated for continuous operation up to T_J = 150°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PN3569 is housed in a through-hole TO-92 package with standardized lead configuration: Lead 1 = Emitter, Lead 2 = Base, Lead 3 = Collector. The package complies with JEDEC TO-92 outline dimensions and is compatible with manual soldering and wave-solder processes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 2N3904 and BC547, the PN3569 offers balanced performance between current capability (500 mA), voltage rating (40 V), and gain consistency (100–300), making it optimal for cost-sensitive industrial switching where moderate power handling and thermal robustness are required.

Availability

PN3569 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay drivers, LED current switches, audio preamplifiers, and small DC motor control circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for PN3569 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 manufacturer specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The PN3569 belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose BJT product line, engineered for cost-effective, thermally robust amplification and switching in industrial controls, consumer electronics, and power interface circuits.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for PN3569?

The PN3569 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 500 mA at T_A = 25°C, as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This rating assumes proper thermal management and derating above 25°C ambient per the 5.0 mW/°C derating factor. In practice, sustained operation near this limit requires attention to PCB copper area and ambient airflow to maintain T_J ≤ 150°C. The PN3569 datasheet confirms this value under steady-state conditions.

Is PN3569 suitable for linear amplification applications?

Yes, the PN3569 is suitable for linear amplification due to its specified h_FE range of 100–300 at V_CE = 1 V and I_C = 150 mA, along with low V_CE(sat) and controlled leakage (I_CBO ≤ 50 nA). Its TO-92 package and thermal characteristics support Class-A operation at modest power levels. Designers should verify bias stability across temperature and ensure V_CE remains within the 40 V limit during signal swing. The PN3569 datasheet explicitly lists "general purpose amplifiers" among its intended uses.

What is the pin configuration of PN3569 in the TO-92 package?

The PN3569 uses the standard TO-92 pinout: Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Base, and Pin 3 is Collector when viewing the flat side of the package with leads pointing downward. This configuration is documented in the official Fairchild datasheet Rev. A (November 2003) and matches JEDEC TO-92 mechanical specifications. No alternate pinouts are defined for the PN3569, and this arrangement is consistent across all Fairchild-supplied units of the part.

Does PN3569 have a specified thermal resistance junction-to-case (R_θJC)?

Yes, the PN3569 has a specified R_θJC of 83.3°C/W, as published in its Thermal Characteristics table. This value reflects heat conduction from the silicon die to the TO-92 plastic case surface and is measured under standardized test conditions. While R_θJA = 200°C/W is more commonly used for board-level thermal design, R_θJC informs heatsink interface decisions when external thermal pads or clips are applied. The PN3569 datasheet provides both values in the same thermal section.

Can PN3569 replace a 2N2222 in existing designs?

The PN3569 can serve as a functional alternative to the 2N2222 in many low-to-medium current applications, but direct substitution requires verification. Both are NPN TO-92 BJTs, but the PN3569 has higher I_C (500 mA vs. 800 mA for 2N2222A), lower V_CEO (40 V vs. 40 V for 2N2222A), and similar h_FE. The PN3569's V_CE(sat) is slightly lower (0.25 V vs. 0.3 V typical), improving efficiency in switching. Always confirm layout compatibility and revalidate bias points before replacing 2N2222 with PN3569.