2N2222A / PN2222A (TO-92) Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Features, Applications and Other Info
2N2222A / PN2222A both are same transistors available in TO-92 package they are slightly updated version of 2N2222 or PN2222 (TO-92) package transistors. In this post, we will take a deep look into these “A” version transistors exploring 2N2222A / PN2222A (TO-92) transistor pinout, equivalent, features, applications and also discuss other useful details.
Features / Technical Specifications:
- Package Type: TO-92
- Transistor Type: NPN
- Max Collector Current(IC): 600mA
- Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE): 40V
- Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCB): 75V
- Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VBE): 6V
- Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 625 Milliwatt
- Max Transition Frequency (fT): 250 MHz
- Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (hFE): 35 to 300
- Max Storage, Operating & Junction temperature range: -55 to 150 Centigrade
PNP Complementary:
PNP complimentary of PN2222A is PN2907A.
Replacement and Equivalent:
2N2222 / PN2222, 2N2219, 2N2219A
2N2222A / PN2222A (TO-92) Transistor Explained / Description:
2N2222A and PN2222A are the same transistors, or we can also say that these are two different names of a transistor. They are general purpose transistors designed to use in switching, amplification, RF, and variety of other applications. 2N2222A also comes in metal can version but PN2222 doesn’t. The metal can version has slightly higher capabilities than the TO-92 version for example the collector current and junction temperature. But today we are going to discuss about the (TO-92) version.
Some people confuse to choose between 2N2222/PN2222 and 2N2222A/PN2222A transistors so first of all we will try to make it simple that are they same or different. Actually, the “A” version (2N2222A/PN2222A) is a slightly upgraded version of 2N2222/PN2222 so it has slightly higher capabilities.
The 2N2222 / PN2222 (TO-92) version has max collector to emitter voltage of 30V, max collector to base voltage is 60V, max emitter base voltage is 5V. Looking at the characteristics of the transistor the collector to emitter breakdown voltage is 30V, collector to base breakdown voltage is 60V, emitter to base breakdown voltage is 5V and minimum collector saturation voltage is 0.4V.
While the 2N2222A / PN2222A version has max collector to emitter voltage of 40V, max collector to base voltage is 75V, max emitter base voltage is 6V. The characteristics of this transistor is also slightly higher the collector to emitter breakdown voltage is 40V, collector to base breakdown voltage is 75V, emitter to base breakdown voltage is 6V and the minimum saturation voltage is 0.3V.
Now you might be thinking what are the breakdown voltages? the breakdown voltages are the maximum limits of the transistor, when we exceed these limits then the transistor can perform unstably or even it can get damaged from the inside.
By looking at the above maximum ratings and characteristics of the 2N2222A / PN2222A we can say that it is slightly better as compared to the 2N2222 / PN2222 but this is not a huge difference and you can still use them interchangeably in most of the applications under 24V. But if you are using it in applications above 24V for example 28V to 30V then you must choose 2N2222A/PN2222 over 2N2222/PN2222.
Where We Can Use it & How to Use:
There are wide variety of uses for 2N2222A/PN2222 transistor. It can be used for switching, amplification, RF applications, sensor and detector circuits and more. The using procedure of 2N2222A/PN2222 transistor is same as we use any other BJT transistor. But it is important to check the absolute maximum ratings of the transistor and stay at least 20% below from these ratings in your circuit or design.
Applications:
Audio Amplification
Audio Preamplification
Switching Applications
RF Applications
Sensor Circuits
Signal Amplification
Darlington Pairs
Safe Operating Guidelines / Absolute Maximum Ratings:
Before using any transistor it is important to keep in mind the safe operating guidelines. The safe operating guidelines include proper operating of the transistor to get long term performance. To do this first of all it is important to know what are the absolute maximum ratings and what are the safe limits of operating the transistor. As we always suggest to operate atleast 20% below from the absolute maximum ratings of the transistor so same applies to this 2N2222A/PN2222A transistor. The maximum collector to emitter voltage is 40V therefore as the 20% rule you should stay under 32V. The collector current is 600mA therefore you should stay 480mA. Use a proper base transistor to provide only the required base current to the transistor and always store or operate the transistor above -55°C and below 150 °C.
Datasheet:
To Download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.
https://z3d9b7u8.stackpathcdn.com/pdf-down/2/N/2/2N2222-SEMTECH.pdf
