2SA950 Pinout, Features, Applications, Where and How to Use It and Other Details

Today we are going to discuss 2SA950 (also called A950) PNP transistor available in TO-92 package. In this article we will understand 2SA950 pinout, features, applications, where and how to use it and other details about this component.

 

Absolute Maximum Ratings:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: PNP
• Max Collector Current(I_C): -800mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): -30V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): -35V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): -5V
• Base Current is: -160mA
• Collector Power Dissipation (Pc): 600mW
• Transition Frequency (fT): 120MHz (Typical)
• DC Current Gain (h_FE): 100 to 320
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -55 to +150 Centigrade

 

NPN Complimentary:

NPN complimentary of 2SA950 is 2SC2120

 

Replacement and Equivalent:

2SB985, 2SB764, 2SB1229, 2SA928A, 2SA1534A, 2SA1271, 2SB978, 2SB1456, 2SB1312, 2SB1212, 2SB1059, 2SB1041.

 

2SA950 Transistor Explained / Description:

Here is an another interesting PNP transistor 2SA950 available in TO-92 package, having good features such as 1Watt output, good hFE, good collector current in this package, good collector power dissipation value, good transition frequency, availability of complimentary transistor.

Looking at the absolute maximum ratings of the transistor, the collector-emitter voltage is -30V, collector current is -800mA, collector-base voltage is -35V, base-current is -160mA, collector power dissipation is 600mW, junction temperature is 150°C and storage and operating temperature is from -55°C to 150°C.

The absolute maximum ratings and characteristics of the transistor show that it is not only limited to audio power amplifier applications but can also be used in variety of other applications such as switching, RF circuits, driver circuits etc.

The transistor comes in two different variations according to its DC current gain or hFE values which can be identified with the help of the alphabet written after its part number. If that alphabet is “O” then the DC current gain value will be 100 to 200 and if the alphabet is “Y” then its hFE value will be 160 to 320.

 

How to Use This Transistor:

As mentioned above this transistor can be used in wide variety of applications. But we will only discuss about two of its applications which are switching and amplification. Moreover we will only discuss simple and basic procedures to use it as a switch and amplifier so that you can understand the concept.

Using the transistor as a switch is pretty straight forward, apply the signals from which you want to control the output at its base through a current limiting resistor. A current limiting resistor is important here to control the output of the transistor and this technique also controls the extra current wastage.

Then connect the emitter pin with the positive rail of the circuit and the load will be connected between the collector and the negative rail of the circuit.

To use the transistor as an amplifier apply signals which you want to amplify through an electrolytic capacitor (Any value from 1uF to 10uF). An electrolytic capacitor works here as a filter by removing all the DC stuff and only transfer the audio signals which are in AC form. The emitter pin will be connected with the positive rail of the circuit and the amplified output will be available at the collector pin so you can further amplify this output or you can also connect a speaker between the collector and the negative rail of the circuit. You can also use a electrolytic capacitor of same value between the collector pin and the speaker positive connection, you can use a same value capacitor as you choose to use at the input.

This simple one transistor audio amplifier circuit you mostly see at the output of door bells, musical equipment, toys and other equipment. If you want to further enhance the circuit you have to use more passive components and some know-how of audio amplifier circuits.

 

Applications:

Audio Amplifier Circuits

Switching Circuits

Audio Amplifier Stages

Tx and Rx Circuits

Audio Preamplifier Circuits

Darlington Pairs

Signal Amplification and more…

 

Safe Operating Guidelines:

Follow these guidelines to safely operate the transistor:

• Always use the transistor at least 20% below from its absolute maximum ratings.
• The maximum collector-emitter voltage is 30V but according to the above 20% rule we will not drive load of more than 24V.
• The maximum collector current is 800mA but according to the above rule we will only use 640mA which means we will not drive load of more than 640mA.
• Always check pin layout before use.
• The storage and operating temperature should always be between -55°C to 150°C.

 

Datasheet:

To download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.

https://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/30053/TOSHIBA/2SA950.html