2N4401 Transistor Pinout Details , Equivalent, Uses and More

This post is about 2N4401 transistor pinout details, equivalent, uses and information on how and where to use it in your electronic applications.

Features / technical specifications:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 500mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): 40V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): 60V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 6V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 625 miliWatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 250 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 20 – 300
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -55 to +150 Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary of 2N4401 is 2N4403

Replacement and Equivalent:

2N2222, P2N2222A, ECG123AP, BC537, BC538, (Pin configuration of some transistors may different from 2N4401, check pin configuration before replacing in a circuit)

2N4401 Transistor Explained / Description:

2N4401 is a commonly used transistor possess some very good features in its small package. The max collector current is 500mA that is quite enough to drive many loads in a circuit. The collector to emitter voltage of the transistor is 40V due to which this transistor can be easily used in applications operating under 40V DC. The max transition frequency of the transistor is 250MHz due to which it can also perform well in RF projects under 250MHz. A lot of good features in its TO-92 package makes this transistor an ideal TO-92 transistor to have in your lab.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

This transistor can be used in a wide variety of electronics applications due to its good features, for example it can be used to drive many loads in electronic circuits like high power relays, few high power LEDs under 500mA, many small LEDs, another part in a circuit, high power transistors and more. Besides these uses it can also perform well in audio preamplifier circuits and in audio amplifier stages, moreover it can also be used at the output of small audio amplifiers to increase the output to drive small 200miliwatt to 2 watt speakers. With these uses it can also be used to make darlington pairs and you can also replace this transistor with many similar characteristics BJT transistors.

Applications:

Sensor Circuits

Audio Preamplifiers

Audio Amplifier Stages

Switching Loads under 500mA

Motor speed control

Darlington Pairs

RF circuits under 250MHz

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit:

Every transistor has limitations and crossing these limitations will cause the device malfunction in your electronic circuit, so it is always recommended to use the transistors under their limitations defined by the manufacturers. To safely run the transistor do not operate it above 40V, use a suitable base resistor to provide required base current, do not operate load above 500mA and always store or operate temperatures above -55 centigrade and below +150 centigrade.