2N3904 – MAGNATEC

Overview

The MAGNATEC 2N3904 is a ubiquitous NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) designed for general-purpose amplification and switching applications. Its primary strength lies in its balanced performance across voltage and current ratings, making it a versatile component. However, designers must carefully consider its relatively modest gain-bandwidth product (fT) of 270 MHz; while sufficient for many audio and low-frequency control circuits, it can limit its utility in high-speed digital interfaces or RF amplification stages where parasitic capacitances become more significant, necessitating careful layout and potentially additional compensation circuitry.

Key Features

• NPN Silicon Bipolar Transistor
• Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO): 40 V
• Maximum DC Collector Current (IC): 200 mA
• Power Dissipation (Pd): 625 mW
• DC Current Gain (hFE): 30 – 300
• Gain Bandwidth Product (fT): 270 MHz
• TO-92-3 Through-Hole Package (4.95mm x 3.94mm x 4.95mm)

Applications

The component is engineered for deployment in systems requiring high reliability and performance under specific operating conditions. It provides functional stability across the stated design envelope.

• Low-frequency audio amplification stages
• General-purpose switching in control systems
• Signal level shifting in discrete logic circuits
• Bias current generation for other active components