View source for 2N3904 Transistor

== 2N3904 Transistor ==
The '''2N3904''' is a widely used NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). It is designed for low-power, general-purpose applications, making it suitable for switching and amplifying circuits. This transistor is particularly popular due to its affordability, availability, and reliability in various electronic projects.

=== General Information ===
* '''Type:''' NPN Bipolar Junction Transistor
* '''Application:''' General-purpose, switching, and amplification
* '''Packaging:''' TO-92

=== Key Features ===
* Low power consumption
* High-speed switching capability
* Compact size
* Wide range of applications in analog and digital circuits

=== Specifications using Cargo ===
{{ComponentBipolarTransistor
|PartNumber=2N3904
|Polarity=NPN
|Vceo=40
|Ic=200
|hFE=100
|fT=300
|Package=TO-92
|Datasheet=https://www.onsemi.com
}}

=== Specifications ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Parameter !! Symbol !! Value
|-
| Maximum Collector-Emitter Voltage || V<sub>CEO</sub> || 40 V
|-
| Maximum Collector-Base Voltage || V<sub>CBO</sub> || 60 V
|-
| Maximum Emitter-Base Voltage || V<sub>EBO</sub> || 6 V
|-
| Maximum Collector Current || I<sub>C</sub> || 200 mA
|-
| Power Dissipation || P<sub>tot</sub> || 625 mW
|-
| Transition Frequency || f<sub>T</sub> || 300 MHz
|-
| DC Current Gain (h<sub>FE</sub>) || h<sub>FE</sub> || 100–300
|}

=== Pin Configuration ===
The 2N3904 transistor has three pins, which are arranged as follows in the TO-92 package:
* '''Pin 1:''' Emitter
* '''Pin 2:''' Base
* '''Pin 3:''' Collector

=== Applications ===
The 2N3904 is used in a variety of circuits and applications, including:
* Signal amplification
* Low-power switching
* Oscillator circuits
* LED drivers
* Analog circuits
* RF circuits

=== Circuit Example ===
'''Simple LED Driver Circuit'''
A 2N3904 can be used to drive an LED:
* Connect the emitter to the ground.
* Connect the collector to one terminal of the LED with a suitable current-limiting resistor in series.
* Apply a small current to the base via a resistor to turn the LED on.

=== Advantages ===
* Low cost and widely available
* High speed for switching
* Adequate performance for most general-purpose applications

=== Limitations ===
* Limited to low-power applications
* Not suitable for high-current or high-voltage circuits

=== Common Alternatives ===
Other similar transistors include:
* [[2N2222]]
* BC547
* BC548

=== Additional Resources ===
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_junction_transistor Bipolar Junction Transistor - Wikipedia]
* [https://www.datasheetarchive.com/?q=2n3904 2N3904 on Datasheet Archive]