#2n3904 vs 2n3906 how to

You can find the alternative transistors on the 2N2222 page.ĢN2222 can be used instead of 2N3904 in all most applications. The other simple way is to use an equivalent transistor that has a collector current of 600mA or more.

#2n3904 vs 2n3906 how to

All good multimeters have ampere checking options in them and you can also find many tutorials online on how to check the load or ampere an electronic component is using. The other way to check this is by connecting an ampere meter between the 2N2222 transistor and the load. For example, if it’s a relay, high power LED or any other component then you have to check its datasheet that how much current it requires to fully operate, you can also ask for these specs from the supplier. So this is an important factor to check how much load the 2N2222 is driving in the circuit you have to check which type of load it is and then check how much maximum current it requires. Therefore stay at least 20% below its absolute maximum ratings now following this rule we have only 160mA left. If it’s an amplification or RF type circuit then you can easily use 2N3904 instead of 2N2222 but if it is a switch circuit then you must check the things mentioned below.Īs mentioned above the 2n3904 collector current is 200mA and the 2N2222 collector current is 600mA, therefore you must have to look at how much load the 2N2222 transistor is driving in the circuit because the 2N3904 limit is only 200mA which is its absolute maximum rating and you should not drive any transistor to its absolute maximum ratings and it is also recommended by its manufacturers. For example, it depends on in which type of circuit you are replacing it. There are different situations in which sometimes you can use the 2N3904 instead of 2N2222 and sometimes not. As you can see the 2N3904 collector current is 200mA while the 2N2222 collector current is 600mA. But when we look at the collector current there is much difference between the two. The total device dissipation of both the transistors is also the same which is 625mW and the (fT) or transition frequency is also the same which is 300MHZ. Looking at the above ratings and characteristics comparison table we can see that the collector to emitter voltage of both transistors is same.

Ratings & Characteristics Comparison : Ratings & Characteristicsīefore using 2N3904 in place of 2N2222 there are some important factors you should consider.

Looking at the pinout of the transistor both transistor have same pin configuration such as the first pin is Emitter, second is Base and the third is Collector. As you can see in the above image that both the transistor looks almost identical from the outside because both have same TO-92 package.