2N3904S Transistor: Features, Applications, and Datasheet

Product Overview

Part Number: 2N3904S 

Manufacturer: KEC

Description: Integrated Circuits (ICs) 2N3904S-RTK/HU datasheet pdf from KEC stock is available at Utmel

Lead Time: Can Ship Immediately

Datasheet: Datasheet PDF

Category: Triode/MOS Tube/Transistor/Bipolar Transistors - BJT

Number of Lines: 3

Product Description

NPN bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) such as the 2N3904S are widely utilized in electronic circuits for amplification and switching. The 2N3904S is one of the most popular semiconductors among hobbyists, students, and professionals due to its small size, low cost, and excellent performance characteristics. It can handle a wide range of frequencies and currents, making it an excellent choice for a variety of applications including audio amplifiers, voltage regulators, and logic circuits.

In various electronic projects, the transistor 2N3904S delivers reliable performance thanks to its 200 mA collector current and 40 V collector-emitter voltage. Due to its compact TO-92 package and low noise, this chip is well suited for signal-fidelity-critical applications due to its high gain and low noise. The 2N3904S transistor remains a staple in electronics for its versatility, reliability, and affordability, whether used as a simple switch or as a key component in complex electronic systems.

Technical Specification

Features

In addition to its versatility, reliability, and affordability, the 2N3904S transistor is one of the most widely used NPN bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). Detailed descriptions of its key features follow:

NPN Configuration: NPN transistors, such as the 2N3904S, contain three layers of semiconductor material, comprising the base, the emitter, and the collector. Electronic circuits can be amplified and switched using this configuration.

Low Cost: This transistor is characterized by its low cost, which is one of its most notable features. Due to its large production quantity and wide availability, it makes an economic choice for electronic projects and applications.

Small Size: In circuit designs with limited space, the TO-92 package of the 2N3904S transistor makes it easy to integrate. In addition to its compact size, it is ideal for space-constrained mobile electronic devices.

High Gain: There is typically a range of 100 to 300 hFE values for this transistor. Using it in audio amplifiers and sensor interfaces is ideal because of its high gain, which allows it to amplify weak input signals efficiently.

Low Noise: In applications where signal fidelity is important, the 2N3904S transistor exhibits low noise characteristics. The amplified signals maintain their integrity without any distortion or noise despite its low noise characteristics.

Wide Operating Range: Due to its wide frequency and current range, the transistor can be used in many different applications. Providing flexibility in circuit design, it is capable of handling collector currents and voltages of up to 200 mA and 40 V, respectively.

Versatile Applications: 2N3904S transistors are used in a variety of electronic circuits due to their excellent performance characteristics. Circuits with digital logic are created with it to amplify signals, switch, regulate voltage, and build circuits based on digital logic. Dont perry, we are going to discuss all the important applications of this component later in the next section of the article.

As an electronics enthusiast, hobbyist, student, or professional, the 2N3904S transistor is a popular choice due to its combination of low cost, small size, high gain, and low noise.

2N3904S Transistor Applications

A transistor like the 2N3904S can be used in a variety of electronic circuits because of its versatility and excellent performance characteristics. Here are some common applications explained in detail:

Signal Amplification: Signal amplification is a major application of the 2N3904S transistor. An audio amplifier uses it to enhance weak audio signals from microphones, guitars, and other sources into levels that can drive speakers or headphones.

Switching: Digital and analog circuits can also use the 2N3904S transistor as a switch. The base current determines whether a transistor is fully ON or fully OFF when used as a switch. As a result, it can control current flow through circuits, making it an ideal driver for relays, LEDs, and motors.

Voltage Regulation: 2N3904S transistors can be used as series pass elements in voltage regulation circuits to stabilize output voltages. A transistor regulates its output voltage by adjusting its base current, thereby ensuring a constant voltage across its load. Battery chargers and power supplies commonly use voltage regulators for this purpose.

Oscillators: Whether a square wave, sine wave, or triangular wave is generated by an oscillator circuit using the 2N3904S transistor is up to you. Through the use of passive components like resistors and capacitors, it can create oscillations at specific frequencies. The company uses it for oscillators, tone generators, and clocks, among other applications.

Current Mirrors: Circuits that mirror current are often built using 2N3904S transistors in IC design. An operational amplifier, a voltage reference, or an analog-to-digital converter can all benefit from current mirrors, which replicate or mirror a reference current in order to precisely regulate current.

Logic Gates and Digital Circuits: In addition to flip-flops and registers, 2N3904S transistors may also be used in building basic logic gates such as AND, OR, and NOT gates. In order to design digital systems and microcontrollers, multiple transistors can be combined in specific configurations to implement various logic functions.

Sensor Interfaces: In sensor interface circuits, such as temperature sensors, light sensors, and pressure sensors, transistors such as the 2N3904S help amplify and process weak signals. Sensors transmit signals that are amplifiable by these circuits so that they can be further processed or controlled by electronic systems.

With its versatility and reliability, the 2N3904S transistor is a fundamental component of a wide variety of electronic circuits across a wide variety of industries. Electronic designers and hobbyists alike use it for its wide range of applications and ease of integration.

Faqs

How to use the 2N3904S transistor in a circuit?

2N3904S transistors are typically connected to the circuit's collector, base, and emitter terminals according to their requirements. For regulating current flow between collector and emitter, the base-emitter junction is forward-biased.

Where can I purchase the 2N3904S transistor?

There is a wide range of electronic components distributors, online marketplaces, and local electronics stores like Blikai that sell the 2N3904S transistor. Bulk transistor kits and bulk quantities are commonly available.

Wrapping Up

As one of the most fundamental and versatile components of electronics, the 2N3904S transistor is widely used. Engineers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts alike will find its low price, small size, high gain, and wide range of applications attractive. With its reliability and performance, it makes a trusted companion in countless electronic projects, whether it's used for signal amplification, switching, voltage regulation, or other tasks. 2N3904S transistors continue to contribute to successful electronic designs across a variety of industries, earning a reputation as go-to components.