2N2642 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N2642 is a dual NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) array manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, housed in a TO-78-6 metal can package for through-hole mounting. This component is classified as obsolete, with 960 units currently in stock. The device is designed for applications requiring dual NPN transistor functionality with moderate current and voltage ratings.

Due to its obsolete status, identifying equivalent and substitute parts is essential for design continuity, production planning, and long-term component availability. The MAT01AH from Analog Devices Inc. represents an active alternative that maintains functional compatibility within specified electrical parameters.

Substiute Parts

2N2642

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 10632N2642 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MAT01AH

Analog Devices Inc.In Stock: 1257MAT01AH Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N2642 with the MAT01AH is based on the following electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria:

Matching Parameters:

• Transistor configuration: Both are dual NPN (2 NPN) arrays
• Voltage rating: Both support 45V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage
• Package type: Both use TO-78-6 metal can through-hole mounting
• Mounting method: Both are through-hole components

Allowable Parameter Variations:

• Current rating: MAT01AH maximum collector current is 25mA, which is lower than the 2N2642 (30mA). This substitution is valid for applications requiring ≤25mA operation.
• Power dissipation: MAT01AH rated at 500mW versus 2N2642 at 600mW. Applications must operate within 500mW limits.
• Frequency response: MAT01AH transition frequency is 450MHz compared to 2N2642 at 40MHz. The higher frequency capability of MAT01AH does not restrict substitution.

Compliance Considerations:

• MAT01AH is RoHS3 compliant and active in production, addressing obsolescence concerns
• 2N2642 is RoHS non-compliant and obsolete

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: MAT01AH

The MAT01AH is the recommended substitute for the 2N2642 based on the following engineering criteria:

1. Electrical Compatibility: Both devices share identical maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45V) and identical TO-78-6 package configuration. The MAT01AH's maximum collector current of 25mA accommodates applications designed for ≤25mA operation.

2. Compliance Status: The MAT01AH is RoHS3 compliant and maintains active production status, eliminating obsolescence risk associated with the 2N2642.

3. Thermal Performance: The MAT01AH provides specified operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C junction temperature), enabling broader environmental application scope.

4. Design Constraints: Applications requiring collector currents exceeding 25mA or power dissipation exceeding 500mW cannot use MAT01AH as a direct substitute. In such cases, alternative dual NPN arrays with higher current and power ratings must be evaluated.

5. Matched Pair Advantage: The MAT01AH is specified as a matched pair, providing superior gain matching between transistors compared to the standard 2N2642 specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MAT01AH replace the 2N2642 in all applications?

A: No. The MAT01AH is suitable only for applications where collector current does not exceed 25mA and total power dissipation remains below 500mW. Applications requiring higher current or power ratings require alternative components.

Q: What is the significance of the MAT01AH being a "matched pair"?

A: The matched pair designation indicates that the two NPN transistors within the MAT01AH array have closely controlled electrical characteristics, particularly gain matching. This is beneficial for differential amplifier and precision analog circuits. The 2N2642 does not carry this specification.

Q: Are the TO-78-6 packages physically identical?

A: Yes. Both the 2N2642 and MAT01AH use TO-78-6 metal can through-hole packages with identical pin configurations and mechanical dimensions, allowing direct socket substitution without PCB modification.

Q: Why is the 2N2642 obsolete?

A: The 2N2642 is classified as obsolete by the manufacturer. Current inventory (960 units) represents remaining stock. The MAT01AH, as an active production component, provides long-term availability assurance.

Q: Does the higher transition frequency of MAT01AH (450MHz vs. 40MHz) affect substitution?

A: No. Higher transition frequency does not restrict substitution. The MAT01AH's superior frequency response is compatible with applications designed for the 2N2642's 40MHz specification.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to each part?

A: The 2N2642 is RoHS non-compliant. The MAT01AH is RoHS3 compliant. Both are REACH unaffected and classified under ECCN EAR99. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, only the MAT01AH is suitable.

Q: Are there any thermal considerations when substituting?

A: The MAT01AH specifies operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C junction temperature), whereas the 2N2642 does not provide this specification. Designs must ensure MAT01AH operation remains within this range.