2N3564 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N3564 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. Specified for 15 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with 400 MHz transition frequency, the device is packaged in a TO-106-3 domed through-hole configuration.

The 2N3564 is classified as obsolete. Identification of equivalent substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for production, repair, and maintenance applications where this transistor was originally specified.

Substiute Parts

2N3564

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 32632N3564 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N708 PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 38322N708 PBFREE Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N3564 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

• Transistor type must be NPN
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max) must equal or exceed 15 V
• Frequency - Transition must equal or exceed 400 MHz
• DC Current Gain (hFE) must meet or exceed the specified minimum of 20 @ 15 mA, 10 V

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Mounting type must be Through Hole
• Package form factor must accommodate TO-106 footprint requirements or provide direct pin-compatible alternative

Environmental & Compliance Criteria:

• Moisture Sensitivity Level must be 1 (Unlimited) or equivalent
• REACH compliance status must be documented

The 2N708 PBFREE meets all electrical equivalence criteria and maintains through-hole mounting compatibility. Although packaged in TO-18 rather than TO-106, both packages provide three-lead through-hole configurations with compatible pin spacing for standard PCB layouts.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 2N708 PBFREE

The 2N708 PBFREE is the manufacturer-recommended substitute for the 2N3564. Selection is based on the following engineering factors:

Electrical Compatibility: The 2N708 PBFREE maintains identical voltage and frequency specifications (15 V breakdown, 400 MHz transition frequency) and exceeds the minimum DC current gain requirement. The higher collector cutoff current (25 µA versus 50 nA) represents a measurable difference but remains within acceptable parameters for general-purpose switching and amplification circuits.

Product Status & Availability: The 2N708 PBFREE is classified as Active with 3,727 units in current inventory, ensuring reliable supply continuity. The 2N3564 is obsolete with no ongoing production.

Compliance & Environmental: The 2N708 PBFREE carries ROHS3 compliance certification and REACH Unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for new designs and production. Both devices maintain MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity classification.

Mechanical Considerations: Package transition from TO-106-3 Domed to TO-18-3 Metal Can requires PCB layout verification. Both packages provide three-lead through-hole configurations with standard 0.1-inch lead spacing, permitting direct substitution in most applications. Physical dimensions and lead geometry should be confirmed against specific PCB footprint requirements before implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N708 PBFREE be used as a direct replacement for the 2N3564 in existing designs?

A: The 2N708 PBFREE is electrically equivalent and functionally compatible for the specified voltage and frequency parameters. Package geometry differs (TO-18 versus TO-106), requiring verification that the PCB footprint accommodates the substitute package. Lead spacing and through-hole diameter compatibility must be confirmed before assembly.

Q: What is the significance of the higher collector cutoff current (ICBO) in the 2N708 PBFREE?

A: The 2N708 PBFREE specifies 25 µA maximum collector cutoff current compared to 50 nA for the 2N3564. This represents increased leakage current in the substitute device. For applications sensitive to leakage current performance, circuit-level analysis is required to determine if the higher leakage current affects system operation or power consumption.

Q: Why is the 2N3564 classified as obsolete?

A: The 2N3564 is no longer in active production. The manufacturer has transitioned to the 2N708 PBFREE as the current equivalent offering, which provides equivalent electrical performance with improved compliance status (ROHS3 certification).

Q: Are there any compliance differences between the 2N3564 and 2N708 PBFREE?

A: The 2N708 PBFREE is ROHS3 compliant and carries PBFREE designation, indicating lead-free construction. The 2N3564 compliance status is not specified in available documentation. Both devices are REACH Unaffected and maintain MSL 1 (Unlimited) classification.

Q: What should be verified before implementing the 2N708 PBFREE as a substitute?

A: Verification requirements include: (1) PCB footprint compatibility with TO-18 package dimensions; (2) lead spacing and hole diameter confirmation; (3) circuit-level analysis of leakage current impact if applicable; (4) thermal management compatibility if the device operates in high-temperature environments; (5) confirmation that DC current gain at the specified operating point meets circuit requirements.

Q: Is the 2N708 PBFREE available in the same packaging options as the 2N3564?

A: No. The 2N3564 is supplied in TO-106-3 Domed packaging. The 2N708 PBFREE is supplied in TO-18-3 Metal Can (TO-206AA) packaging. Both are through-hole devices with compatible three-lead configurations, but physical form factors differ.