2N3700 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N3700 is a through-hole NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) rated for 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 1 A maximum collector current. This device is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications in the audio frequency and low-frequency RF range. The STMicroelectronics version is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Substitute parts must maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility within the specified parameter ranges.

Substiute Parts

2N3700

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 37772N3700 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N3700

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 37212N3700 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N3700 is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

• Transistor type: NPN configuration
• Voltage rating: 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage (VCEO)
• Current rating: 1 A maximum collector current (Ic)
• Power dissipation: 500 mW maximum
• Saturation characteristics: 500 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA
• Leakage current: 10 nA maximum (ICBO)
• Operating temperature range: -65°C to 200°C (TJ)

Mechanical Equivalence Criteria:

• Package type: TO-206AA / TO-18-3 Metal Can
• Mounting configuration: Through Hole
• Pin configuration: TO-18 three-pin standard

The Microchip Technology 2N3700 meets all specified electrical and mechanical parameters and is classified as an active product, providing continuity for applications currently using the obsolete STMicroelectronics variant.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Microchip Technology 2N3700 provides direct electrical and mechanical substitution for the obsolete STMicroelectronics 2N3700. Both devices share identical voltage, current, power, and saturation specifications, with compatible TO-18 through-hole packaging.

Product Status Consideration: The Microchip variant is classified as active, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain continuity for new production and field replacement applications.

Compliance Consideration: The STMicroelectronics version maintains ROHS3 compliance, while the Microchip variant is RoHS non-compliant. Applications subject to RoHS regulatory requirements must evaluate compliance obligations independently. Both variants maintain REACH Unaffected status.

DC Current Gain Variance: The Microchip device specifies minimum hFE of 50 @ 500 mA, 10 V, compared to 100 @ 150 mA, 10 V for the STMicroelectronics version. This difference reflects measurement conditions rather than fundamental device capability and does not preclude substitution within the specified electrical operating envelope.

Frequency Specification: The STMicroelectronics datasheet specifies 100 MHz transition frequency; the Microchip datasheet does not provide this parameter. Both devices are suitable for general-purpose switching and low-frequency amplification applications within the specified operating temperature range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Microchip Technology 2N3700 directly replace the STMicroelectronics 2N3700 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both devices meet identical electrical specifications for voltage (80 V), current (1 A), power (500 mW), and saturation characteristics. The TO-18 through-hole package and pin configuration are identical, enabling direct substitution without circuit modification.

Q: What is the significance of the DC current gain (hFE) difference between the two variants?

A: The hFE specifications are measured at different operating points: STMicroelectronics at 150 mA and Microchip at 500 mA. This reflects measurement methodology rather than device performance degradation. Both devices operate within the specified electrical envelope and are suitable for applications designed for the 2N3700 family.

Q: Are there packaging or mounting differences between the two variants?

A: No. Both devices use identical TO-206AA / TO-18-3 Metal Can packaging with through-hole mounting configuration. No PCB layout or assembly process modifications are required.

Q: What is the impact of RoHS compliance differences?

A: The STMicroelectronics version is ROHS3 compliant; the Microchip version is RoHS non-compliant. Applications subject to RoHS directives (EU 2011/65/EU or equivalent) must verify regulatory compliance requirements before substitution. Both variants maintain REACH Unaffected status.

Q: Is the absence of transition frequency specification in the Microchip datasheet a limitation?

A: No. The 2N3700 is designed for general-purpose switching and low-frequency amplification. The absence of specified transition frequency does not indicate reduced performance; it reflects datasheet documentation practices. Both variants are suitable for applications within the specified operating temperature range (-65°C to 200°C).

Q: What inventory status should be considered for procurement?

A: Both variants show 3672 pieces in stock as new original inventory. Procurement decisions should account for compliance requirements, supply chain continuity, and application-specific regulatory obligations.