2N3903_D27Z Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N3903_D27Z is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 200 mA maximum collector current in a TO-92-3 through-hole package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. The 2N3903_D27Z serves general-purpose switching and amplification applications in low-power circuits requiring reliable NPN transistor performance within specified voltage and current ratings.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	200	mA
Power - Max	625	mW
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	300mV @ 5mA, 50mA	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	50 @ 10mA, 1V	—
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N3903_D27Z is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN (required match)
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 40 V minimum
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 200 mA minimum
Power - Max: 625 mW minimum
Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to 150°C (required match)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (required match)
Package / Case: TO-92-3 or equivalent TO-226-3 (required match)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Vce Saturation: 300 mV or lower at specified conditions
DC Current Gain (hFE): 50 or higher at 10 mA, 1 V

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on electrical performance alignment:

Category A - Direct Electrical Equivalents: Parts meeting or exceeding all primary criteria with minimal parameter variance. These include 2N3904TF and 2N3904-AP, which maintain identical voltage and current ratings with enhanced DC current gain characteristics.

Category B - Functional Equivalents with Enhanced Ratings: Parts exceeding primary criteria in voltage, current, or power dissipation while maintaining package compatibility and temperature range. These include 500-00001 (higher power rating) and MPSA06-AP (higher voltage and current ratings).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N3903_D27Z	2N3904TF	2N3904-AP	2N4401-AP	500-00001	MPSA06-AP
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Micro Commercial Co	Micro Commercial Co	Parallax Inc.	Micro Commercial Co
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40 V	40 V	40 V	40 V	40 V	80 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	200 mA	200 mA	200 mA	Not specified	200 mA	500 mA
Power - Max	625 mW	625 mW	625 mW	600 mW	1.5 W	625 mW
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	300mV @ 5mA, 50mA	300mV @ 5mA, 50mA	400mV @ 5mA, 50mA	750mV @ 50mA, 500mA	300mV @ 5mA, 50mA	250mV @ 10mA, 100mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	50 @ 10mA, 1V	100 @ 10mA, 1V	100 @ 10mA, 1V	100 @ 150mA, 1V	100 @ 10mA, 1V	100 @ 100mA, 1V
Frequency - Transition	Not specified	300 MHz	250 MHz	250 MHz	300 MHz	100 MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150°C	-55 to 150°C	-55 to 150°C	-55 to 150°C	-55 to 150°C	to 150°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92	TO-92	TO-92	TO-92
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Obsolete	Obsolete	Active	Obsolete
RoHS Status	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: 2N3904TF

The 2N3904TF is the preferred substitute for the 2N3903_D27Z. This onsemi device maintains identical electrical ratings (40 V, 200 mA, 625 mW) and package configuration (TO-92-3) while offering active product status. The 2N3904TF provides enhanced DC current gain (100 vs. 50 minimum) and specified transition frequency (300 MHz), delivering superior performance characteristics within the same thermal and mechanical envelope. ROHS3 compliance and established supply availability (2200 pcs in stock) support production continuity.

Secondary Recommendation: 500-00001

The 500-00001 from Parallax Inc. serves applications requiring enhanced power dissipation capability. This device maintains the 40 V / 200 mA electrical specification while providing 1.5 W maximum power rating (2.4× the original specification). Active product status and 300 MHz transition frequency support modern circuit requirements. This substitute is suitable for designs where thermal margin or power handling capacity requires improvement.

Alternative Consideration: 2N3904-AP

The 2N3904-AP from Micro Commercial Co provides electrical equivalence with identical voltage and current ratings. However, Vce saturation is elevated to 400 mV (versus 300 mV), and product status is obsolete. This substitute is acceptable for non-critical applications where saturation voltage variance does not impact circuit performance.

Not Recommended: MPSA06-AP and 2N4401-AP

The MPSA06-AP and 2N4401-AP exceed the original specification envelope. MPSA06-AP operates at 80 V / 500 mA, introducing unnecessary design margin and potential circuit behavior changes. 2N4401-AP exhibits elevated Vce saturation (750 mV) unsuitable for direct substitution. Both devices are obsolete. These parts are appropriate only for redesigned circuits explicitly requiring their enhanced ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N3904TF directly replace the 2N3903_D27Z without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The 2N3904TF maintains identical voltage (40 V), current (200 mA), and power (625 mW) ratings with matching TO-92-3 package configuration and operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C). The enhanced DC current gain (100 vs. 50 minimum) improves switching performance without requiring design changes.

Q: What is the significance of the DC Current Gain (hFE) difference between 2N3903_D27Z (50 minimum) and 2N3904TF (100 minimum)?

A: DC current gain determines the base current required to achieve specified collector current. The 2N3904TF requires half the base current for equivalent collector current, resulting in faster switching transitions and reduced base drive power consumption. This enhancement is compatible with existing circuit designs.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same TO-92-3 package?

A: The 2N3904TF is specified as TO-92-3. The 2N3904-AP, 2N4401-AP, 500-00001, and MPSA06-AP are specified as TO-92 or TO-92 (TO-226). These designations refer to the same physical three-lead through-hole package with formed leads, ensuring mechanical compatibility.

Q: Why is the 2N3903_D27Z classified as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates the manufacturer has discontinued production. The 2N3904 series (including 2N3904TF) represents the modern equivalent, offering superior performance characteristics and active manufacturing status.

Q: Can MPSA06-AP be used as a direct substitute?

A: MPSA06-AP is not a direct substitute. This device operates at 80 V / 500 mA, exceeding the original 40 V / 200 mA specification. While mechanically compatible, the elevated voltage and current ratings may alter circuit behavior. MPSA06-AP is appropriate only for redesigned circuits explicitly requiring enhanced voltage or current handling.

Q: What compliance certifications should be verified for production use?

A: The 2N3904TF provides ROHS3 compliance, meeting environmental and hazardous substance restrictions. REACH compliance is unaffected for all substitute candidates. Verify compliance requirements against specific application and regional standards before final selection.

Q: Is the 500-00001 suitable for applications requiring higher power dissipation?

A: Yes. The 500-00001 provides 1.5 W maximum power rating compared to 625 mW for the original device. This 2.4× power increase accommodates designs requiring enhanced thermal margin. Electrical ratings (40 V, 200 mA) remain compatible with the original specification.

Q: What is the impact of Vce saturation variance on circuit performance?

A: Vce saturation determines the minimum voltage drop across the transistor in saturation mode. The 2N3903_D27Z specifies 300 mV maximum; the 2N3904-AP specifies 400 mV. In switching applications, this 100 mV difference may impact output voltage levels and power dissipation. Verify saturation voltage requirements in the specific circuit design before selecting 2N3904-AP.

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