2N3904CBU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N3904CBU is a through-hole NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 200 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in TO-92-3 configuration and operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 150°C. The 2N3904CBU is classified as obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure component availability for production and repair applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Transistor Type	NPN
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	200 mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40 V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	300mV @ 5mA, 50mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	100 @ 10mA, 1V
Power - Max	625 mW
Frequency - Transition	300MHz
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 2N3904CBU are determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. All substitute parts must satisfy the following criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN configuration
Current Rating: 200 mA maximum collector current
Voltage Rating: 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage
Saturation Characteristics: 300mV @ 5mA, 50mA
Current Gain: 100 minimum @ 10mA, 1V
Power Dissipation: 625 mW maximum
Frequency Response: 300MHz transition frequency
Temperature Range: -55°C to 150°C operating range
Package: TO-92-3 through-hole configuration

The substitute parts listed below meet all electrical specifications and mechanical requirements. Differences exist only in product status, packaging format, and compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N3904CBU	2N3904BU	2N3904TF
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	onsemi
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	200 mA	200 mA	200 mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40 V	40 V	40 V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	300mV @ 5mA, 50mA	300mV @ 5mA, 50mA	300mV @ 5mA, 50mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	100 @ 10mA, 1V	100 @ 10mA, 1V	100 @ 10mA, 1V
Power - Max	625 mW	625 mW	625 mW
Frequency - Transition	300MHz	300MHz	300MHz
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)	-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)	-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected
ECCN	EAR99	EAR99	EAR99
HTSUS	8541.21.0075	8541.21.0075	8541.21.0075

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2N3904BU is the primary substitute for the 2N3904CBU. This part maintains identical electrical specifications and is available in active product status with ROHS3 compliance. The bulk packaging format accommodates high-volume production requirements. Selection of 2N3904BU is appropriate for new designs and production applications where component availability and regulatory compliance are required.

2N3904TF serves as an alternative substitute with formed leads in cut tape packaging. This variant maintains all electrical parameters and active product status with ROHS3 compliance. The formed leads configuration and cut tape format are suitable for automated assembly processes. Selection of 2N3904TF is appropriate for applications requiring tape-and-reel delivery and pre-formed lead geometry.

Both substitute parts satisfy REACH compliance and export control requirements identical to the original 2N3904CBU specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 2N3904BU directly replace 2N3904CBU in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 2N3904BU maintains identical electrical specifications including collector current rating, breakdown voltage, saturation characteristics, current gain, power dissipation, and frequency response. Through-hole TO-92-3 package compatibility is confirmed. The primary difference is product status transition from obsolete to active.

Q: What is the difference between 2N3904BU and 2N3904TF?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent with identical electrical parameters. The differences are packaging format and lead configuration. 2N3904BU is supplied in bulk packaging, while 2N3904TF is supplied in cut tape format with formed leads. Lead forming is performed at the supplier level for 2N3904TF.

Q: Are there compliance differences between the substitute parts?

A: 2N3904BU and 2N3904TF are both ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. The original 2N3904CBU does not specify RoHS status. Both substitutes maintain EAR99 export classification and identical HTSUS coding.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new production?

A: Selection depends on assembly process requirements. For manual or wave soldering processes, 2N3904BU in bulk packaging is appropriate. For automated pick-and-place assembly, 2N3904TF in cut tape format with formed leads is appropriate. Both parts satisfy identical electrical requirements.

Q: Is the TO-92-3 package identical across all three part numbers?

A: The TO-92-3 package is identical for 2N3904CBU and 2N3904BU. The 2N3904TF variant includes formed leads as a manufacturing option, which does not alter the base package designation but affects lead geometry for automated assembly compatibility.

Q: What inventory considerations apply to these substitutes?

A: 2N3904BU maintains significantly higher inventory levels (22,060 pcs) compared to 2N3904CBU (871 pcs). 2N3904TF maintains moderate inventory (2,200 pcs). Availability of active-status substitutes ensures supply chain continuity for ongoing production requirements.

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