2N3904G Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N3904G is an 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 a TO-92 through-hole configuration and is classified as obsolete. The 2N3904G serves as a general-purpose switching and amplification transistor in low-power applications. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent substitute parts with active product status are available to ensure design continuity and supply chain reliability.

Key Parameters

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

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 2N3904G are qualified based on matching the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN configuration
Voltage Rating: 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage (maximum)
Current Rating: 200 mA maximum collector current
DC Current Gain: 100 minimum at 10 mA, 1 V
Frequency Response: 300 MHz transition frequency
Package: TO-92-3 through-hole configuration
Operating Temperature: Compatible range within -55°C to 150°C

The substitute parts listed below satisfy all specified electrical parameters and maintain physical and functional compatibility with the 2N3904G. Substitutes are differentiated by product status (active versus obsolete) and compliance certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	2N3904G (Main)	2N3904BU (Substitute)	2N3904 PBFREE (Substitute)
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Central Semiconductor Corp
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40 V	40 V	40 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	200 mA	200 mA	Not specified
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	300 mV @ 5 mA, 50 mA	300 mV @ 5 mA, 50 mA	Not specified
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	100 @ 10 mA, 1 V	100 @ 10 mA, 1 V	100 @ 10 mA, 1 V
Power - Max	625 mW	625 mW	Not specified
Frequency - Transition	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150 °C (TJ)	-55 to 150 °C (TJ)	-65 to 150 °C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
RoHS Status	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2N3904BU (onsemi): This substitute is the direct equivalent from the original manufacturer. The 2N3904BU maintains identical electrical specifications to the 2N3904G and carries active product status. It is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. The 2N3904BU is packaged in bulk and is suitable for immediate replacement in applications currently using the 2N3904G.

2N3904 PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp): This substitute is manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp and meets the same core electrical parameters. It carries active product status and is ROHS3 compliant. The operating temperature range extends to -65°C, providing a wider lower-temperature specification compared to the 2N3904G. This part is REACH unaffected. The 2N3904 PBFREE is appropriate for applications requiring extended low-temperature operation or where Central Semiconductor Corp sourcing is preferred.

Both substitute parts are electrically and mechanically compatible with the 2N3904G and eliminate the supply risk associated with the obsolete status of the main part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N3904BU be used as a direct replacement for the 2N3904G?

A: Yes. The 2N3904BU is manufactured by onsemi and matches all critical electrical parameters of the 2N3904G, including voltage rating (40 V), current rating (200 mA), DC current gain (100 minimum), and frequency response (300 MHz). Both devices use the TO-92-3 package. The 2N3904BU has active product status, making it the preferred choice for new designs and ongoing production.

Q: What is the difference between the 2N3904BU and 2N3904 PBFREE?

A: Both parts meet the core electrical specifications of the 2N3904G. The primary differences are manufacturer (onsemi versus Central Semiconductor Corp) and operating temperature range. The 2N3904 PBFREE extends the lower operating temperature to -65°C compared to -55°C for the 2N3904BU. Both are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

Q: Are all substitute parts in the same package?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the TO-92-3 through-hole package, which is physically and functionally compatible with the 2N3904G. The package designation may vary slightly (TO-226 versus TO-226AA) but represents the same physical form factor.

Q: Why is the 2N3904G listed as obsolete?

A: The 2N3904G is classified as obsolete by onsemi. Active substitute parts with identical or superior specifications are available to ensure design continuity and supply chain reliability.

Q: Do the substitute parts have RoHS compliance?

A: Yes. Both the 2N3904BU and 2N3904 PBFREE are ROHS3 compliant. The 2N3904G does not specify RoHS status in the provided data.

Q: Can I use these parts interchangeably in existing designs?

A: Yes. The substitute parts are electrically and mechanically equivalent to the 2N3904G. No circuit modifications are required. Pin configuration and package dimensions are identical.

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