2N5785 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N5785 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, designed for through-hole applications in the TO-39 metal can package. This device is rated for 50 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 3.5 A maximum collector current, and 1 W maximum power dissipation with a transition frequency of 30 MHz. The 2N5785 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and component procurement. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across voltage, current, power, and thermal characteristics while accommodating the through-hole TO-39 package format.

Substiute Parts

2N5785

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 10622N5785 Datasheet

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2N3420S

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 10262N3420S Datasheet

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JAN2N3507

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 725JAN2N3507 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N5785 is determined by strict electrical and mechanical parameter compatibility. The following criteria establish valid substitute relationships:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Transistor Type: NPN (identical polarity required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (mechanical compatibility)
• Package / Case: TO-39 or TO-205AD (physical form factor)
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown: Equal to or greater than 50 V
• Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): Equal to or greater than 3.5 A
• Power - Max: Equal to or greater than 1 W

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Vce Saturation: May vary within application tolerance
• DC Current Gain (hFE): May vary; higher values acceptable
• Current - Collector Cutoff: May vary; lower values acceptable
• Frequency - Transition: May vary; higher values acceptable
• Operating Temperature Range: May vary; wider ranges acceptable

The substitute parts 2N3420S and JAN2N3507 meet these criteria through equivalent or superior electrical ratings and identical through-hole TO-39 packaging.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2N3420S (Microchip Technology)

The 2N3420S is an active product with electrical ratings that exceed the 2N5785 in collector-emitter breakdown voltage (60 V versus 50 V). However, maximum collector current is rated at 3 A, which is 0.5 A lower than the 2N5785. This part is suitable for applications where the 50 V minimum voltage requirement is met and collector current does not exceed 3 A. The 2N3420S is RoHS non-compliant and carries REACH Unaffected status. This substitute is appropriate for designs with reduced current demands or where higher voltage margin is beneficial.

JAN2N3507 (Microchip Technology)

The JAN2N3507 is a military-grade active product qualified to MIL-PRF-19500/349 with collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 50 V, matching the 2N5785 specification. Maximum collector current is 3 A, 0.5 A lower than the 2N5785. This part carries military qualification and Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 rating, indicating superior reliability and environmental performance. The JAN2N3507 is RoHS non-compliant and REACH Unaffected. This substitute is appropriate for applications requiring military-grade components or enhanced environmental specifications.

Selection Basis:

• Both substitute parts maintain through-hole TO-39 package compatibility
• Both are active products, ensuring long-term availability
• 2N3420S provides higher voltage margin (60 V)
• JAN2N3507 provides military qualification and enhanced reliability
• Current limitation (3 A maximum) must be evaluated against application requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N3420S directly replace the 2N5785 in all applications?

A: The 2N3420S is electrically compatible for applications where collector current does not exceed 3 A. The 2N5785 is rated for 3.5 A maximum collector current; applications requiring current above 3 A cannot use the 2N3420S as a direct substitute.

Q: What is the primary difference between the 2N3420S and JAN2N3507?

A: The 2N3420S is a commercial-grade part with 60 V breakdown voltage. The JAN2N3507 is military-grade, qualified to MIL-PRF-19500/349, with 50 V breakdown voltage matching the 2N5785. Selection depends on application requirements for voltage margin versus military qualification.

Q: Are the substitute parts physically compatible with the 2N5785 footprint?

A: Yes. Both substitute parts use the TO-39 metal can package (TO-205AD), which is identical to the 2N5785 package. Through-hole mounting compatibility is maintained.

Q: Why is the 2N5785 listed as obsolete?

A: The 2N5785 is an older design no longer in active production. Substitute parts 2N3420S and JAN2N3507 are active products from Microchip Technology, ensuring ongoing availability and support.

Q: Can I use either substitute part interchangeably?

A: No. Selection between 2N3420S and JAN2N3507 depends on specific application requirements. The 2N3420S offers higher voltage rating (60 V). The JAN2N3507 offers military qualification. Both are limited to 3 A maximum collector current, compared to the 2N5785 rating of 3.5 A.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to these parts?

A: All three parts (2N5785, 2N3420S, JAN2N3507) carry REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 ECCN classification. The 2N3420S and JAN2N3507 are RoHS non-compliant. The JAN2N3507 carries MIL-PRF-19500/349 military qualification.

Q: Does transition frequency affect substitution compatibility?

A: The 2N5785 specifies 30 MHz transition frequency. The 2N3420S and JAN2N3507 do not specify transition frequency in the provided data. For applications where transition frequency is a critical design parameter, frequency specifications must be obtained from manufacturer datasheets before final selection.