2N5878 PBFREE Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N5878 PBFREE is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, designed for high-current switching and amplification applications. This device features a maximum collector current of 10 A, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 80 V, and maximum power dissipation of 150 W in a TO-3 through-hole package. The 2N5878 PBFREE is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent substitute components essential for ongoing design support, maintenance, and new production requirements where legacy specifications must be maintained or exceeded.

Substiute Parts

2N5878 PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 9452N5878 PBFREE Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MJ15015G

onsemiIn Stock: 200524MJ15015G Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N5878 PBFREE is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility within the following criteria:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

• Transistor type must be NPN
• Collector current (Ic) rating must equal or exceed 10 A
• Collector-emitter breakdown voltage (VCEO) must equal or exceed 80 V
• Maximum power dissipation must equal or exceed 150 W
• Operating temperature range must encompass -65°C to 200°C

Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:

• Package type must be TO-3 or TO-204AA (equivalent mechanical form factor)
• Through-hole mounting configuration

Regulatory Compliance:

• RoHS3 compliance required
• REACH unaffected status required

The MJ15015G from onsemi meets all substitution criteria with enhanced electrical ratings, providing direct functional replacement capability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The MJ15015G is the qualified substitute for the 2N5878 PBFREE based on the following engineering criteria:

Electrical Superiority: The MJ15015G exceeds all critical electrical specifications of the 2N5878 PBFREE. Maximum collector current is increased from 10 A to 15 A, collector-emitter breakdown voltage is increased from 80 V to 120 V, and maximum power dissipation is increased from 150 W to 180 W. Transition frequency is improved from 4 MHz to 6 MHz. These enhancements provide design margin and extended operational capability.

Package Compatibility: Both devices utilize identical TO-3 through-hole packaging (TO-204AA designation), ensuring mechanical and thermal interface compatibility without PCB redesign.

Regulatory Compliance: The MJ15015G maintains ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Product Availability: The MJ15015G is classified as active product status with substantial inventory availability (200,500 pcs), ensuring long-term supply continuity compared to the obsolete 2N5878 PBFREE.

Thermal Characteristics: Both devices share identical operating temperature range (-65°C to 200°C junction temperature), maintaining thermal design compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MJ15015G directly replace the 2N5878 PBFREE without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The MJ15015G is electrically and mechanically compatible with the 2N5878 PBFREE. All critical electrical parameters of the 2N5878 PBFREE are met or exceeded by the MJ15015G. The TO-3 package form factor is identical, requiring no PCB layout changes. No circuit modifications are necessary for direct substitution.

Q: What are the key differences between these two transistors?

A: The MJ15015G provides enhanced electrical ratings across all parameters. Collector current capacity increases from 10 A to 15 A, breakdown voltage increases from 80 V to 120 V, and power dissipation increases from 150 W to 180 W. Transition frequency improves from 4 MHz to 6 MHz. The MJ15015G is active product status versus the obsolete 2N5878 PBFREE.

Q: Are there any package or pinout differences?

A: No. Both the 2N5878 PBFREE and MJ15015G use the TO-3 through-hole package (TO-204AA designation). Pinout and mechanical dimensions are identical, ensuring direct socket compatibility.

Q: What is the significance of the MJ15015G being active product status?

A: Active product status indicates the MJ15015G is currently manufactured and supported by onsemi, with established supply chains and long-term availability. The 2N5878 PBFREE is obsolete, meaning production has ceased and future availability is uncertain. Substitution to the MJ15015G ensures design continuity and supply security.

Q: Do both transistors meet current environmental compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both the 2N5878 PBFREE and MJ15015G are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and use.

Q: Are there any thermal management considerations when substituting?

A: Both devices operate across the identical temperature range (-65°C to 200°C junction temperature) and use the same TO-3 package. Thermal management requirements and heat dissipation characteristics are compatible. The MJ15015G's higher power rating (180 W versus 150 W) provides additional thermal margin in applications approaching the 2N5878 PBFREE's maximum specifications.