2N720A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The STMicroelectronics 2N720A is an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) rated for 80 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 500 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in a TO-18 metal can configuration and is designed for through-hole mounting applications. The 2N720A is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing production and maintenance applications. Active alternatives with identical electrical specifications are available from alternative manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Collector Current (Ic) Maximum	500	mA
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage (Max)	80	V
Power Dissipation (Max)	500	mW
DC Current Gain (hFE) Minimum	40	@ 150 mA, 10 V
Vce Saturation (Max)	5	V @ 15 mA, 150 mA
Collector Cutoff Current (ICBO)	10	nA (STMicroelectronics) / µA (Microchip)
Package Type	TO-18 (TO-206AA)	Through Hole
Operating Temperature Range	Up to 175°C (STMicroelectronics) / −65°C to 200°C (Microchip)	°C

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N720A is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Transistor polarity: NPN
Maximum collector current: 500 mA
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage: 80 V
Maximum power dissipation: 500 mW
DC current gain (hFE): 40 minimum at specified conditions
Package configuration: TO-18 metal can through-hole mounting
Vce saturation characteristics: 5 V maximum at specified base and collector currents

Acceptable Variations:

Collector cutoff current (ICBO) may differ between manufacturers (10 nA vs. 10 µA) without affecting functional substitution
Operating temperature range may extend beyond the original specification
RoHS compliance status may differ
Product status may transition from obsolete to active

The substitute parts listed below meet all critical electrical and mechanical parameters and are functionally equivalent for circuit applications requiring the 2N720A specification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	STMicroelectronics 2N720A	Microchip 2N720A	Microchip JAN2N720A
Manufacturer	STMicroelectronics	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN
Ic (Max)	500 mA	500 mA	500 mA
Vce Breakdown (Max)	80 V	80 V	80 V
Power (Max)	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW
hFE (Min)	40 @ 150 mA, 10 V	40 @ 150 mA, 10 V	40 @ 150 mA, 10 V
Vce Saturation (Max)	5 V @ 15 mA, 150 mA	5 V @ 15 mA, 150 mA	5 V @ 15 mA, 150 mA
ICBO (Max)	10 nA	10 µA	10 µA
Operating Temperature	Up to 175°C	−65°C to 200°C	−65°C to 200°C
Package	TO-18 (TO-206AA)	TO-18 (TO-206AA)	TO-18 (TO-206AA)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Grade	Commercial	Commercial	Military
Qualification	—	—	MIL-PRF-19500/182
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	RoHS Non-compliant	RoHS Non-compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Microchip 2N720A (Commercial Grade): This substitute provides direct electrical equivalence to the obsolete STMicroelectronics 2N720A. The device is currently in active production status, ensuring supply chain availability. The extended operating temperature range (−65°C to 200°C) provides thermal margin beyond the original specification. Note that this variant is RoHS non-compliant; applications requiring RoHS compliance must evaluate alternative solutions or obtain RoHS exemptions where applicable.

Microchip JAN2N720A (Military Grade): This substitute offers the same electrical specifications as the commercial-grade Microchip 2N720A with the addition of military qualification under MIL-PRF-19500/182. This variant is appropriate for applications requiring military-grade components or enhanced reliability assurance. The JAN designation indicates compliance with military procurement standards. Like the commercial variant, this device is RoHS non-compliant.

Both Microchip variants are functionally interchangeable with the STMicroelectronics 2N720A in applications where the specified electrical parameters are the primary selection criteria. Selection between commercial and military grades depends on application requirements and procurement specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Microchip 2N720A directly replace the STMicroelectronics 2N720A?

A: Yes. Both devices share identical electrical specifications including collector current rating (500 mA), breakdown voltage (80 V), power dissipation (500 mW), and DC current gain characteristics. The TO-18 package configuration and through-hole mounting are identical. Functional substitution is direct.

Q: What is the difference between the Microchip 2N720A and JAN2N720A?

A: Both devices have identical electrical specifications and package configurations. The JAN2N720A carries military qualification under MIL-PRF-19500/182 and is designated for military-grade applications. The commercial 2N720A is suitable for standard industrial and commercial applications. Selection depends on application requirements and procurement specifications.

Q: Why does the STMicroelectronics version specify 10 nA ICBO while Microchip versions specify 10 µA?

A: This represents a difference in manufacturer specification or measurement methodology. Both values fall within acceptable ranges for NPN transistor leakage current and do not affect functional equivalence for typical circuit applications. The higher Microchip specification (10 µA) is more conservative and does not degrade circuit performance in standard applications.

Q: Are there RoHS compliance considerations for substitution?

A: The original STMicroelectronics 2N720A is ROHS3 compliant. Both Microchip substitutes are RoHS non-compliant. Applications subject to RoHS requirements must either obtain RoHS exemptions or identify alternative compliant components. REACH status is unaffected across all variants.

Q: What is the operating temperature difference between the original and substitute parts?

A: The STMicroelectronics 2N720A operates to 175°C maximum junction temperature. Microchip variants operate across −65°C to 200°C. The extended range provides additional thermal margin and is suitable for applications with wider temperature requirements. This difference does not prevent substitution; it represents an enhancement in thermal capability.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in existing circuit boards?

A: Yes. The TO-18 package configuration and pin assignments are identical across all variants. Through-hole mounting footprints are compatible. Direct board-level substitution is possible without circuit modification or PCB redesign.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new designs?

A: For new commercial applications, the Microchip 2N720A (commercial grade) is appropriate. For military applications or where enhanced reliability documentation is required, the JAN2N720A is the correct selection. Both are in active production and offer superior supply chain availability compared to the obsolete STMicroelectronics variant.

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