2N918 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2N918 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. The device is packaged in a Through Hole TO-72 metal can configuration and is currently in active product status. The 2N918 operates within a collector current range of 50 mA maximum and supports a collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 15 V, with a maximum power dissipation of 200 mW. Identification of equivalent and substitute parts becomes necessary when addressing component availability, compliance requirements, or specific performance characteristics required for particular circuit implementations.

Substiute Parts

2N918

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 73312N918 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N918 PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 18392N918 PBFREE Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2N918 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Transistor Type: NPN configuration required
• Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 50 mA or greater
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 15 V or greater
• Power - Max: 200 mW or greater
• DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min): 20 or greater at specified test conditions
• Operating Temperature Range: −65°C to 200°C or compatible subset
• Mounting Type: Through Hole
• Package / Case: TO-72 metal can configuration

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Vce Saturation characteristics within acceptable operating margins
• RoHS and REACH compliance status for regulatory alignment
• Product Status: Active designation for ongoing availability

The 2N918 PBFREE variant from Central Semiconductor Corp meets all primary substitution criteria while providing enhanced compliance characteristics and additional frequency performance specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2N918 (Microchip Technology): Select this part for applications where legacy component specifications and existing design validation are primary considerations. The device maintains active product status and is available in high inventory quantities (7244 pcs). This variant is suitable for non-regulated applications or designs where RoHS compliance is not a requirement.

2N918 PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp): Select this substitute part for applications requiring RoHS3 compliance and lead-free manufacturing processes. The device meets all electrical parameter requirements of the original 2N918 while providing enhanced regulatory alignment. Active product status and adequate inventory (1800 pcs) support production deployment. The PBFREE variant includes additional frequency performance specification (600 MHz transition frequency) and noise figure characterization (6 dB typical @ 60 kHz), providing extended performance documentation for RF and high-frequency switching applications.

Both parts share identical electrical operating parameters, thermal ranges, and mechanical packaging, ensuring direct functional substitution within circuit designs. Selection between variants depends on compliance requirements and application-specific performance documentation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N918 PBFREE be used as a direct replacement for the 2N918?

A: Yes. Both devices are NPN transistors with identical maximum collector current (50 mA), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (15 V), maximum power dissipation (200 mW), and operating temperature range (−65°C to 200°C). Both are packaged in TO-72 metal can Through Hole configuration. The primary difference is RoHS compliance status; the PBFREE variant is ROHS3 compliant while the original 2N918 is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: What are the key electrical parameters that determine substitution compatibility?

A: Substitution compatibility is determined by: (1) Transistor Type (NPN required), (2) Current - Collector (Ic) maximum rating of 50 mA or greater, (3) Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown of 15 V or greater, (4) Power dissipation of 200 mW or greater, (5) DC Current Gain (hFE) minimum of 20 or greater, and (6) Operating temperature range of −65°C to 200°C or compatible subset.

Q: Are there package compatibility considerations between these parts?

A: Both the 2N918 and 2N918 PBFREE use identical Through Hole TO-72 metal can packaging (TO-206AF, TO-72-4). No package modifications or PCB layout changes are required for substitution.

Q: What compliance differences exist between the two variants?

A: The 2N918 from Microchip Technology is RoHS non-compliant. The 2N918 PBFREE from Central Semiconductor Corp is ROHS3 compliant and includes Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) rating of 1 (Unlimited). Both variants are REACH Unaffected and carry identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.21.0095) classifications.

Q: Does the 2N918 PBFREE provide additional performance specifications?

A: Yes. The 2N918 PBFREE includes Frequency - Transition specification of 600 MHz and Noise Figure specification of 6 dB typical @ 60 kHz. These parameters are not specified for the original 2N918 but do not affect substitution compatibility for standard switching and amplification applications.

Q: What inventory considerations should be evaluated?

A: The 2N918 (Microchip) has 7244 pcs in stock, while the 2N918 PBFREE (Central Semiconductor) has 1800 pcs in stock. Both variants maintain active product status, supporting ongoing availability for production requirements.