BF240 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BF240 is an RF transistor NPN manufactured by onsemi, rated for 40V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with a transition frequency of 1.1GHz and maximum power dissipation of 350mW. The device is packaged in a Through Hole TO-92-3 configuration and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent and substitute parts are necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and system maintenance where the BF240 is currently deployed.

Substiute Parts

BF240

onsemiIn Stock: 5327BF240 Datasheet

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2N918 PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 18392N918 PBFREE Datasheet

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BFP843H6327XTSA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 7041BFP843H6327XTSA1 Datasheet

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BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 14013BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1 Datasheet

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JANTX2N5109

Microsemi CorporationIn Stock: 5787JANTX2N5109 Datasheet

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MMBTH10-TP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 4106MMBTH10-TP Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BF240 is determined by the following critical parameters: NPN transistor type, maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage, transition frequency capability, maximum power dissipation, maximum collector current, and DC current gain characteristics. The substitute parts listed are grouped based on their ability to meet or exceed the electrical specifications of the BF240 within the constraints of their respective package types and mounting technologies.

The primary substitution criteria are:

• Transistor Type: NPN configuration required
• Voltage Rating: Minimum 40V collector-emitter breakdown voltage
• Frequency: Minimum 1.1GHz transition frequency capability
• Power Dissipation: Minimum 350mW capability
• Current Handling: Minimum 50mA collector current capacity
• DC Current Gain: Minimum hFE of 65 at specified conditions

Substitutes are presented across different mounting technologies (Through Hole and Surface Mount) and package styles to accommodate various design requirements and PCB layouts.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Through Hole Mounting Applications:

For applications requiring Through Hole mounting technology, the 2N918 PBFREE and JANTX2N5109 are available alternatives. The 2N918 PBFREE is an active product with ROHS3 compliance, rated for 15V collector-emitter breakdown and 600MHz transition frequency. The JANTX2N5109 is packaged in TO-39 configuration and maintains active product status; however, it is RoHS non-compliant and lacks complete electrical parameter documentation in the provided specifications.

Surface Mount Mounting Applications:

For Surface Mount implementations, three options are available: BFP843H6327XTSA1 (SOT-343), BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1 (SOT-883), and MMBTH10-TP (SOT-23). All three are manufactured by Infineon Technologies or Micro Commercial Co and maintain active product status with ROHS3 compliance. The BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1 offers the highest transition frequency at 75GHz, while the MMBTH10-TP provides 25V voltage rating and 650MHz frequency capability.

Compliance Considerations:

The BF240 is REACH Unaffected. All substitute parts listed maintain REACH Unaffected status. ROHS3 compliance is achieved by all substitutes except JANTX2N5109. Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is 1 (Unlimited) across all parts, indicating no moisture sensitivity constraints.

Inventory Availability:

The BF240 has 5300 pieces in stock. Substitute parts show varying inventory levels: 2N918 PBFREE (1800 pcs), BFP843H6327XTSA1 (6992 pcs), BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1 (14003 pcs), JANTX2N5109 (5749 pcs), and MMBTH10-TP (4027 pcs).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N918 PBFREE directly replace the BF240 in all applications?

A: The 2N918 PBFREE is a Through Hole NPN transistor with 50mA maximum collector current and 600MHz transition frequency. However, it is rated for only 15V collector-emitter breakdown voltage compared to the BF240's 40V rating. Direct substitution is limited to applications where the circuit voltage does not exceed 15V. The 2N918 PBFREE also has lower maximum power dissipation (200mW versus 350mW) and lower DC current gain (20 versus 65 at specified conditions).

Q: What are the key differences between Through Hole and Surface Mount substitute options?

A: Through Hole substitutes (2N918 PBFREE, JANTX2N5109) maintain the same mounting technology as the BF240 and require no PCB redesign for footprint compatibility. Surface Mount substitutes (BFP843H6327XTSA1, BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1, MMBTH10-TP) require different PCB layouts and assembly processes but offer smaller form factors and higher integration density. Package types differ: TO-72 (2N918 PBFREE), TO-39 (JANTX2N5109), SOT-343 (BFP843H6327XTSA1), SOT-883 (BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1), and SOT-23 (MMBTH10-TP).

Q: Which substitute offers the closest electrical match to the BF240?

A: The MMBTH10-TP provides the closest electrical match among Surface Mount options, with 25V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 650MHz transition frequency, 50mA maximum collector current, and 225mW power dissipation. The 2N918 PBFREE is the closest Through Hole match but with reduced voltage and power ratings. Neither substitute fully matches all BF240 specifications; selection depends on specific circuit requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Five of the six substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant: 2N918 PBFREE, BFP843H6327XTSA1, BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1, and MMBTH10-TP. The JANTX2N5109 is RoHS non-compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, JANTX2N5109 is not suitable.

Q: What is the significance of the transition frequency parameter in selecting a substitute?

A: Transition frequency (fT) indicates the maximum frequency at which the transistor can amplify signals. The BF240 operates at 1.1GHz. The 2N918 PBFREE (600MHz) and MMBTH10-TP (650MHz) have lower transition frequencies and are suitable only for applications operating below these frequencies. The BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1 (75GHz) exceeds the BF240 specification significantly and is suitable for higher-frequency applications.

Q: Can the BFP843H6327XTSA1 or BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1 be used in place of the BF240?

A: Both Infineon parts are Surface Mount devices with significantly lower voltage ratings (2.25V and 2.6V respectively) compared to the BF240's 40V rating. These parts are not suitable for applications requiring 40V voltage capability. They are designed for low-voltage, high-frequency RF applications and cannot substitute the BF240 in standard voltage-rated circuits.

Q: What packaging considerations should be evaluated when selecting a substitute?

A: The BF240 uses TO-92-3 Through Hole packaging. Substitutes span multiple package types: TO-72 (2N918 PBFREE), TO-39 (JANTX2N5109), SOT-343 (BFP843H6327XTSA1), SOT-883 (BFR840L3RHESDE6327XTSA1), and SOT-23 (MMBTH10-TP). Through Hole substitutes require no PCB redesign. Surface Mount substitutes require PCB layout modifications, different assembly equipment, and updated manufacturing processes.

Q: Is the JANTX2N5109 a viable substitute despite incomplete specifications?

A: The JANTX2N5109 is a Through Hole NPN transistor in TO-39 packaging with active product status. However, critical electrical parameters including voltage rating, frequency, power dissipation, and DC current gain are not provided in the available specifications. Additionally, it is RoHS non-compliant. Substitution with this part requires obtaining complete technical documentation from the manufacturer before circuit integration.