MAX2601ESA+ RF Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX2601ESA+ is an RF NPN transistor manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, designed for high-frequency applications requiring 1GHz transition frequency operation. This surface mount device operates at 15V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with 1.2A maximum collector current and 6.4W power dissipation capability. The part is currently in active production status with 2300 units in stock inventory.

Substitute parts are identified when design requirements permit operation at different frequency ranges, power levels, or package configurations while maintaining NPN transistor functionality and surface mount compatibility. Alternative components may be necessary due to supply constraints, application-specific performance requirements, or design optimization for specific frequency bands.

Key Parameters

Parameter	MAX2601ESA+	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	-
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	15V	V
Frequency - Transition	1GHz	GHz
Noise Figure (Typ @ f)	3.3dB @ 836MHz	dB
Gain	11.6dB	dB
Power - Max	6.4W	W
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	100 @ 250mA, 3V	-
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	1.2A	A
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150°C	°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	-
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) Exposed Pad	-
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	-
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the MAX2601ESA+ is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN (mandatory)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (mandatory)
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown: 15V or higher
Operating Temperature: 150°C (TJ) or higher
RoHS3 Compliance and MSL Level 1 (Unlimited)

Secondary Performance Parameters:

Frequency - Transition: 1GHz or higher
Power - Max: 6.4W or higher
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 1.2A or higher
DC Current Gain (hFE): 100 or higher at specified conditions

Substitute parts are grouped based on whether they meet the mandatory criteria while offering different frequency capabilities, power ratings, or package configurations. Parts with lower voltage ratings, lower frequency capabilities, or different mounting types are listed as alternatives for applications with relaxed performance requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Transistor Type	Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	Frequency - Transition	Power - Max	Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	Operating Temperature (TJ)	Mounting Type	Package / Case	Product Status	RoHS Status
MAX2601ESA+	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	NPN	15V	1GHz	6.4W	1.2A	150°C	Surface Mount	8-SOIC-EP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
2SC5488A-TL-H	onsemi	NPN	10V	7GHz	100mW	70mA	150°C	Surface Mount	3-SSFP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
2SC5490A-TL-H	onsemi	NPN	10V	8GHz	100mW	30mA	150°C	Surface Mount	3-SSFP	Obsolete	ROHS3 Compliant
BFP405FH6327XTSA1	Infineon Technologies	NPN	4.5V	25GHz	75mW	25mA	150°C	Surface Mount	4-TSFP	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
BFR360L3E6765XTMA1	Infineon Technologies	NPN	9V	14GHz	210mW	35mA	150°C	Surface Mount	PG-TSLP-3-1	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MCH4020-TL-H	onsemi	NPN	8V	16GHz	400mW	150mA	150°C	Surface Mount	4-MCPH	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MMBT918LT1G	onsemi	NPN	15V	600MHz	225mW	50mA	-55°C ~ 150°C	Surface Mount	SOT-23-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MRF10031	MACOM Technology Solutions	NPN	55V	-	30W	3A	200°C	Chassis Mount	332A-03	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
NSVMMBTH10LT1G	onsemi	NPN	25V	650MHz	225mW	-	-55°C ~ 150°C	Surface Mount	SOT-23-3	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitution (Voltage and Frequency Compatible):

MMBT918LT1G is suitable for applications where the MAX2601ESA+ operates at frequencies below 600MHz and collector current requirements do not exceed 50mA. This part maintains the 15V voltage rating and offers active product status with ROHS3 compliance. The SOT-23-3 package requires PCB layout modification compared to the 8-SOIC-EP original.

NSVMMBTH10LT1G provides higher voltage rating (25V) with 650MHz frequency capability, suitable for low-current RF applications below 650MHz. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance are confirmed. Package change from 8-SOIC-EP to SOT-23-3 requires design revision.

Higher Frequency Substitution (Reduced Power and Current):

BFR360L3E6765XTMA1 operates at 14GHz transition frequency with 210mW power rating and 35mA maximum collector current. Voltage rating of 9V is lower than the original 15V specification. This part is suitable for high-frequency applications with reduced power requirements. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance are confirmed.

MCH4020-TL-H provides 16GHz transition frequency with 400mW power rating and 150mA collector current. Voltage rating of 8V is lower than the original specification. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance are confirmed. Package configuration is 4-MCPH (SOT-343F).

2SC5488A-TL-H operates at 7GHz with 100mW power rating and 70mA maximum collector current. Voltage rating of 10V is lower than the original 15V. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance are confirmed.

Higher Power Substitution (Chassis Mount):

MRF10031 provides 30W power dissipation with 55V voltage rating and 3A collector current. This part operates as a chassis mount device (332A-03 package) rather than surface mount, requiring significant PCB design changes. Frequency transition specification is not provided. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance are confirmed. Operating temperature extends to 200°C (TJ).

Obsolete Status:

2SC5490A-TL-H is listed with obsolete product status. This part operates at 8GHz with 100mW power rating and 30mA maximum collector current. Voltage rating of 10V is lower than the original specification. Use of obsolete components is not recommended for new designs.

Ultra-High Frequency Substitution (Minimal Power):

BFP405FH6327XTSA1 operates at 25GHz transition frequency with 75mW power rating and 25mA maximum collector current. Voltage rating of 4.5V is significantly lower than the original 15V specification. This part is suitable only for ultra-high-frequency applications with minimal power requirements. Active product status and ROHS3 compliance are confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MMBT918LT1G replace MAX2601ESA+ in all applications?

A: MMBT918LT1G is suitable only for applications operating below 600MHz frequency. The original MAX2601ESA+ operates at 1GHz transition frequency. Additionally, MMBT918LT1G maximum collector current is 50mA compared to 1.2A for the original part. Package change from 8-SOIC-EP to SOT-23-3 requires PCB layout modification. Voltage rating of 15V is identical.

Q: What is the primary limitation of BFR360L3E6765XTMA1 as a substitute?

A: BFR360L3E6765XTMA1 has a maximum voltage rating of 9V compared to 15V for the MAX2601ESA+. This part is suitable only for applications where the collector-emitter voltage does not exceed 9V. Power rating is 210mW versus 6.4W for the original part. Maximum collector current is 35mA versus 1.2A. The part operates at 14GHz, which exceeds the original 1GHz specification.

Q: Is MRF10031 a suitable substitute for surface mount applications?

A: No. MRF10031 is a chassis mount device (332A-03 package) and cannot be used as a direct substitute for the surface mount MAX2601ESA+ (8-SOIC-EP package). Significant PCB design changes would be required. This part is suitable only for applications requiring chassis mount configuration.

Q: Why is 2SC5490A-TL-H not recommended?

A: 2SC5490A-TL-H has obsolete product status. New designs should not incorporate obsolete components. Additionally, this part has a maximum voltage rating of 10V (lower than the original 15V), 100mW power rating (lower than 6.4W), and 30mA maximum collector current (lower than 1.2A).

Q: What package considerations apply when selecting a substitute?

A: The MAX2601ESA+ uses an 8-SOIC-EP (8-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit with Exposed Pad) package. Substitute parts use different packages: MMBT918LT1G and NSVMMBTH10LT1G use SOT-23-3 (3-pin); BFR360L3E6765XTMA1 uses PG-TSLP-3-1 (3-pin); MCH4020-TL-H uses 4-MCPH (4-pin); BFP405FH6327XTSA1 uses 4-TSFP (4-pin); MRF10031 uses 332A-03 (chassis mount). Package changes require PCB layout redesign and may affect circuit performance.

Q: Can BFP405FH6327XTSA1 operate at the same voltage as MAX2601ESA+?

A: No. BFP405FH6327XTSA1 has a maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 4.5V, which is significantly lower than the 15V rating of MAX2601ESA+. This part is suitable only for low-voltage applications. Operating this part at 15V would exceed its voltage rating and cause device failure.

Q: What is the frequency range difference between MAX2601ESA+ and MCH4020-TL-H?

A: MAX2601ESA+ has a 1GHz transition frequency, while MCH4020-TL-H operates at 16GHz. MCH4020-TL-H is suitable for applications requiring higher frequency operation. However, MCH4020-TL-H has lower voltage rating (8V versus 15V), lower power rating (400mW versus 6.4W), and lower collector current (150mA versus 1.2A).

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed in this document are ROHS3 compliant. All parts also have Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 1 (Unlimited) or equivalent handling requirements. REACH status is unaffected for all parts.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for substitute parts?

A: Most substitute parts operate at maximum junction temperature (TJ) of 150°C, matching the original MAX2601ESA+. MRF10031 extends to 200°C (TJ). MMBT918LT1G and NSVMMBTH10LT1G specify operating temperature range of -55°C to 150°C (TJ). Verify operating temperature requirements for your specific application.

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