MD2905A Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The MD2905A is a dual PNP bipolar junction transistor (BJT) array manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp, housed in a TO-78-6 metal can package. This component is rated for 600mA collector current and 60V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, with a transition frequency of 200MHz. The MD2905A is classified as obsolete, making identification of compatible substitute parts essential for ongoing system support and component procurement.

Substiute Parts

MD2905A

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 1037MD2905A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N5796

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 12622N5796 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MD2905A is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Criteria:

• Transistor configuration: 2 PNP (Dual) array
• Maximum collector current: 600mA
• Maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage: 60V
• DC current gain (hFE): minimum 100 @ 150mA, 10V
• Package type: TO-78-6 Metal Can
• Mounting method: Through Hole

The 2N5796, manufactured by Microchip Technology, meets all mandatory substitution criteria. Both devices share identical electrical ratings for current handling, voltage withstand capability, and current gain specifications. Both are housed in the same TO-78-6 metal can package with through-hole mounting, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility in existing circuit designs.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 2N5796 is the direct functional equivalent for MD2905A replacement applications. Selection rationale is based on the following factors:

Product Status Consideration: The MD2905A is obsolete, while the 2N5796 maintains active product status with Microchip Technology. This ensures ongoing availability and manufacturing consistency for new procurement.

Electrical Equivalence: Both devices are rated identically for maximum collector current (600mA) and collector-emitter breakdown voltage (60V). DC current gain specifications are identical at the specified test conditions (100 @ 150mA, 10V). These parameters define the functional operating envelope for dual PNP transistor arrays in this voltage and current class.

Package and Mounting Compatibility: Both parts use the TO-78-6 metal can package with through-hole mounting. This ensures direct mechanical compatibility with existing PCB layouts and socket configurations without requiring board redesign or rework.

Compliance Status: Both the MD2905A and 2N5796 are RoHS non-compliant and REACH unaffected. Both carry EAR99 export classification. No compliance advantage exists between the two parts; system-level compliance requirements remain unchanged with substitution.

Additional Specifications: The 2N5796 provides supplementary electrical data not available for the MD2905A, including saturation voltage (1.6V @ 50mA, 500mA), collector cutoff current (10µA ICBO), maximum power dissipation (500mW), and operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 175°C). These specifications support detailed circuit analysis and thermal design verification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N5796 be used as a direct replacement for MD2905A in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 2N5796 meets all mandatory electrical and mechanical substitution criteria. Both devices are dual PNP transistor arrays with identical maximum ratings for collector current (600mA), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (60V), and DC current gain (100 @ 150mA, 10V). Both use the TO-78-6 metal can package with through-hole mounting, enabling direct substitution without circuit modification.

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

A: Substitution compatibility for dual PNP transistor arrays is determined by: (1) transistor configuration (2 PNP dual array), (2) maximum collector current rating, (3) maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage, (4) DC current gain at specified test conditions, and (5) package type and mounting method. The MD2905A and 2N5796 are equivalent across all these parameters.

Q: Why is the MD2905A obsolete while the 2N5796 is active?

A: Product status reflects manufacturer production and support decisions. The MD2905A is no longer manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp. The 2N5796, produced by Microchip Technology, remains in active production. For new designs and ongoing component procurement, the 2N5796 is the recommended choice.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences between these parts?

A: Both the MD2905A and 2N5796 share identical compliance status: RoHS non-compliant, REACH unaffected, and EAR99 export classification. No compliance advantage exists between the two parts. System-level compliance requirements remain unchanged with substitution.

Q: What additional electrical data is available for the 2N5796 that is not specified for the MD2905A?

A: The 2N5796 datasheet includes saturation voltage (1.6V @ 50mA, 500mA), collector cutoff current (10µA ICBO), maximum power dissipation (500mW), and operating temperature range (-65°C ~ 175°C). The MD2905A does not specify these parameters. These additional specifications support detailed circuit analysis, thermal design, and performance verification.

Q: Is the TO-78-6 package identical for both parts?

A: Yes. Both the MD2905A and 2N5796 use the TO-78-6 metal can package with through-hole mounting. Pin configuration, lead spacing, and mechanical dimensions are identical, ensuring direct compatibility with existing PCB layouts and component sockets.

Q: Can the 2N5796 handle the same frequency performance as the MD2905A?

A: The MD2905A specifies a transition frequency of 200MHz. The 2N5796 does not provide transition frequency data in the available specifications. For applications requiring confirmed high-frequency performance, the MD2905A's 200MHz specification should be referenced. However, both devices are functionally equivalent for standard switching and amplification applications within the specified current and voltage ratings.