MPSA20 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MPSA20 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. The device features a 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating, 100 mA maximum collector current, and 625 mW power dissipation capability in a Through Hole TO-92 package. The MPSA20 is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain functional compatibility within the electrical and mechanical constraints of the original specification.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100	mA
Power - Max	625	mW
Frequency - Transition	125	MHz
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	250 mV @ 1 mA, 10 mA	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	40 @ 5 mA, 10 V	—
Operating Temperature	-55 to 150	°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MPSA20 are selected based on the following criteria:

Primary Compatibility Parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN configuration required
Mounting Type: Through Hole TO-92 package required
Voltage Rating: Collector-emitter breakdown voltage must equal or exceed 40 V
Current Rating: Maximum collector current must equal or exceed 100 mA
Power Dissipation: Maximum power rating must equal or exceed 625 mW

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Frequency Response: Transition frequency should support intended switching/amplification frequency
Saturation Characteristics: Vce saturation performance for switching applications
DC Current Gain: hFE characteristics for amplification applications
Temperature Range: Operating temperature envelope must accommodate application requirements

The identified substitute parts meet the primary compatibility parameters within the electrical and mechanical constraints of the MPSA20 specification. Substitutes with lower voltage, current, or power ratings are not suitable for direct replacement in applications requiring the full MPSA20 specification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	MPSA20 (onsemi)	2N5088 PBFREE (Central Semiconductor)	LP395Z/LFT1 (Texas Instruments)
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	40 V	30 V	36 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA	50 mA	Not Specified
Power - Max	625 mW	625 mW	Not Specified
Frequency - Transition	125 MHz	50 MHz	Not Specified
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	250 mV @ 1 mA, 10 mA	500 mV @ 1 mA, 10 mA	Not Specified
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	40 @ 5 mA, 10 V	300 @ 100 µA, 5 V	Not Specified
Operating Temperature	-55 to 150 °C (TJ)	-65 to 150 °C (TJ)	0 to 125 °C (TA)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS Non-Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2N5088 PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp)

The 2N5088 PBFREE is an active product with ROHS3 compliance. This device operates within a reduced electrical envelope compared to the MPSA20: maximum collector voltage of 30 V (versus 40 V), maximum collector current of 50 mA (versus 100 mA), and transition frequency of 50 MHz (versus 125 MHz). The 2N5088 PBFREE is suitable for applications where the MPSA20 is used within these reduced parameter limits. Applications requiring the full 40 V voltage rating or 100 mA current capability cannot use this substitute. The extended lower operating temperature range (-65°C) provides additional thermal margin in low-temperature environments.

LP395Z/LFT1 (Texas Instruments)

The LP395Z/LFT1 is an active product with ROHS3 compliance. This device provides a 36 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating, which approaches but does not fully meet the 40 V specification of the MPSA20. Critical electrical parameters including maximum collector current, power dissipation, transition frequency, saturation voltage, and DC current gain are not specified in available documentation. The operating temperature range is restricted to 0 to 125°C (TA), which is narrower than the MPSA20 specification. Selection of this device requires verification that application requirements fall within the specified 36 V voltage limit and the restricted temperature range.

Compliance Considerations

Both substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. The MPSA20 is RoHS non-compliant and may not be acceptable for applications subject to RoHS directives. Both substitutes are classified as active products, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturing support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N5088 PBFREE directly replace the MPSA20 in all applications?

A: No. The 2N5088 PBFREE has reduced electrical ratings: 30 V maximum collector voltage (versus 40 V), 50 mA maximum collector current (versus 100 mA), and 50 MHz transition frequency (versus 125 MHz). Direct substitution is limited to applications operating within these reduced parameter limits.

Q: What is the primary limitation of the LP395Z/LFT1 as a substitute?

A: The LP395Z/LFT1 has a 36 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, which does not fully meet the 40 V specification. Additionally, critical electrical parameters are not specified, and the operating temperature range is restricted to 0 to 125°C. Applications requiring the full 40 V rating or extended temperature operation cannot use this device.

Q: Are both substitute parts physically compatible with the MPSA20 footprint?

A: Yes. Both the 2N5088 PBFREE and LP395Z/LFT1 use the TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) package, which is mechanically compatible with the MPSA20 TO-92-3 (TO-226) package. Pin configuration and lead spacing are identical.

Q: Why is the MPSA20 classified as obsolete?

A: The MPSA20 is no longer in active production. Substitute parts must be identified for new designs and ongoing production to ensure component availability and supply chain continuity.

Q: What compliance advantages do the substitute parts offer?

A: Both the 2N5088 PBFREE and LP395Z/LFT1 are ROHS3 compliant, whereas the MPSA20 is RoHS non-compliant. For applications subject to RoHS directives, the substitute parts are required.

Q: How do the saturation voltage characteristics differ between the MPSA20 and 2N5088 PBFREE?

A: The MPSA20 has a maximum saturation voltage of 250 mV at 1 mA, 10 mA, while the 2N5088 PBFREE has a maximum saturation voltage of 500 mV at the same test conditions. Applications sensitive to saturation voltage performance may experience different switching characteristics.

Q: What is the significance of the DC current gain (hFE) difference between the MPSA20 and 2N5088 PBFREE?

A: The MPSA20 has a minimum hFE of 40 at 5 mA, 10 V, while the 2N5088 PBFREE has a minimum hFE of 300 at 100 µA, 5 V. The 2N5088 PBFREE exhibits significantly higher current gain, which affects biasing requirements and amplification characteristics in circuit designs.

Q: Can the LP395Z/LFT1 be used in applications requiring operation below 0°C?

A: No. The LP395Z/LFT1 operating temperature range is specified as 0 to 125°C (TA). Applications requiring operation below 0°C must use the MPSA20 or 2N5088 PBFREE, both of which support extended lower temperature operation.

Q: What inventory status should be considered when selecting a substitute?

A: The 2N5088 PBFREE has 7553 pieces in stock, and the LP395Z/LFT1 has 6529 pieces in stock, compared to 2300 pieces of the obsolete MPSA20. Both substitutes offer superior supply availability for ongoing production requirements.

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