2N3904 vs 2N2222 Transistor: What’s The Difference?

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The 2N3904 and 2N2222 are both general purpose NPN bipolar junction transistors used in a variety of electronic applications. Although the two transistors are both NPN, they have different characteristics and are suitable for different purposes.

And before you decide to buy one, it will be wise to know their differences.

In this guide we are going to analyse the key differences between 2N3904 and 2N2222 transistors.

At the end of it all, you will know which one is a perfect fit for you.

Overview of a 2N3904 transistor

A 2N3904 is a type of NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). It is commonly used in general-purpose low-power amplifying or switching applications. It has a gain value of 100 to 300 and can operate at a maximum collector current of 200mA. The transistor can also operate in a wide range of voltages, from -55V to +150V. It is also available in a variety of packages, including TO-92, SOT-23, and TO-220. The 2N3904 has a wide range of applications, including audio amplifiers, switching circuits, analog circuits, and digital circuits.

Overview of 2N2222 transistor

A 2N2222 is a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) commonly used as an amplifier or switch. It is a small signal NPN transistor that can handle up to 800mA and has a gain of 40 to 800.

It is commonly used to switch small loads such as LEDs, relays, and motors. It is also used in many analog circuits, such as audio amplifiers, radio receivers, and op-amps. It is available in a wide variety of packages, including TO-92, TO-18, and SOT-23. Also, it has a low voltage drop and low saturation voltage, making it ideal for use in low-power applications.

2N3904 vs 2N2222 Transistor: What’s The Difference?

Now let’s look at various differences between these two transistors.

2N3904 vs 2N2222 :Pinout

Pinout refers to the physical arrangement of the pins on the transistor. Both 2N3904 and 2N2222 have three pins labeled as Emitter(E), Base(B) and Collector(C) respectively. The three pins are arranged in a slightly different way for both transistors. The 2N3904 has its pins arranged in a straight line, whereas the 2N2222 has its pins arranged in an inverted triangle pattern.

2N3904 vs 2N2222: Voltage and Current

The 2N3904 is a NPN transistor, so it can handle up to 40V of collector-emitter voltage, and can handle up to 200mA of collector current. The 2N2222 is an NPN transistor, so it can handle up to 60V of collector-emitter voltage, and can handle up to 500mA of collector current.

2N3904 vs 2N2222: Power Dissipation

Power dissipation is the amount of power a transistor can dissipate before it is damaged. The 2N3904 can dissipate up to 625mW of power, whereas the 2N2222 can dissipate up to 800mW of power.

2N3904 vs 2N2222: Gain

The gain of a transistor is a measure of how much current it can amplify. The 2N3904 has a gain of between 100 and 300, whereas the 2N2222 has a gain of between 150 and 500.

2N3904 vs 2N2222: Cost

The 2N3904 is usually much cheaper than the 2N2222, as it is the more commonly used transistor. Also, the low cost of the 2N3904 may be due to its lower power dissipation and lower gain than the 2N2222.

2N3904 vs 2N2222: Package

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The 2N3904 is available in a variety of packages, including a TO-92 package, a SOT-23 package, and a SOT-223 package. The 2N2222 is only available in a TO-18 package. Keep in mind that the package simply refers to the physical shape and size of the transistor and does not affect its performance.

2N3904 vs 2N2222: Applications

The 2N3904 is generally used in low power applications, such as switching and digital logic circuits, audio amplifiers, and other small signal applications. The 2N2222 is used in a variety of medium power applications, such as power amplifiers, small motor control, and other medium power switching applications.

 2N3904 vs 2N2222: Equivalents

Which transistors can be used in place of the 2N3904? The 2N3904 has a few equivalents, including the BC547, 2N4401, and 2N4124. The 2N2222 has equivalents, such as the BC337, 2N2907, and 2N6292. Keep in mind that these transistors are not exact equivalents and may have slightly different characteristics than the 2N3904 and 2N2222.

Temperature Rating

The 2N3904 has a maximum operating temperature of 150°C, whereas the 2N2222 has a maximum operating temperature of 200°C. This is an important consideration for applications that require extended operation at high temperatures. Also, keep in mind that the maximum temperature rating is usually the temperature at which the transistor will permanently damage.

FAQ 2N3904 vs 2N2222 transistors

Here are questions that most people tend to ask about 2N3904 and 2N2222 transistors.

What can I use instead of 2N2222?

You can use any transistor that has a TO-18 packaging. They include the 2N3904, 2N4401, 2N4923, 2N5088, 2N5401, 2N60, BC547, BC548, and BC549.

What are the similarities between 2N3904 and 2N2222 transistors?

Despite the differences, the two transistors have some similarities. For example, they are similar in the way that they handle collector and emitter voltage. This implies that both transistors have a similar base-emitter voltage and collector current. Furthermore, both transistors are general-purpose transistors and can be used for a variety of applications.

What is beta 2N3904?

Beta 2N3904 is the current gain of the 2N3904 transistor, which is typically between 100 and 300. The beta of a transistor is the ratio of the collector current to the base current when the emitter current is constant. A higher beta value indicates that the transistor is more sensitive to input current and can provide a stronger output current.

Can I use 2N2222 instead of 2N3904?

Yes, you can use 2N2222 instead of 2N3904 but you should be aware of the differences between the two transistors. The 2N2222 has a higher collector current rating and a higher power dissipation rating. It also has a higher collector-emitter voltage rating. Additionally, 2N2222 has a higher Gain Bandwidth (fT) than 2N3904. This means that the 2N2222 is more suitable for high-frequency applications.

Conclusion

I hope you have learned the differences between the 2N3904 and 2N2222 transistors. And when it comes to buying transistors in China, consider choosing ICRFQ. We are a trusted supplier of quality transistors for sale. Contact us to place your bulk orders for the best transistors.

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