Transistors - Bipolar (BJT)

Transistors - Bipolar (BJT) - Single

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
2N4895 PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 60V TO39	0
CMPT3019 TR PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 80V 0.5A SOT23	1062
2N4403 PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS PNP 40V 0.6A TO-92	7744
TIP31B PBFREE Central Semiconductor	THROUGH-HOLE TRANSISTOR-BIPOLAR	0
MJE180 PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 40V 3A TO-126	0
2N5885 PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 60V 25A TO-3	0
2N3903 PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 40V TO-92	5756
CZTA92 TR PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS PNP 300V 0.5A SOT223	142
2N5306 TIN/LEAD Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN DARL 25V 0.3A TO-92	0
2N6668 TIN/LEAD Central Semiconductor	TRANS PNP DARL 80V 10A TO220	0
2N5320 PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 75V 2A TO-39	865
CMST5087 TR TIN/LEAD Central Semiconductor	TRANS PNP 50V 0.05A SOT323	33000
CMNT3906E TR PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS PNP 60V 0.2A SOT953	7651
CJD32C TR13 Central Semiconductor	TRANS PNP 100V 3A DPAK	272
CMPT491E TR PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 60V 1A SOT-23	6344
2N5401 TIN/LEAD Central Semiconductor	TRANS PNP 150V 0.6A TO-92	15000
CMPTA27 TR PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 60V 0.5A SOT23	2379
2N3391A PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 25V TO-92	1704
CMST2907A TR PBFREE Central Semiconductor	TRANS PNP 60V 0.6A SOT323	265
PN2369A TIN/LEAD Central Semiconductor	TRANS NPN 15V 0.2A TO-92	4995

Transistors - Bipolar (BJT) - Single

1. Overview

Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) are three-terminal semiconductor devices that use both electron and hole charge carriers. They form the foundation of analog electronics through their ability to amplify signals and control current flow. BJTs remain critical in modern electronics for applications ranging from audio amplifiers to power management circuits, offering superior linearity and robustness in switching operations.

2. Main Types & Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
NPN Transistor	Majority carriers: electrons. Requires positive base current for conduction.	Low-noise amplifiers, digital logic circuits
PNP Transistor	Majority carriers: holes. Conducts with negative base current.	Power supply circuits, motor controllers
High-Frequency BJT	Optimized for RF/microwave signal amplification (f_T > 100 MHz)	Wireless communication systems, radar
Power BJT	High current/voltage ratings (I_C > 1A, V_CE > 50V)	Switch-mode power supplies, motor drives

3. Structure & Composition

BJTs consist of three doped semiconductor regions forming two p-n junctions:

Emitter: Heavily doped region emitting charge carriers
Base: Thin, lightly doped middle region controlling carrier flow
Collector: Moderately doped region collecting carriers

Manufactured using silicon (common) or germanium (historic) with planar processing technology. The structure forms either NPN (n-type emitter/base/collector) or PNP configuration, with metal contacts for external connections.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Current Gain (h_FE)	Ratio of collector to base current (10-1000)	Determines amplification capability
Transition Frequency (f_T)	Frequency at which current gain drops to 1	Limits high-frequency performance
Max Collector Current (I_Cmax)	Maximum allowable continuous collector current	Defines power handling capability
Breakdown Voltage (V_CEO)	Max voltage between collector and emitter	Prevents device failure under stress
Saturation Voltage (V_CEsat)	Voltage drop in fully conducting state	Affects power efficiency in switching

5. Application Areas

Consumer Electronics: Audio amplifiers, LED drivers
Automotive: Engine control units, electric vehicle inverters
Industrial: PLCs, motor controllers
Telecommunications: RF power amplifiers, fiber optic transceivers
Aerospace: Avionics systems, satellite transponders

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Specifications	Typical Use
ON Semiconductor	2N3904	hFE: 100-300, fT: 300 MHz	General-purpose switching
Infineon	BC547	VCEO: 50V, ICmax: 100mA	Analog signal amplification
STMicroelectronics	2SD2656	ICmax: 15A, VCEO: 80V	Power inverter applications
Diodes Inc.	BFR93A	fT: 10 GHz, Noise Figure: 2dB	High-frequency front-end amplifiers

7. Selection Guidelines

Determine operating frequency: Select fT > 3 target frequency
Power requirements: Ensure Icmax and VCEO exceed circuit requirements by 20%
Thermal considerations: Calculate power dissipation (P=V_CE I_C)
Package type: TO-92 for low power, TO-220 for high-power applications
Environmental factors: Consider temperature ratings for industrial/military use

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include:

High-frequency BJTs operating beyond 100 GHz for 6G communication
Integrated BJT-MOSFET hybrid devices (BiCMOS) for mixed-signal applications
Wide-bandgap materials (SiC/GaN) for higher power density
Miniaturization through chip-scale packaging
Improved thermal management solutions for automotive applications