2n904 Datasheet

The 2N904 datasheet is a crucial document for anyone working with this popular NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). It provides a comprehensive overview of the transistor’s electrical characteristics, operating limits, and application guidelines, serving as a foundational reference for circuit design and troubleshooting.

Understanding the 2N904 Datasheet’s Core Information

The 2N904 datasheet is, at its heart, a detailed specification sheet. It meticulously outlines the transistor’s capabilities and limitations, ensuring that designers can utilize it effectively without exceeding its operational boundaries. Think of it as the transistor’s instruction manual, filled with essential parameters like maximum collector current, collector-emitter voltage, and power dissipation. Understanding these parameters is absolutely essential to prevent damage to the component and ensure circuit reliability. Here’s a simple breakdown of common elements found in a 2N904 datasheet:

• Absolute Maximum Ratings: The extreme limits beyond which the transistor may be damaged.
• Electrical Characteristics: Typical and minimum/maximum values for parameters like current gain (hFE), saturation voltages, and leakage currents.
• Package Information: Details about the physical dimensions and lead configuration of the transistor.

Datasheets are used by engineers, hobbyists, and technicians alike. Engineers rely on them to select the appropriate transistor for a given application, considering factors like voltage requirements, current demands, and switching speed. Hobbyists and students find them invaluable for understanding how the transistor works and how to incorporate it into their projects. Technicians use datasheets for troubleshooting circuits, comparing measured values against the specified parameters to identify potential faults. For instance, the datasheet specifies the transistor’s DC current gain (hFE), a crucial parameter determining how much the collector current is amplified for a given base current. Deviations from the datasheet values can indicate a faulty transistor.

The information within a datasheet allows for informed decision-making in circuit design. Consider designing a simple amplifier. Using the 2N904 datasheet, you could determine:

1. The appropriate bias resistors to achieve a desired quiescent operating point.
2. The maximum signal amplitude that can be amplified without clipping.
3. The power dissipation of the transistor to ensure it remains within safe operating limits.

Without this information, the design would be prone to errors, leading to potentially non-functional or unreliable circuits. A simplified table would highlight some key parameters, like so:

To truly master the 2N904 and unlock its full potential in your projects, we highly recommend you dive deep into a reputable 2N904 datasheet. The specific datasheet provided by the manufacturer of the transistor you are using should always be consulted for the most accurate information.