Product Overview
Vintage Germanium Alloy Junction Output Transistor
Condition
New old stock, unused. Body is gold finish with clean pins. Markings legible on case: Motorola logo, 2N176, 1-44.
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Product Overview
Motorola 2N176 PNP germanium alloy junction power transistor housed in a diamond TO-3 package with a gold-tone finish. Engineered for low-frequency power amplification and switching, it served as a standard output device in classic automotive radios and legacy audio equipment. The transistor provides a -40V collector-base breakdown rating and handles up to -3A continuous collector current, with the collector connected directly to the metal case.
Key Features
- PNP germanium alloy junction construction
- Collector-base voltage (VCBO) rated at -40V
- Collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) rated at -30V
- Emitter-base voltage (VEBO) rated at -10V
- Continuous collector current (IC) of -3A
- Standard two-pin TO-3 diamond package with case collector
Applications
- Restoring audio amplifier output stages in 1950s and 1960s vintage car radios
- Repairing legacy analog audio gear and low-frequency power amplifiers
- Vintage pedal builds and custom germanium overdrive circuits where classic alloy junction response is desired
- Bench repairs and maintenance of legacy industrial DC power switching circuits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the case pinout of the 2N176?
The 2N176 uses a standard TO-3 footprint with two base pins for the base and emitter leads, while the metal case serves as the collector connection.
Can this part be used in positive-ground automotive systems?
Yes. As a PNP germanium transistor, the 2N176 was commonly employed in classic 12V positive-ground vehicle electrical systems and radios.
What common replacement part interchanges with the 2N176?
The 2N176 crosses directly to the NTE121 replacement transistor in standard solid-state cross-reference guides.
There is nothing quite like vintage germanium when you are bringing a mid-century car radio back to life. Put this gold can into the circuit and let the tubes and early solid-state iron sing the way they were meant to.
