Product Overview
High-speed general purpose NPN switching and amplifier transistor - TO-92 package
Condition
Unused, NOS – New Old Stock. Excellent condition with nothing out of the ordinary noted. Visual inspection OK. Sourced from an electronics distributor that was consolidating inventory.
Ships same business day. Reliable parts since 1999. Honest pricing, no nonsense.
Product Overview
Fairchild MPS2222A is a silicon planar NPN bipolar junction transistor designed for general-purpose switching and linear amplification. Housed in a TO-92 plastic package, it balances small size with solid current handling, making it a common choice in control circuits, audio stages, and RF projects. With a 40V collector-emitter rating and up to 600mA continuous collector current, it steps beyond lower-current signal transistors and can directly drive relays, lamps, and higher-current loads within its limits. A minimum 300MHz transition frequency supports use in VHF and other high-speed applications.
Key Features
- Brand: Fairchild
- Part number: MPS2222A
- Transistor type: NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT)
- Package: TO-92 (Style 97)
- Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO): 40V maximum
- Collector Current (IC): 600mA continuous
- Total Power Dissipation (PD): 625mW at 25°C
- DC Current Gain (hFE): 100 to 300 at IC = 150mA
- Transition Frequency (fT): 300MHz minimum at IC = 20mA
- Low saturation voltage, approximately 0.3V at 150mA
Applications
- Relay and solenoid driving from microcontrollers or logic circuits
- LED arrays and small lamp switching
- General-purpose signal amplification (Class A or B stages)
- VHF oscillators and low-power RF amplifier stages
- Audio preamp and driver stages where moderate gain is required
- Repair and maintenance of legacy through-hole electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for switching a relay?
Yes. With a 600mA continuous collector current rating and low saturation voltage, it is commonly used to switch small relays, provided proper base drive and flyback protection are used.
What is the maximum voltage it can handle?
The maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) is 40V. Designs should include margin below this limit for reliability.
Can it be used for audio amplification?
Yes. It can operate in linear amplifier configurations such as Class A or Class B stages within its voltage and power limits.
What is the package and pin configuration?
It is supplied in a TO-92 package. For the Fairchild MPS2222A, the typical pinout when facing the flat side is E-B-C from left to right. Always confirm against your circuit layout before installation.
Is this interchangeable with 2N2222A or PN2222A?
Electrically, it is in the same family. However, package style, thermal performance, and pin configuration can differ between manufacturers and variants, so verify before direct substitution.
A small three-leaded part that has earned its place on countless boards. If your project needs a dependable NPN that can both switch and amplify, this is one you will reach for again.
