The 3904 Datasheet is a critical document for anyone working with electronics, particularly those involved in circuit design, repair, or manufacturing. It provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics, specifications, and application guidelines for a specific electronic component, the 2N3904 transistor. Understanding the information within the 3904 Datasheet is fundamental to successfully integrating this widely used component into your projects.
What is the 3904 Datasheet and How is it Used
At its core, the 3904 Datasheet is a technical specification document. It's like a detailed instruction manual for the 2N3904, a ubiquitous NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). This transistor is a workhorse in the electronics industry, found in countless devices due to its affordability, versatility, and good performance characteristics for general-purpose amplification and switching tasks. The datasheet outlines everything you need to know to use it correctly, from its electrical properties to its physical dimensions.
The 3904 Datasheet is indispensable for several reasons:
- Electrical Characteristics : This includes vital parameters like collector-emitter voltage (Vce), collector current (Ic), base current (Ib), DC current gain (hFE), and switching speeds. These values dictate how the transistor will behave under different operating conditions.
- Physical Specifications : Information on package type (TO-92), pinout (Base, Collector, Emitter), and dimensions is crucial for physical integration into circuit boards.
- Application Information : Datasheets often provide typical application circuits and performance curves, offering engineers practical examples of how to utilize the 2N3904 effectively.
Engineers and hobbyists alike rely on the 3904 Datasheet to:
- Select the right transistor for a specific circuit function.
- Ensure proper biasing and operating conditions to prevent damage or malfunction.
- Calculate component values for surrounding circuitry, such as resistors and capacitors.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose issues in existing circuits.
- Compare the 2N3904 with other transistors to make informed component choices.
Here's a simplified look at some key parameters found in a typical 3904 Datasheet:
| Parameter | Typical Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Vce (max) | 40 | V |
| Ic (max) | 200 | mA |
| hFE (min) | 100 | - |
The accurate interpretation and application of the data presented in the 3904 Datasheet are paramount for successful electronic design and implementation.
To ensure you're using the 2N3904 transistor correctly and to its full potential, refer to the detailed information provided in the dedicated section that follows.