Datasheet 3904: sounds technical, right? It is! But don’t be intimidated. Understanding Datasheet 3904 opens up a world of possibilities in electronics. This article will break down what Datasheet 3904 is, how it’s used, and why it’s such a popular component.
Diving Deep into the 3904 Transistor
Datasheet 3904 most commonly refers to the specifications for the 2N3904 NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). These transistors are small, three-terminal devices that act like electronically controlled switches or amplifiers. The 2N3904 is incredibly versatile and commonly used in a wide range of low-power electronic circuits. This is because it is inexpensive, readily available, and has reasonably good performance characteristics for many general-purpose applications.
The core function of a 2N3904 transistor is to control current flow between two terminals (collector and emitter) based on a small current applied to the third terminal (base). Think of it like a valve: a small turn of the valve (base current) controls a much larger flow of water (collector-emitter current). This amplification property makes it useful in circuits that need to boost weak signals. Furthermore, it can be utilized as a switch with the following properties:
- Simple to control with low current.
- Fast switching speeds.
- Can handle moderate current and voltage.
Datasheet 3904 provides all the crucial parameters needed to design circuits using this transistor. These parameters include voltage limits, current handling capabilities, gain (amplification factor), and operating temperature ranges. Ignoring these values could lead to device failure or malfunctioning circuits. Without the datasheet, a design engineer would be flying blind!
Here’s a small table of common parameters you might find in Datasheet 3904:
| Parameter | Symbol | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Collector-Emitter Voltage | VCEO | 40V |
| Collector Current | IC | 200mA |
| DC Current Gain | hFE | 100-300 |
To get a complete understanding of the 2N3904 transistor and how to use it effectively in your projects, it’s highly recommended to consult the actual Datasheet 3904. It contains all the detailed specifications and performance graphs you need.