S8050 Transistor NPN 40V 500mA 300mW TO-92

S8050 NPN Transistor (40V, 500mA, TO-92) is a versatile and widely utilized Bi-polar Junction Transistor (BJT) that designers employ for general-purpose switching and amplification tasks across a variety of electronic circuits. This low-power NPN transistor offers a robust collector current capability of 500mA and a collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) of 25V, making it an excellent choice for driving LEDs, relays, and small DC motors. Consequently, the S8050 reliably handles moderate power requirements in compact spaces due to its popular TO-92 package. Furthermore, its high current gain (h_FE) makes it particularly efficient in amplifying low-level signals. Therefore, engineers frequently select the S8050 for cost-sensitive, high-volume manufacturing of consumer electronics, battery chargers, and digital interfaces.

Key Features:

• High Collector Current: Handles a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 500mA, allowing it to drive various medium-current loads like small solenoids and high-power LEDs.
• High Voltage Rating: The transistor provides a Collector-Base Voltage (V_CBO) of 40V, ensuring safe operation in circuits with moderate supply voltages.
• High Current Gain (h_FE): Offers a high DC current gain, typically ranging from 85 to 300, which provides efficient switching with a small base current.
• Low Power Dissipation: Delivers a total power dissipation (P_D) of up to 300mW in the common TO-92 package, suitable for dense PCB designs.
• NPN Configuration: Easily integrates into standard digital circuits, using a positive voltage at the base to control current flow from collector to emitter.

Technical Specifications:

• Transistor Type: NPN Bi-polar Junction Transistor (BJT)
• Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): 25 V
• Collector-Base Voltage (V_CBO): 40 V
• Emitter-Base Voltage (V_EBO): 5 V
• Collector Current (I_C) Max: 500 mA
• Power Dissipation (P_D): 300 mW (at T_A=25°C)
• DC Current Gain (h_FE): 85 ≤ h_FE ≤ 300 (V_CE=1V, I_C=100mA)
• Operating Junction Temperature (T_J): −55°C to +150°C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Style: TO-92 (Radial, Plastic Through-Hole)
• Mounting: Through-Hole Technology (THT)
• Package Material: Epoxy Resin (Molded Plastic)
• Lead Material: Tinned Copper

Dimensions:

• Body Diameter: ≈ 4.5 mm
• Body Height: ≈ 4.5 mm (Excluding leads)
• Lead Pitch (E-C-B): 1.27 mm (Standard for TO-92)
• Overall Length (Leads Included): ≈ 15.0 mm
• Weight: ≈ 0.2 g (Extremely lightweight)

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (E – Emitter): Connect the Emitter pin to the circuit ground or the common low-side of the voltage source.
• Pin 2 (B – Base): Apply the control signal (current) to the Base pin to activate the transistor and allow collector current flow.
• Pin 3 (C – Collector): Connect the Collector pin to the positive supply through the load (e.g., LED or relay coil).
• Wiring Note: Specifically, always place a current-limiting resistor in series with the Base pin to prevent damage to the transistor and the driving circuit.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download S8050 NPN Transistor Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Logic Level Shifters: Converting low-voltage signals (3.3V) to higher voltages (5V or 12V) for driving specific circuits.
• Small Signal Amplifiers: Providing voltage and current gain in audio pre-amplifiers and general signal conditioning circuits.
• Digital Interfacing: Creating a switching bridge between microcontroller units (MCUs) and higher-current peripherals.

Applications:

• Switching DC Loads: Drivers use it to switch relays, buzzers, small fans, and indicator LEDs directly from logic outputs.
• LED Matrix Control: Column or row current drivers in small to medium-sized LED displays.
• Motor Speed Control: Low-power current switching for basic Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control of small DC motors.
• Power Supply Control: Serves as the switching element in simple voltage regulation and battery charging circuits.

Equivalent Models:

• 2N3904: However, this is a lower current (200mA) version but often used interchangeably in low-power applications.
• S9013: A close substitute with similar V_CEO and current rating, commonly used for amplification.
• C945 (2SC945): A well-known general-purpose NPN transistor that offers comparable performance and pinout.

Package Includes:

• 1 x S8050 Transistor NPN 40V 500mA 300mW TO-92