2N2904 Temperature-Power Derating Curve
PNP General Purpose Transistor. Package, TO-39.
2N2904 Applications; High speed saturated switching
2N2904 Temperature Derating Curve
Thermal Characteristics: [2N2904, 2N2905]
Derate the 2N2904 linearly by 3.43 mW/0C above an ambient temperature of 250C
Derate the 2N2904 linearly by 17.2mW/0C above a case temperature of 250C
Use the Graph to determine how much to derate power [wattage] based on ambient operational temperature. To obtain a higher operational operating temperature apply forced air cooling, the chart covers still air [Fan Manufacturers]. Free air implies that the device is not placed within an enclosure that inhibits air flow and that near by components are not inducing additional heat to the device. The graph shown above covers both the 2N2904 and the 2N2905. The curve for the 2N2904A and 2N2905A is basically the same except for the dashed lined. The line indicating thermal runaway runs out another 10 degrees before dropping, for the 'A' version parts, and terminates at 200 degrees centigrade. Each of the other graph lines are identical between the 'A' version and non-A version, so in order to save space the graph showing the other versions of the part are omitted.
Transistor Derating Curves
Temperature derating is a standard design practice for electrical engineers.
Refer to MIL-PRF-19500/290; Semiconductor Transistor, PNP, Switching, Types, 2N2904, 2N2904A, 2N2904AL, 2N2905, 2N2905A, and 2N2905AL, JAN, [TO-39 metal Can package], all of the packages listed use the TO-39.
2N2904 Maximum Ratings:
Collector Emitter Voltage = 40 volts dc [Vceo], 60 volts dc [2N2904A]
Collector Base Voltage = 40 volts dc [Vcbo], 60 volts dc [2N2904A]
Emitter Base Voltage = 5 volts dc [Vebo]
Collector Current = 600mA [Ic]
Power Dissipation 250C = 600mW [Pd]
Operating Junction Temperature = -65 to +2000C [Tj]
Storage Temperature = -65 to +2000C [Tstg]
Heat Sink Manufacturers, Listing of Transistor Manufacturers and BJT vendors
Guideline for ; Derating Electronic Components
Note: The Top curve is thermal runaway and cannot be used as a derate design curve since it exceeds the maximum
ratings for the 2N2904. Operating under this curve using these mounting conditions assures the device will not
have a thermal runaway. This is the true inverse of the worst case thermal resistance value extrapolated out to
the thermal runaway point.
The maximum junction temperature is shown in the black curve is just below the dash line, and may not be used during normal circuit operation. For proper circuit operation use one of the gray curves to insure the 2N2904 does not operate at or near its maximum junction temperature.
The mil spec listed also includes the follow qualified products;
JANTX, JANTXV, JANJ, JANS,
JANTXVM, JANTXVD, JANTXVR, JANTXVH, JANSM, JANSD, JANSR, and JANSH
The graph only applies to a TO-39 metal package, but a 2N2904 is also available in a plastic TO-92 package.