The 2N2222 NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) has a gain value of 110 to 800. This value is essential since it determines the amplification capacity the transistor has. The maximum current that the collector pin can hold is 800mA. If you want to bias the transistor, you can supply current to the base pin, but it should be limited to 5mA.
When entirely biased, the transistor allows a current of 800mA to pass through the emitter and collector. This is known as the saturation region. 2N2222 is an NPN transistor meaning the emitter and collector are left open, but the base pin is closed if it receives any signals. 2N2222 is the best transistor for switching loads of higher currents.
2N2222 datasheet
According to its datasheet, some of the main specs of the transistor are:
- Base current of 5mA
- Emitter base voltage of 6V
- DC gain of 100
- Bipolar high current NPN transistor
- The continuous collector current of 800mA
- Available in the TO-92 package
The following are the key application areas for the transistor:
- Speed controlling motors
- Inverter and rectifier circuits
- Used in the Darlington pair
- Used in switching applications
2N2222 pinout
The 2N2222 transistor has three pins. Pin 1 is the emitter where current passes through when draining out. Pin 2 is the base pin that controls how the transistor is biased. Pin 3 is the transistor pin where current passes through when flowing in.
Look at the pinout diagram below.
2N2222 Equivalents and Replacement Details
The equivalents of 2n222 are ktn2222,bc547, kn2222, pn2222, mps2222, 2n3904 and 2n2907. Bc547 and 2N2222 are so similar to each other. The main feature that distinguishes one from the other is that 2N2222 can allow a collector current of up to 800mA while the bc547 cannot. The power dissipation of 2N2222 is 652mW and can drive larger loads, unlike the bc547.
