2N3906

2N3906 is a PNP transistor hence the collector and emitter will be closed (Forward biased) when the base pin is held at ground and will be opened (Reverse biased) when a signal is provided to base pin. This is where a PNP transistor differs from a NPN transistor, a Logic state (blue colour) is used to toggle between Ground and Signal Voltage (Emitter-Base Voltage VBE) as shown below 2N3906 has a gain value of 110 to 300, this value determines the amplification capacity of the transistor. The maximum amount of current that could flow through the Collector pin is 200mA, hence we cannot connect loads that consume more than 200mA using this transistor. To bias a transistor we have to supply current to base pin, this current (IB) should be limited to 5mA.

Technical Specification

• Bi-Polar PNP Transistor
• DC Current Gain (hFE) is 300 maximum
• Continuous Collector current (IC) is 200mA
• Emitter Base Voltage (VBE) is 5V
• Base Current(IB) is 5mA maximum
• Collector Emitter Voltage (VCE) is 40V
• Collector Base Voltage (VCB) is 40V