2N3055 NPN Power Transistor Circuit Diagram, Equivalent, Datasheet, and Uses

The 2N3055 is a popular silicon NPN power transistor known for its robustness and versatility in various high-power applications. Manufactured by multiple semiconductor companies, this transistor is widely used in power amplifiers, switching circuits, and power supplies.

What is 2N3055?

The 2N3055 is a versatile NPN power transistor built using an epitaxial base process and encased in a hermetically sealed metal housing. It is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification tasks. The 2N3055 is often the go-to choice for efficiently handling medium power loads through simple switching mechanisms. As one of the fundamental, cost-effective transistors on the market, it is well-suited for a variety of uses. Additionally, the 2N3055 is commonly employed in audio power amplifiers due to its robust amplification capabilities and nearly linear gain, making it an excellent option for power amplifier applications.

2N3055 Pinout

The 2N3055 is available in a TO-3 package, which provides a robust and efficient layout for high-power applications.

Pin No.	Pin Name	FDescription
1	Base	Control Terminal: Controls the transistor's operation.
2	Emitter	Ground Terminal: Returns current to the ground.
3	Collector	Output Terminal: Main current-carrying terminal.

Functions of Each Pin

• Base: The base pin is the control terminal of the transistor. A small current applied to the base controls the larger current flowing between the collector and emitter.

• Collector: The collector pin is the main current-carrying terminal. It is connected to the load in the circuit.

• Emitter: The emitter pin is the ground terminal, where the current flows out of the transistor back to the ground.

Specifications and Features

2N3055 Specifications

• Transistor Type: NPN

• Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vce): 60V

• Collector-Base Voltage (Vcb): 100V

• Emitter-Base Voltage (Veb): 7V

• Collector Current (Ic): 15A

• Power Dissipation (Ptot): 115W

• Current Gain (hFE): 20 to 70

• Operating Temperature Range: -65°C to 200°C

• Package: TO-3

2N3055 Features

• High Power Handling: Capable of handling up to 115W of power.

• Robust Design: Metal can package for superior thermal performance.

• Wide Availability: Widely available from multiple manufacturers.

• Versatile: Suitable for various high-power applications.

2N3055 Equivalent

Equivalent Part	Manufacturer	Description
2N3055	Hi-Tron Semiconductor Corp	Power Bipolar Transistor, 15A IC, 60V V(BR)CEO, NPN, Silicon, TO-3, Metal, 2 Pin
2N3055A	Motorola Semiconductor Products	Power Bipolar Transistor, 15A IC, 60V V(BR)CEO, NPN, Silicon, TO-204AA, Metal, 2 Pin
2N3055AG	Rochester Electronics LLC	15A, 60V, NPN, Silicon, Power Transistor, TO-204AA, RoHS Compliant, Metal, 2 Pin
JANTXV2N3055	Cobham Semiconductor Solutions	Power Bipolar Transistor, 15A IC, 70V V(BR)CEO, NPN, Silicon, TO-3, Metal, 2 Pin
JANTX2N3055	Microsemi Corporation	Power Bipolar Transistor, 15A IC, 70V V(BR)CEO, NPN, Silicon, TO-3, Metal, 2 Pin
2N3055CECC	TT Electronics Power and Hybrid / Semelab Ltd	15A, 60V, NPN, Silicon, Power Transistor, TO-3, Metal, 2 Pin
BDX10R1	TT Electronics Power and Hybrid / Semelab Ltd	15A, 60V, NPN, Silicon, Power Transistor, TO-204AA, Hermetic Sealed, Metal, 2 Pin
BDX10	TT Electronics Resistors	Power Bipolar Transistor, 15A IC, 60V V(BR)CEO, NPN, Silicon, TO-204AA, Hermetic Sealed, 2 Pin
2N3055R1	TT Electronics Power and Hybrid / Semelab Ltd	15A, 60V, NPN, Silicon, Power Transistor, TO-204AA, Hermetic Sealed, Metal, 2 Pin
JAN2N3055	API Technologies Corp	Power Bipolar Transistor, 15A IC, 70V V(BR)CEO, NPN, Silicon, TO-3, Metal, 2 Pin

How to use the 2N3055 Transistor?

As previously noted, the 2N3055 is suitable for any NPN transistor applications. To illustrate its functionality, consider the following example where we employ the 2N3055 as a basic switching device in a common emitter configuration to operate a motor. The diagram below (not shown here) outlines the circuit setup. In this configuration, a motor serves as the load, with a 5V source linked to a push button providing the gate signal to activate the transistor. Both the trigger and power sources must share a common ground for the circuit to function correctly. A 100Ω resistor is included to limit the current flowing through the transistor's base.

Initially, the push button remains unengaged, and no current travels through the transistor's base, rendering the transistor effectively an open circuit. Consequently, the full supply voltage V1 is present across it.

Pressing the button establishes a voltage V2, completing the circuit between the base and emitter of the transistor, as depicted in the circuit diagram. This completion allows current to flow through the transistor's base, activating the transistor. In its active state, the transistor behaves like a closed circuit, allowing collector current to pass and drive the motor, which continues to run as long as there is base current.

Releasing the button after some time cuts off the base current, deactivating the transistor. The transistor then shifts to a high-resistance state in its off mode, halting the collector current and stopping the motor.

This straightforward mechanism of controlling a power motor via a simple push button demonstrates the practicality of using the 2N3055 as a switching device. The same principles apply when integrating the 2N3055 into other transistor-based circuits.

2N3055 Applications

Power Amplifiers

The 2N3055 is commonly used in power amplifiers due to its high current and power handling capabilities, making it suitable for audio and RF amplifiers.

Switching Circuits

In switching circuits, the 2N3055 acts as a switch to control high power loads, such as motors, lamps, and heaters.

Power Supplies

The 2N3055 is used in power supply circuits, including linear and switching power supplies, to regulate and control high voltage and current levels.

Motor Controllers

In motor controller applications, the 2N3055 is used to drive and control DC motors, providing efficient and reliable performance.

2N3055 Package

The 2N3055 is available in a TO-3 metal can package, which provides excellent thermal performance and durability. The package design facilitates easy mounting and heat dissipation in high-power applications.

2N3055 Manufacturer

The 2N3055 is manufactured by multiple semiconductor companies, including ON Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics, and Fairchild Semiconductor. These manufacturers are known for producing high-quality and reliable electronic components.

2N3055 Datasheet

Download 2N3055 datasheet PDF.

2N3055 vs. MJ2955

Comparison of Features and Specifications

• 2N3055: NPN transistor, 60V Vce, 15A Ic, 115W Ptot.

• MJ2955: PNP transistor, 60V Vce, 15A Ic, 115W Ptot.

Differences in Performance and Functionality

The 2N3055 is an NPN transistor, while the MJ2955 is its PNP complement. They are often used together in push-pull amplifier configurations.

Suitability for Different Applications

The 2N3055 is suitable for applications requiring an NPN transistor, while the MJ2955 is used in applications requiring a PNP transistor. They are commonly used together in complementary configurations.

Conclusion

The 2N3055 is a versatile and robust power transistor, ideal for high-power applications such as power amplifiers, switching circuits, and power supplies. Its high power handling capability, combined with its reliable TO-3 package, makes it a popular choice among engineers and designers. Whether used in audio amplifiers, motor controllers, or power supplies, the 2N3055 delivers reliable performance and durability.

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