Last updated on March 9th, 2024 at 10:28 am
2N2222 is one of the most popular and commonly used transistors in electronics projects. But there are many variants of this transistor in the market, mainly 2N2222A, PN2222, and PN2222A. Due to this, there is a lot of confusion among beginners regarding which one to choose and what’s the difference.
But in this post, we are going to put an end to this confusion once and for all by comparing 2N2222 VS PN2222 VS 2N2222A VS PN22222 in detail.
Here are the differences between all four of them in a tabular form:
| Parameter | 2N2222 | 2N2222A | PN2222 | PN2222A |
| Collector-Base Voltage(VCBO) | 60 V | 75 V | 60 V | 75 V |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage(VCEO) | 30 V | 40 V | 30 V | 40 V |
| Emitter-Base Voltage(VEBO) | 5 V | 6 V | 5 V | 6 V |
| Collector Current(IC) | 0.8 A | 0.6 A | 0.6 A | 1 A |
| DC Current Gain(hFE) | 300(Max) | 300(Max) | 300(Max) | 300(Max) |
| Output Capacitance(COBO) | 8 pF | 8 pF | 8 pF | 8 pF |
| Collector Power Dissipation(PC) | 1.2W | 1.5W | 625 mW | 625 mW |
| Storage Temperature(TSTG) | -65 to 200°C | -55 to 150°C | -55 ~ 150 °C | -55 ~ 150 °C |
| Package | TO-18 | TO-92 | TO-92 | TO-92 |
Note: These value may vary according to the manufacturer. Please go through the dedicated datasheet provided by the manufacturer before using 2N2222.
PN2222 VS 2N2222: Short answer
2N2222 transistor is the original one whereas PN2222 is its updated version. 2N2222 comes in TO-18 metal package. PN2222 is the TO-92 plastic version of 2N2222, hence ‘P’ in PN2222.
Due to the plastic enclosing, the collector power dissipation and storage temperature ratings of PN2222 is less than 2N2222. The other absolute maximum ratings are similar.
It’s important to note that both transistors have their updated versions with alphabet ‘A’ at the end i.e, 2N2222A and PN2222A
What are 2N2222 and 2N2222A Transistors?
Both transistors are from the same family but the 2N2222A has higher Maximum absolute ratings than 2N2222. The Collector to Base, Emitter to Base, and Collector to Emitter voltage ratings of 2N2222 and 2N2222A are 60V, 30V, 5V, and 75V, 40V, 6V respectively.
Also, the 2N2222 comes in metal packaging whereas the 2N2222A is available in TO-92 plastic enclosure also. Due to this reason, the current rating of 2N2222A is slightly lower than 2N2222.
Due to different packaging, their pinout also differs, as shown below.
Note: Some companies call 2N2222 transistor "2N2222A' now and manufactures 2N2222A only.
2N2222 Pinout
2N2222A Pinout
2N2222A is a better option due to its higher ratings, low cost, and TO-92 packaging.
What are PN2222 and PN2222A Transistors?
Just like 2N2222 and 2N2222A, PN2222A has better absolute ratings than PN2222. The absolute current rating is also better. Both come in TO-92 packaging.
2N2222 and 2N2222A Pinout
Pinout of 2N2222 and 2N2222A is similar as shown below:
Since the cost is almost same, PN2222A is a better option considering its better ratings.
Datasheet
You can download the datasheet of all 2N2222 transistor variants from below:
| Transistor | Datasheet | Manufacturer |
| 2N2222(TO-18) | Download | Multicomp |
| 2N2222A(TO-18) | Download | Microsemi |
| PN2222(TO-92) | Download | OnSemi |
| PN2222A(TO-92) | Download | OnSemi |
Where to buy these transistors?
You can easily find these transistors in your local electronics store. For online purchases, we recommend this best deal on Amazon:
PN2222 and PN2222A(TO-92)
2N2222 Transistor Applications
The applications of the 2N2222 transistor are :
- Motor driver circuits
- Switching circuits
- Amplifier circuits
- Sensors circuits
- Audio preamplifier
- Low power application
- Inverter circuits
- RF circuits
- Darlington Pair
- Embedded and automation projects
Can a BC547 be replaced with 2N2222?
Yes, we can replace BC547 with 2N2222. BC547 transistor is considered the best equivalent of 2N2222 & can work well in your projects. Although using an equivalent transistor requires a detailed comparison, the BC547 is still a good alternative to 2N2222.
