S9015 PNP Transistor Equivalents, Structure, S9015 vs C9015 and More

15 November 2023


Ⅰ. Overview of S9015 transistor

Ⅱ. Structure and working principle of S9015 transistor

Ⅲ. Pin configuration of S9015 transistor

Ⅳ. Features of S9015 transistor

Ⅴ. Technical parameters of S9015 transistor

Ⅵ. Absolute maximum ratings and electrical characteristics of S9015 transistor

Ⅶ. What is the difference between S9015 and C9015?

Ⅷ. What is the difference between S9015, S9013 and S9014?

Ⅸ. What are the applications of S9015 transistor?



Ⅰ. Overview of S9015 transistor


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The S9015, a prevalent low-power NPN transistor housed in a TO-92 package, boasts a collector current of 100mA and a collector-emitter voltage of 50V. Paired complementarily with the S9014 transistor, it stands out for its exceptional attributes, including high gain, low noise, and a remarkable high-frequency response. These features make it widely used in circuits such as switching, amplification and voltage stabilization.


Replacements and equivalents:

BC557C

• S8550

S9014

SS9012

• MPSW55

• 2N4403



Ⅱ. Structure and working principle of S9015 transistor


The transistor S9015 is mainly composed of two PN structures, namely a PNP type emitter junction and an NPN type collector junction. The N region of the emitter junction is connected to the base, and the N region of the collector junction is connected to the emitter.


Under normal operating conditions, when the base current is greater than the saturation current between the emitter and collector, the transistor will be in an amplified state. The proportional relationship between the emitter current and the collector current is determined by the amplification factor of the triode. The working principle of the transistor S9015 is based on the electron diffusion and drift effects in the PN junction. By controlling the base current, it can achieve amplification and switching control of the circuit.



Ⅲ. Pin configuration of S9015 transistor


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The S9015 transistor has three pins, namely emitter (E), base (B) and collector (C). Its specific functions are as follows.


• Emitter: It is connected to the negative terminal of the external circuit.


• Base: It is connected to the control signal source of the external circuit and is used to control the flow of current in the transistor.


• Collector: It is connected to the positive terminal of the external circuit and is used to control the output current.



Ⅳ. Features of S9015 transistor


• Low power: In its design, the S9015 incorporates a low-power device structure, enabling it to function efficiently at lower voltage and current levels. This design feature proves advantageous in minimizing the overall power consumption of the circuit.


• Low noise: When employed in audio amplification and other circuits, it exhibits reduced noise, contributing to an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio for the signal.


• Versatility: As a commonly used transistor type, S9015 has a wide range of applications in various electronic devices, such as audio amplification, power supply circuits and control circuits.


• High gain: This transistor has a high current gain, which makes it suitable for certain circuits that require higher amplification.



Ⅴ. Technical parameters of S9015 transistor


• Input resistance: Input resistance measures the resistance of the input terminal of an electronic component to electrical current. Its input resistance is generally between 1.2kΩ and 10kΩ. Generally speaking, a larger input resistance means that the S9015 has lower current requirements for the input signal.


• Output resistance: Output resistance refers to the resistance of the output end to current. Its output resistance is usually between 1kΩ and 10kΩ. Within a certain range, the smaller the output resistance, the greater the output current that S9015 can provide.


• Maximum frequency: Transition frequency refers to the maximum operating frequency of the transistor. Its maximum transition frequency is 150MHz. The higher transition frequency means that the S9015 can be used in high-frequency applications such as RF amplifiers and oscillators.


• Maximum current: The S9015 should operate within a collector current not exceeding 100mA for optimal performance during regular use.


• Maximum power consumption: The electrical power consumed by the transistor during operation is the dissipated power. Its maximum power dissipation is 400mW. To ensure that the transistor performance is not affected, we should choose a suitable heat sink to avoid overheating.


• Maximum voltage: Its maximum collector-emitter voltage is 45V. During normal use, the voltage value between the collector and the emitter should not exceed 45V to avoid voltage overload failure.


• Amplification: DC amplification refers to the ratio of current change between input and output. Its DC amplification factor is generally between 70 and 400. The larger DC amplification factor means that the S9015 can provide greater current output gain.



Ⅵ. Absolute maximum ratings and electrical characteristics of S9015 transistor


1. Absolute maximum ratings


(Ratings at 25°C ambient temperature unless otherwise specified.)

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2. Electrical characteristics


(Ratings at 25°C ambient temperature unless otherwise specified.)

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Ⅶ. What is the difference between S9015 and C9015?


Both S9015 and C9015 are low-power transistors. However, there are some differences between them.


1. Different parameters


There may also be slight differences in parameters between the two, such as maximum rated current and maximum rated voltage.


2. Different polarity


S9015 is an NPN transistor, while C9015 is a PNP transistor.


3. Different packaging forms


The S9015 is usually packaged in TO-92, while the C9015 is usually packaged in SOT-23.


4. Different uses


S9015 is mainly used in switching power supplies, motor drives, etc., while C9015 is more used in LED drives, power conversion, etc.



Ⅷ. What is the difference between S9015, S9013 and S9014?


The distinctions among S9015, S9013, and S9014 are mainly reflected in the following aspects.


1. Maximum collector current


The maximum collector current of S9013 is 500mA. The maximum collector current of both S9014 and S9015 is 100mA.


2. Current amplification factor


The DC current amplification factor of the S9013 is generally between 40 and 400 in the smaller current range. The hFE values of S9014 and S9015 are respectively 60 to 300 and 120 to 450 in the smaller current range.


3. Ultimate voltage


The collector-base (VCEO) limit voltage of S9013 is 40V; the VCEO limit voltage of S9014 is 45V; and the VCEO limit voltage of S9015 is 50V.


4. Functional use


S9013 is an NPN transistor, suitable for low-power amplification and switching circuits. S9014 is a PNP transistor, which is also suitable for similar low-power amplification and switching circuits. The S9015 is also a PNP transistor, but it is more suitable for medium and low power amplification.



Ⅸ. What are the applications of S9015 transistor?


• Voltage regulation: The S9015 transistor can be incorporated into a voltage regulator circuit to stabilize and control the output voltage.


• Inverting circuit: Utilizing it in the creation of an inverting circuit facilitates the inversion of the input signal, producing an output signal with an opposite polarity. In practical terms, when the input signal is at a high level, the S9015 will transform it into a low-level signal, and conversely. This application is frequently employed in digital logic circuits.


• Power management: In some low-power applications, it can be used to design power management circuits to help effectively control the supply of power.


• RF amplifier: Due to the low noise characteristics of S9015, it is also widely used in the design of RF amplifiers to enhance RF signals in wireless communications. This kind of signal will be interfered by various noises during the transmission process, and S9015 can effectively minimize these interferences and ensure stable signal transmission.


• Amplification circuit: S9015 can be used in amplification circuits, such as amplifying audio signals. In amplification circuits, it can be used as a driving device for amplifiers.


• Signal conditioning: It can be used in signal conditioning circuits, such as adjusting sensor signals to appropriate levels, or providing drive for other circuits.


• Sensor interface: It can also be used to amplify the sensor output signal and help the sensor communicate effectively with a microcontroller or other electronic devices.




Frequently Asked Questions


1. What is the S9015 transistor used for?


The S9015 can be utilized for a wide range of applications, including audio preamplification, audio amplification, and signal amplification from low to high gain. It can also be used as a switch to control relays, LEDs, and high-power transistors, among other things.


2. What is the main purpose of a transistor?


The main function of the transistor is to amplify the electric current in a circuit. In its function as an amplifier, the transistors are fed a low input electric current, amplifying it, and thus it also produces a higher output electric current.


3. What are the common applications of the S9015 transistor?


S9015 transistors are often used in electronic circuits for signal amplification, switching, and signal modulation. They find applications in audio amplifiers, voltage regulators, and various other electronic devices.


4. How to check whether the S9015 transistor is good or not?


We need to prepare a multimeter and adjust it to the range for measuring resistance, usually the x1k range is used. Then, we connected the red and black test leads to the two poles of the three-stage tube. If the measured resistance is close to infinity or very small, the transistor may be damaged.


5. Can the S9015 transistor be used as a switch?


Yes, the S9015 transistor can be used as a switch in electronic circuits. When used in a switching application, it operates either in cutoff (off) or saturation (on) mode, controlling the flow of current between the collector and emitter.