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Reading Transistor Markings

Transistor markings follow coding standards like JEDEC, JIS, or Pro-Electron to identify the part number, manufacturer, and other details. JEDEC codes use a digit-letter-number format to indicate device type and version. JIS codes use digit-letter-letter-number to identify Japanese transistors and diodes by material and application. Pro-Electron codes use two letters-letter-number to specify European devices based on material, type, and intended use. Date codes or suffixes may also provide additional information about electrical characteristics or packaging of the part. Understanding these coding systems helps identify transistor specifications from their markings.

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486 views2 pages

Reading Transistor Markings

Transistor markings follow coding standards like JEDEC, JIS, or Pro-Electron to identify the part number, manufacturer, and other details. JEDEC codes use a digit-letter-number format to indicate device type and version. JIS codes use digit-letter-letter-number to identify Japanese transistors and diodes by material and application. Pro-Electron codes use two letters-letter-number to specify European devices based on material, type, and intended use. Date codes or suffixes may also provide additional information about electrical characteristics or packaging of the part. Understanding these coding systems helps identify transistor specifications from their markings.

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thomas.vivet6396
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Reading Transistor Markings

Most transistor markings follow one of these codes: JEDEC, JIS or Pro-Electron. For ICs, look for known numbers
(e.g. 741, 4001, 7400) between the prefix and the suffix. Don't confuse it with the date code. ICs typically have two
numbers: The part number and the date code.
1. Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC)
These part numbers take the form: digit, letter, sequential number, [suffix]
The letter is always 'N', and the first digit is 1 for diodes, 2 for transistors, 3 for four-leaded devices, and so forth. But
4N and 5N are reserved for opto-couplers. The sequential numbers run from 100 to 9999 and indicate the approximate
time the device was first made.
If present, a suffix could indicate various things. For example, a 2N2222A is an enhanced version of a 2N2222. It has
higher gain, frequency, and voltage ratings. Always check the data sheet.
Examples: 1N914 (diode), 2N2222, 2N2222A, 2N904 (transistors).
NOTE: When a metal-can version of a JEDEC transistor is remade in a plastic package, it is often given a number such
as PN2222A which is a 2N2222A in a plastic case.
2. Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS)
These part numbers take the form: digit, two letters, sequential number, [optional suffix]
Digits are 1 for diodes, 2 for transistors, and so forth. The letters indicate the type and intended application of the device according to the following code:
SA:
SC:
SE:
SG:
SJ:
SM:
SR:
ST:
SZ:

PNP HF transistor
NPN HF transistor
Diodes
Gunn devices
P-channel FET
Triac
Rectifier
Avalanche diodes
Zener diodes

SB:
SD:
SF:
SK:
SQ:
SS:
SV:

PNP AF transistor
NPN AF transistor
Thyristors
SH: UJT
N-channel FET
LED
Signal diodes
Varicaps

The sequential numbers run from 10-9999. The optional suffix indicates that the type is approved for use by various
Japanese organizations. Since the code for transistors always begins with 2S, it is sometimes omitted; for example, a
2SC733 could be marked C733.
Examples: 2SA1187, 2SB646, 2SC733.

3. Pro-Electron (European)
These part numbers take the form: two letters, [letter], sequential number, [suffix]
The first letter indicates the material:
_____A = Ge
_____B = Si
_____C = GaAs
_____R = compound materials.
The second letter indicates the device type and intended application:
_____A: diode, RF
_____B: diode,varactor
_____C: transistor, AF, small signal
_____D: transistor, AF, power
_____E: Tunnel diode
_____F: transistor, HF, small signal
_____K: Hall effect device
_____L: Transistor, HF, power
_____N: Opto-coupler
_____P: Radiation sensitive device
_____Q: Radiation producing device
_____R: Thyristor, Low power
_____T: Thyristor, Power
_____U: Transistor, power, switching
_____Y: Rectifier
_____Z: Zener, or voltage regulator diode
The third letter indicates if the device is intended for industrial or commercial applications. It's usually a W, X, Y, or Z.
The sequential numbers run from 100-9999.
Examples: BC108A, BAW68, BF239, BFY51.
Instead of 2N and so forth, some manufacturers use their own system of designations. Some common prefixes are:
MJ: Motorola power, metal case
MJE: Motorola power, plastic case
MPS: Motorola low power, plastic case
MRF: Motorola HF, VHF and microwave transistor
RCA: RCA device
TIP: Texas Instruments (TI) power transistor, plastic case
TIPL: TI planar power transistor
TIS: TI small signal transistor (plastic case)
ZT: Ferranti
ZTX: Ferranti
Examples: ZTX302, TIP31A, MJE3055.
Many manufacturers also make custom parts, or custom-label standard parts, for large volume OEM customers. Typically, they have the OEM's mark or logo and part-number. When such parts hit the surplus market, they end up in hobbyist "bargain packs". Since data on these devices is not usually available, they are best used as LED-drivers and other
such applications where the actual specifications are not critical.

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