MPQ2222-PBFREE - Quad NPN BJT Array 40V 500mA TO-116 | Central Semiconductor
MPN: MPQ2222-PBFREE β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.89 | $0.89 |
| 10 | $0.8 | $8.00 |
| 100 | $0.71 | $71.00 |
| 500 | $0.64 | $320.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.58 | $580.00 |
MPQ2222-PBFREE Overview
A BJT transistor array is an integrated circuit that places multiple discrete transistors, matched in process and die temperature, into one package. Within the power-management and discrete-semiconductor hierarchy, the array sits between single transistors (2N2222A) and fully integrated driver ICs, offering tighter thermal tracking and board-area savings while retaining the full design flexibility of bare BJTs for amplifier and switch stages.
Key features include four matched NPN transistors that replace four individual TO-92 2N2222 parts, a 200MHz fT that supports video-frequency and high-speed switching applications, and a 40V/500mA rating per element suitable for 24V industrial logic-level load switching. The PBFREE suffix guarantees lead-free RoHS-compatible construction for modern assembly processes without sacrificing the classic 2N2222A gain characteristics.
Technically, the device uses monolithic silicon bipolar construction so all four transistors share nearly identical junction temperature, reducing thermal mismatch in current-mirror, differential-pair, and Darlington configurations. The through-hole TO-116 package offers robust mechanical mounting, easy prototyping on breadboards and 0.1-inch-pitch DIP footprints, and superior power dissipation compared with small SMD arrays.
Typical applications include general-purpose amplifier stages, low-side switch banks for relays and LEDs, oscillator and multivibrator circuits, and industrial control signal conditioning where four matched NPN switches are needed on a single footprint.
Design consideration: total package dissipation is 650mW, so derate per-transistor current when driving multiple elements simultaneously.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, pinout and design guidance not found on distributor listing pages.
Drop-in alternatives for MPQ2222-PBFREE β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPQ2222A-PBFREE
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPQ2222
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.39 / Unit
View Datasheet βMPQ2222
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.39 / Unit
View Datasheet βMPQ2222-PBFREE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Transistor Type | 4 NPN (Quad) BJT Array |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO) | 40 V |
| Collector-Base Voltage (VCBO) | 75 V |
| Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO) | 6 V |
| Max Collector Current (IC) | 500 mA |
| Power Dissipation (Pd) | 650 mW |
| Transition Frequency (fT) | 200 MHz |
| Package | TO-116 (14-pin through-hole DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Number of Elements | 4 |
| Polarity | NPN |
| Application | General Purpose Amplifier/Switch |
| Lead Free | Yes (PBFREE suffix) |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Product Status | Active |
MPQ2222-PBFREE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | E1 β Transistor 1 emitter |
| Pin 2 | B1 β Transistor 1 base |
| Pin 3 | C1 β Transistor 1 collector |
| Pin 4 | C2 β Transistor 2 collector |
| Pin 5 | B2 β Transistor 2 base |
| Pin 6 | E2 β Transistor 2 emitter |
| Pin 7 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | E3 β Transistor 3 emitter |
| Pin 9 | B3 β Transistor 3 base |
| Pin 10 | C3 β Transistor 3 collector |
| Pin 11 | C4 β Transistor 4 collector |
| Pin 12 | B4 β Transistor 4 base |
| Pin 13 | E4 β Transistor 4 emitter |
| Pin 14 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MPQ2222-PBFREE is suitable for 6 applications: Relay and Solenoid Driver Banks, General-Purpose Analog Amplifier Stages, LED Indicator and Display Drivers, Oscillator and Multivibrator Circuits, Current Mirror and Bias Networks, Legacy Equipment Repair and Obsolescence Management.
Relay and Solenoid Driver Banks
Industrial control panels frequently need four or more low-side NPN switches to drive 12V or 24V relay coils, solenoids and contactors. The MPQ2222-PBFREE fits this role because each of its four NPN elements is rated 500mA collector current and 40V VCEO, comfortably above typical 50-200mA relay coil loads, and the shared die keeps all channels at nearly the same junction temperature for uniform switching behavior. Placed on a 0.1-inch DIP footprint with base resistors sized for forced beta of 10 (e.g., 10mA base drive for 100mA coil current), the array delivers low saturation voltage and reliable switching. Flyback diodes across inductive loads are mandatory, and the 650mW package dissipation budget should be checked when multiple channels conduct continuously.
Recommended
General-Purpose Analog Amplifier Stages
The 200MHz transition frequency of the MPQ2222-PBFREE makes each of its four NPN transistors suitable for small-signal analog amplification well into the video-frequency range. Classic single-transistor common-emitter stages, emitter followers and two-stage amplifiers can all be built from one package, and the monolithic construction gives matched hFE and thermal tracking between elements - an advantage for differential pairs and current mirrors that discrete TO-92 transistors cannot match. In audio preamps, sensor front ends and video buffers, designers typically bias each element at 1-10mA collector current where gain-bandwidth is highest. The through-hole TO-116 package also simplifies prototyping and hand rework on perforated board and legacy production assemblies.
Recommended
LED Indicator and Display Drivers
Status panels, industrial annunciators and front-panel indicators often require four or more LED drive channels in a small area. The MPQ2222-PBFREE provides four NPN low-side switches in one 14-pin DIP: with a 5V logic input through a 1k base resistor, each channel sinks 20-50mA of LED current with low saturation voltage, and the 40V rating allows 24V indicator rails. Because all four transistors share the die, brightness variation from VCE(sat) differences is minimized across the panel. Estimated thermal check: four channels at 25mA each with 0.3V saturation dissipate only about 30mW total - far below the 650mW package limit, ensuring cool, reliable long-term operation in sealed enclosures.
Recommended
Oscillator and Multivibrator Circuits
Astable and bistable multivibrators, RC oscillators, and timing circuits are classic applications for quad transistor arrays. The MPQ2222-PBFREE's four matched NPN elements let designers build a complete two-transistor astable multivibrator or Schmitt trigger from a single package, with the matched hFE and temperature tracking of monolithic construction improving frequency stability versus mixed discrete transistors. The 200MHz fT comfortably supports frequencies up to several MHz in RC-dominated topologies where timing is set by R and C values rather than transistor speed. Legacy through-hole designs, educational kits and repair work all benefit from the DIP footprint, and frequency is trimmed simply by selecting timing capacitors in the 100pF to 10uF range.
Recommended
Current Mirror and Bias Networks
Precision bias generation relies on matched transistor pairs, and the MPQ2222-PBFREE delivers four monolithically matched NPN elements whose identical process and die temperature minimize mirror error. Widely used in classic voltage-controlled current sources, active loads for differential amplifiers, and PTAT bias cores, the array achieves much tighter current matching than two separate TO-92 transistors because thermal gradients are orders of magnitude smaller on a shared die. Operating elements at matched collector currents (typically 100uA to 1mA) and equal VCE where possible further reduces Early-voltage error. In test equipment and lab power supplies, this translates to stable bias currents that drift less with ambient temperature swings across the industrial range.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Repair and Obsolescence Management
The MPQ2222-PBFREE is a mainstay for maintaining industrial machinery, test instruments and audio equipment designed around the original Motorola MPQ2222 quad array. Central Semiconductor's continued Active production in the same 14-pin TO-116 footprint, with the identical 40V/500mA/650mW/200MHz parameter set, makes the PBFREE version a direct modern replacement for failed arrays in through-hole boards - the lead-free finish is compatible with both lead-free and legacy Sn/Pb rework processes. Repair technicians should verify pinout against the datasheet, replace all four channels even if only one has failed, and note that the quad PNP MPQ3798 is not interchangeable due to opposite polarity and its 50mA/obsolete status.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPQ2222-PBFREE β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPQ2222A-PBFREE | MPQ2222 | MPQ2222 (Motorola) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TO-116 (14-pin DIP) | TO-116 (14-pin DIP) - same | TO-116 (14-pin DIP) - same | TO-116 (14-pin DIP) - same |
| Brand | Central Semiconductor | Central Semiconductor | Central Semiconductor | onsemi (legacy Motorola) |
| Transistor Configuration | 4 NPN (Quad) | 4 NPN (Quad) | 4 NPN (Quad) | 4 NPN (Quad) |
| VCEO (Max) | 40 V | 40 V | 40 V | 30 V V(BR)CEO (per archived listing) |
| Collector Current (Max) | 500 mA | 500 mA | 500 mA | 500 mA (0.5A) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active | Active | Active | Discontinued (legacy stock only) |
Key Differentiators
- Active production of a legacy quad array (vs MPQ2222 (Motorola))
- Lead-free construction for modern assembly (vs MPQ2222)
- Higher breakdown margin available via A-grade (vs MPQ2222A-PBFREE)
Design Notes
The 650mW rating is a package-level limit, not a per-transistor figure. Estimated: one channel saturated at 500mA with 1V VCE(sat) dissipates ~500mW, consuming 77% of the entire package budget. When driving multiple loads, compute total dissipation as sum of Ic x VCE(sat) per channel and derate at elevated ambient temperature per the datasheet derating curve. For sustained high-current channels, increase base drive (forced beta ~10) to lower VCE(sat) and reduce dissipation.
The TO-116 DIP footprint is 0.1-inch pitch, 0.3-inch row spacing. Keep base resistors close to base pins to minimize susceptibility to coupled noise in amplifier stages, and place flyback diodes directly across inductive loads rather than near the array. For switch applications sharing a common ground plane, connect emitter returns individually to a star ground to prevent one channel's load current from modulating another channel's emitter reference - important because all four transistors are electrically independent but thermally coupled.
All four transistors share one die, so heat generated by one channel raises the junction temperature of the others - beneficial for current-mirror matching but a risk in mixed thermal-load designs where a hot switch channel can shift the bias of a low-current analog channel on the same package. In mixed analog/switch designs, physically separate sensitive mirror circuits onto a dedicated array or discrete transistors, and keep total package dissipation under roughly half the 650mW rating when matching accuracy matters.
Compliance Information
PBFREE suffix denotes Central Semiconductor lead-free product line. RoHS compliance inferred from lead-free PBFREE designation; REACH, halogen-free and conflict-minerals declarations not present in verified source data - request CMRT from manufacturer.
