Five Common Transistor Types

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About This MicroSim

This interactive infographic compares five widely encountered bipolar junction transistors, ranging from small-signal NPN and PNP devices to the much larger 2N3055 power transistor.

How to Use

1. In Explore mode, click a column—or focus it with the keyboard and press Enter—to reveal a description and selection guidance.
2. Select Quiz Me and answer each use-case question by choosing the matching image.
3. Compare at least two columns and explain which visible and electrical differences matter most.

Compared Items

1. 2N2222 / 2N2222A
2. 2N3904
3. BC547
4. 2N3906
5. 2N3055

Lesson Plan

Grade Level

Grades 6–10; beginning electronics

Duration

10–15 minutes

Learning Objective

Students will compare BJT polarity, package, voltage, current, thermal needs, and likely application while recognizing that exact pinouts require a manufacturer datasheet.

Activities

1. Explore: Inspect each column and identify a visible clue.
2. Compare: Contrast two choices using the detail panel.
3. Apply: Complete the quiz and justify each selection aloud or in writing.

Assessment

Ask learners to choose a transistor for a small signal, a moderate relay load, a high-side switch, and a power stage, then name the datasheet facts they must verify.

References

1. Chapter 13, “Transistors: Switches and Amplifiers,” in this textbook.
2. onsemi, 2N2222A NPN Transistor Datasheet.
3. onsemi, 2N3904 NPN Transistor Datasheet.
4. onsemi, BC547/BC548/BC549/BC550 NPN Transistor Datasheet.
5. onsemi, 2N3906 PNP Transistor Datasheet.
6. onsemi, 2N3055 NPN Power Transistor Datasheet.