CA3086 - General-Purpose NPN Transistor Array

Overview

The CA3086 is a monolithic integrated circuit that incorporates five general-purpose silicon NPN transistors on a single substrate. Two of these transistors are internally connected to form a differential pair, making the device particularly useful for applications requiring matched transistor characteristics. The CA3086 is designed for use in analog signal processing, amplification, and switching applications where consistent performance and thermal tracking are critical.

This component is fabricated using a high-quality silicon process that ensures excellent parameter matching between transistors and good thermal stability. The shared substrate provides inherent thermal coupling between devices, making the CA3086 ideal for differential amplifiers, current mirrors, and other circuits where temperature tracking is important.

Features

• Five matched NPN transistors on a single monolithic chip
• Two transistors pre-connected as a differential pair
• Excellent parameter matching between transistors (typical β matching within 10%)
• Good thermal tracking due to common substrate
• High current gain bandwidth product (typical f_T of 100MHz)
• Low noise characteristics for sensitive analog applications
• Wide operating voltage range (up to 30V collector-emitter)
• Available in multiple package options for different mounting requirements
• Pb-free and RoHS compliant versions available

Applications

The CA3086 finds use in a wide variety of analog and switching applications, including:

• Differential amplifiers and instrumentation amplifiers
• Current mirrors and current sources
• Voltage comparators and level detectors
• Analog switches and multiplexers
• Signal processing circuits in audio equipment
• Temperature-compensated circuits
• Oscillators and waveform generators
• Interface circuits between digital and analog systems
• Sensor signal conditioning circuits

Electrical Characteristics

Absolute Maximum Ratings

• Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): 30V
• Collector-Base Voltage (V_CBO): 40V
• Emitter-Base Voltage (V_EBO): 5V
• Collector Current (I_C) per transistor: 50mA
• Total Device Power Dissipation (P_D): 500mW
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C to +125°C
• Storage Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C

Typical Electrical Characteristics (T_A = 25°C unless otherwise noted)

• DC Current Gain (h_FE): 100-400 at I_C = 1mA, V_CE = 10V
• Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (V_CE(sat)): 0.2V max at I_C = 10mA, I_B = 1mA
• Base-Emitter Voltage (V_BE): 0.65V typical at I_C = 1mA
• Transition Frequency (f_T): 100MHz typical at I_C = 10mA, V_CE = 20V
• Input Capacitance (C_ib): 4pF typical at V_CB = 10V, I_E = 0
• Output Capacitance (C_ob): 2pF typical at V_CB = 10V, I_E = 0
• Noise Figure (NF): 4dB typical at f = 1kHz, I_C = 100μA, R_s = 1kΩ

Package Information

The CA3086 is available in several package options to suit different application requirements:

TO-116 Metal Can Package

• 10-pin hermetically sealed metal can
• Excellent thermal characteristics
• Military temperature range option available
• Dimensions: 9.65mm diameter × 8.89mm height
• Pinout:
  • Pin 1: Transistor 1 Collector
  • Pin 2: Transistor 1 Base
  • Pin 3: Transistor 1 Emitter
  • Pin 4: Transistor 2 Collector
  • Pin 5: Transistor 2 Base
  • Pin 6: Transistor 2 Emitter (connected to Pin 3)
  • Pin 7: Transistor 3 Collector
  • Pin 8: Transistor 3 Base
  • Pin 9: Transistor 3 Emitter
  • Pin 10: Substrate/Common Connection

DIP-14 Plastic Package

• 14-pin dual in-line package
• Standard through-hole mounting
• Commercial temperature range
• Dimensions: 19.3mm × 6.35mm × 4.57mm
• Pinout similar to TO-116 with additional pins for other transistors

SOIC-16 Surface Mount Package

• 16-pin small outline integrated circuit
• Surface mount design for compact PCB layouts
• Industrial temperature range option available
• Dimensions: 10.3mm × 7.5mm × 2.35mm

Design Considerations

When designing with the CA3086, several important factors should be considered:

Thermal Management

While the common substrate provides good thermal tracking between transistors, care should be taken to ensure the device doesn't overheat. For high-current applications, proper heat sinking or derating may be necessary.

Matching Characteristics

The transistors in the CA3086 are matched much more closely than discrete components, but some variation still exists. For critical applications, characterization of the specific device may be necessary.

Parasitic Elements

The shared substrate introduces some parasitic capacitance between devices. In high-frequency applications, these parasitics may need to be considered in the circuit design.

Power Supply Sequencing

When using the differential pair configuration, proper power supply sequencing should be observed to prevent latch-up conditions.

Reliability and Qualification

The CA3086 is manufactured under strict quality control procedures and is available in several qualification levels:

• Commercial grade: 0°C to +70°C operating range
• Industrial grade: -40°C to +85°C operating range
• Military grade: -55°C to +125°C operating range (available in TO-116 package only)

The device has undergone extensive reliability testing including:

• 1000-hour high-temperature operating life test
• Temperature cycling (-65°C to +150°C, 100 cycles)
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