Introduction
The 2SA1015, often referred to as the A1015, is a general-purpose PNP bipolar junction transistor (BJT). This transistor is widely used in a variety of low-power electronic circuits due to its reliability and specific electrical characteristics. It is most commonly found in a compact, three-pin TO-92 package, which is a staple for through-hole mounting on printed circuit boards and breadboards.

As a PNP transistor, its operation is complementary to an NPN transistor. Current flows from the emitter to the collector, and a small negative voltage applied to the base relative to the emitter is required to turn it on. The 2SA1015 is particularly well-regarded for its use in audio applications, especially in driver stages and low-frequency amplifiers. Its low noise figure ensures a clean, high-fidelity signal, free from significant hiss or electrical interference.
2SA1015 PNP Transistor

One of the most important aspects of the 2SA1015 is its role as the complementary pair to the popular NPN transistor 2SC1815. They share similar voltage, current, and gain specifications, which allows them to be used together in Class B amplifier configurations. In this type of amplifier, the 2SA1015 handles the negative half of the audio signal’s waveform, while the 2SC1815 handles the positive half. This partnership results in an efficient and powerful amplification stage, making the pair a common sight in audio circuit designs.
2SA1015 Pinout

2SA1015 PNP Transistor Key Features
The 2SA1015 is a general-purpose PNP bipolar junction transistor (BJT). It’s the complementary opposite to the NPN transistor 2SC1815, and is widely used in low-power amplification and switching circuits.
PNP Polarity: As a PNP transistor, the 2SA1015 uses a small negative voltage at its base to control a much larger current flow from the emitter to the collector. This is the opposite of an NPN transistor, which requires a positive base voltage.
High Gain (hFE): It has an excellent DC current gain (hFE) that can range from 70 to 700, depending on the specific model variant (O, Y, G, or L). This high gain allows it to amplify small input signals effectively, making it suitable for pre-amplifier stages.
Collector Current (IC): The maximum continuous collector current is -150mA, which allows it to drive small loads like LEDs, buzzers, and low-power relays. The negative sign indicates the direction of current flow, which is from the emitter to the collector.
Voltage Ratings: The transistor has a collector-emitter voltage (VCE) of -50V and a collector-base voltage (VCB) of -50V. These ratings make it compatible with a variety of low- to medium-voltage circuits.
Low Noise: The 2SA1015 is known for its low noise figure (NF), which is crucial for high-fidelity audio applications. It amplifies the signal without introducing significant unwanted noise or hiss.
Complementary Pair: It is designed to be the complementary transistor to the 2SC1815 NPN transistor. This pairing is often used in Class B amplifier circuits, where one transistor handles the positive half of the audio signal and its complement handles the negative half, resulting in efficient amplification.
Transition Frequency (fT): With a transition frequency of 80 MHz, the 2SA1015 can be used in low-power RF circuits, such as oscillators and amplifiers in the VHF band.
Compact Package: It typically comes in a TO-92 through-hole package, which is small, durable, and easy to mount on a printed circuit board (PCB) or breadboard for prototyping.
2SA1015 Transistor Specifications/Characteristics
Characterstics | Rating (Max) |
---|---|
Collector Current(IC) | -150mA |
Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE) | -50V |
Collector-Base Voltage (VCB) | -50V |
Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO) | -5V |
Collector Dissipation (Pc) | 400 mW |
Transition Frequency (fT) | 80 MHz |
DC Current Gain (hFE) | 70 – 400 |
Storage & Operating temperature | -65 to +150 Centigrade |
Package Type | TO-92 |
Transistor Type | NPN |
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Key Applications of 2SA1015 PNP Transistor
The 2SA1015 is a versatile PNP transistor that, like its NPN counterpart the 2SC1815, finds extensive use in a wide array of electronic applications. Its key characteristics such as low noise, high gain, and a suitable current-handling capacity make it a valuable component for both educational and commercial circuits.
- Audio Frequency (AF) Amplifiers: The 2SA1015 is a popular choice for audio preamplifiers and low-frequency amplifier stages. Its low noise figure ensures that the amplified audio signal is clean and free from unwanted hiss. It’s often used to boost the weak signal from a microphone or an audio source before it is fed into a main power amplifier.
- Complementary Amplifier Stages: The 2SA1015 is most famously used in a complementary pair with the 2SC1815 NPN transistor. This pairing is fundamental to the design of Class B push-pull amplifiers, a common and efficient amplifier configuration. In this setup, the 2SA1015 handles the negative half of the audio waveform, while the 2SC1815 handles the positive half. This collaboration results in a powerful and clean output signal with minimal distortion.
- Switching Circuits: With a maximum collector current of 150mA, the 2SA1015 can be used as an electronic switch to control small loads. It’s suitable for applications like driving low-power relays, LEDs, or buzzers. In these circuits, a small negative voltage at the base can be used to control a much larger current flowing through the load.
- Driver Stage Amplifiers: In larger amplifier systems, the 2SA1015 is often employed in the driver stage. This is the part of the circuit that takes the pre-amplified signal and boosts its current and voltage to a level sufficient to drive the larger, more powerful output transistors that connect directly to the speaker or load.
- Darlington Pair Configuration: The 2SA1015 can be combined with another transistor in a Darlington pair configuration. This setup effectively multiplies the current gain of the transistors, providing an extremely high gain circuit. This is useful in applications where a very small base current needs to control a very large load current, such as in certain motor control circuits.
PNP Complimentary Transistor
PNP Complementary of 2SA1015 Transistor is 2SC1815.
Equivalent Transistors of 2SA1015
2N2907, 2N3906, A733, 2SA1266 (The pin configuration of these transistors may different from A1015).
Datasheet of 2SA1015 PNP Transistor
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