CA3046

Overview

The CA3046 is a high-frequency NPN silicon transistor manufactured by Rochester Electronics. It features five internal elements designed for very high frequency band applications. The device supports a collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 15V and a maximum power dissipation of 300mW. It operates with a collector current of 50mA and has a transition frequency of 550MHz. The component is supplied in a 14-pin dual-in-line package (MS-001AA) suitable for through-hole mounting.

Feature Summary

• Integrated five-element NPN configuration for compact circuit design
• Optimized for DC through VHF range operations
• Suitable for low power system applications

Applications

• Low power RF systems
• Very high frequency signal processing
• General purpose amplification in VHF bands

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific manufacturer suffix and lot code upon receipt to ensure authenticity, as Rochester Electronics specializes in authorized surplus and discontinued components. Confirm that the physical package matches the MS-001AA standard and inspect leads for damage. Cross-reference the part number against official distributor catalogs to validate the active status and technical specifications before integration into production designs.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a multi-element NPN structure is required for high-frequency performance within a limited power budget. The 550MHz transition frequency makes it appropriate for VHF applications where discrete single transistors would require more board space. Ensure the design accommodates the 15V breakdown limit and 300mW thermal constraints typical of this package type.

Part Context

Rochester Electronics provides the CA3046 as part of its portfolio of specialized analog and mixed-signal components. This device belongs to a family of integrated transistor arrays often used in legacy or niche RF designs. The company focuses on maintaining supply continuity for critical electronic parts, ensuring traceability and certification for components that may no longer be produced by original OEMs.

Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes must match the five-element NPN architecture, 15V rating, and 550MHz frequency. Verify pinout compatibility with the 14-PDIP format. Generic replacements may lack the integrated array benefit, requiring additional discrete components.