Description
WE ARE RICH ELECTRONICS
WE PURCHASE AND RECYCLE
SURPLUS ELECTRONIC
COMPONENTS AND EQUIPMENT!
For sale here we have the above…
1 Piece
AT TIME OF LISTING! we have 3 of these in stock alldated 1975 and in sealed NSN packaging (one has been opened for the photo’s)
NSN (NATO Stock Number) refers to items entering military and defense supply chains opf higher specification than their commercial counterparts.
Key Aspects of NSN Packaging
- Standardization: Regulated under UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) standards such as Def Stan 81-41 and NATO packaging codes, which dictate preservation methods, container types, and label markings.
- 13-Digit NSN Code: Every item entering the military supply system is assigned a 13-digit NATO Stock Number used to track and classify physical, functional, and performance characteristics.
The 2N3172 transistor manufactured in 1975 featuring a prominent “S” logo was made by Silicon Transistor Corporation (STC).
Identifying the Details
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- The Manufacturer: Silicon Transistor Corporation specialized heavily in high-reliability silicon power transistors during the 1960s and 1970s.
- The Logo: Their vintage emblem features a distinctive, large stylized capital “S” (often encapsulating the letters “T” and “C” inside it or displayed with a unique block/concave contour).
- The Component: The 2N3172 is a robust Silicon PNP Power Transistor traditionally housed in a hermetically sealed TO-3 metal can package, commonly used for power switching and amplifier applications during that era.
(Note: While other vintage companies like Sprague Electric or Signetics also used stylized “S” marks on components in 1975, Silicon Transistor Corporation was the specific registrar and primary producer for the 2N3172 series package).
Based on standard electronic component marking conventions…
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- 2N3172S: The part number. The 2N3172 is a vintage JEDEC-registered silicon PNP power transistor. The “S” suffix typically indicates a specific vendor package variation, testing level, or a military/JAN qualification variant.
- 7512: The manufacturing date code. Using the standard four-digit
YYWW(Year-Year-Week-Week) electronic dating format:-
- 75 represents the year 1975.
- 12 represents the 12th week of that year (mid-March).
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Therefore, this transistor was manufactured during the week of March 17–23, 1975.
After manufacturing the device was mounted on a piece of polystyrene, wrapped in waxed brown paper and sealed into a poly bag. Included in the packing are 2 nylon washers and an insulating clear mica TO3 shaped washer.
The 2N3172S is a rare, vintage silicon PNP power transistor. It belongs to the 2N3172 family of semiconductor components, which are typically packaged in a rugged metal TO-3 housing.
Technical Specifications (2N3172 Family)
- Type: Silicon PNP Bipolar Power Transistor
- Max Collector Current (\(I_{C}\)): Up to -5 A
- Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (\(V_{CEO}\)): -60 V ]
- Max Power Dissipation (\(P_{C}\)): 57 W to 75 W (depending on the specific package style)
- Transition Frequency (\(f_{T}\)): ~60 MHz
- Applications: Primarily used for power switching and medium-speed audio or RF amplifier circuits in legacy electronics.
The “S” suffix at the end of the part number usually designates a variant featuring enhanced processing, tighter parametric matching, or strict compliance with high-reliability/military screening protocols. Because it is long obsolete, it is mostly sourced today via specialized vintage electronics distributors.
This device was heavily used in late-1960s to 1980s electronics, often performing heavy-lifting power tasks. You’ll primarily find it today in:
- Vintage Audio Gear: Used as a power amplifier stage in classic solid-state guitar amplifiers and stereo tuners (such as old Fender systems or the vintage Electro-Voice Model 805 Tuner).
- Linear Power Supplies: Serving as pass transistors for legacy high-amperage voltage regulators.
Now obsolete for generic datasheet search…2N3172S
Or go directly to…
https://datasheet4u.com/download/1080934/2N3172.html
PLEASE NOTE!
- These parts came to us as part of a lot of surplus stock from a large ‘Milspec’ type Co. and have been kept in storage for some time, we have therefore classified them as ‘new other’. They are however pristine, the photographs are of one of our actual stock, and, as with all our products they come with a full guarantee.
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If you have similar items to this, or indeed any electronic components that are surplus to requirements please contact us with details.
