2N vs. PN transistors

[WeAreAs1 at aol.com]

Hello Kevin,

In a message dated 6/13/99 10:30:07 AM, you wrote:

<<Can someone tell me what, if any, is the difference between transistors 
with 
the prefix 2n and those with the prefix PN  e.g. 2N2222 vs. PN2222 .  Are 
they usually or always substitutable one for the other?>>

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.  For instance, the 2N5172 is not a replacement 
for the PN5172.  Both are small-signal NPN's, but their specs are different, 
and most importantly, their pinouts are different.  It's best to check in 
some kind of semiconductor substitute reference book.  As to the PN and 
2N2222, I don't know - I don't have my books handy right now.  I'll look it 
up for you (later today) if you need it.  Let me know.

Michael Bacich