2n5457 vs 2n5484

Frequently asked question on transistors: types, substitutions, how to test, use and misuse them.
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bay-fisher
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Post by bay-fisher »

Hiya - is there any difference between these. Looking to build a Formula No. 5 and I have some 2n5484 lying around, but parts list asks for 2n5457. Cheers

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Nocentelli
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Post by Nocentelli »

There is a difference between them: They are different parts. To find out what the differences are, you just need to search for "datasheet 2N5457", and "datasheet 2N5484", then compare the two. I think they're both N-JFETS, but that doesn't mean they can be used interchangeably like you can often do with bipolor junction transistors in fuzz pedals. You could always just breadboard the circuit with what you've got to see if it works, or build the layout but socket the JFETs.
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DrNomis
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Post by DrNomis »

I downloaded datasheets for the 2N5457 and 2N5484, and while the pinouts are different, the actual specs are very similar, from memory the 2N5484 is a VHF/UHF N-Ch J-Fet and the 2N5457 is an N-Ch J-Fet, I didn't think it was possible to use the 2N5484 at audio frequencies, but apparently it does seem to be able to work fine at audio frequencies even though it's designed to work at VHF and UHF, I found this out when I was modding my Dunlop JH-1 Jimi Hendrix Wah so that it had an output buffer so it would work better with my Dunlop JDF-2 Fuzz Face, the circuit mod originally specified the 2N5457 N-Ch J-Fet but I didn't have any so I tried using a 2N5484 as a substitute and it worked fine, you just need to be mindful of the pinouts..... :thumbsup


Here are the datasheets for the 2N5457 and 2N5484 N-Ch J-Fets (Note:The datasheet for the 2N5459 is also for the 2N5457):
Attachments
2N5484.pdf
2N5484
(519.52 KiB) Downloaded 237 times
2N5459.pdf
2N5459
(129.85 KiB) Downloaded 202 times
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bay-fisher
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Post by bay-fisher »

Thanks for the tips/feedback, much appreciated.

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