2N3906 is a PNP transistor hence the collector and emitter will be closed (Forward biased) when the base pin is held at ground and will be opened (Reverse biased) when a signal is provided to the base pin. This is where a PNP transistor differs from an NPN transistor, a Logic state (blue color) is used to toggle between Ground and Signal Voltage (Emitter-Base Voltage VBE) as shown below

2N3906 has a gain value of 110 to 300, this value determines the amplification capacity of the transistor. The maximum amount of current that could flow through the Collector pin is 200mA, hence we cannot connect loads that consume more than 200mA using this transistor. To bias a transistor we have to supply current to the base pin, this current (IB) should be limited to 5mA.

When this transistor is fully biassed then it can allow a maximum of 200mA to flow across the collector and emitter. This stage is called Saturation Region and the typical voltage allowed across the Collector-Emitter (V­CE) or Base-Emitter (VBE) could be 40 and 5 V respectively. When the base current is removed the transistor becomes fully off, this stage is called the Cut-off Region and the Base Emitter voltage could be around 5V.

Features:

• Bi-Polar PNP Transistor
• DC Current Gain (hFE) is 300 maximum
• Continuous Collector current (IC) is 200mA
• Emitter Base Voltage (VBE) is 5V
• Base Current(IB) is 5mA maximum
• Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE) is 40V
• Collector Base Voltage (VCB) is 40V
• Available in To-92 Package

Where to use 2N3906:

The 2N3906 is a commonly used PNP transistor. It very much similar to the bc557 transistor except for that it has a high collector to emitter voltage and hence high voltage loads can be toggled. This transistor has only a gain value of 300, hence not suitable for amplifier circuits.

So if you looking for a PNP transistor that could switch high voltage loads within 0.2A then this 2N3906 transistor might be the right choice for you.

How to use 2N3906:

The 2N3906 transistor is commonly used as a switching device. When used as a switch, it can be operated in the saturation region and cut-off region. In PNP transistor, by default, it’s in ON state, but not to be said perfectly ON until the base pin is not grounded. If we provide ground to the base pin then the transistor will be in reverse biased and said to be turned ON. If supply is provided to the base pin it stops conducting current between emitter and collector and said to be in OFF state. For the protection of the transistor, a resistance added in series with it.