I know a power MOSFET is better suited for this application (I have some on order), but, I wanted to know how much current a 2N3904 will allow. The spec indicates 200mA but without any mention of voltage at this current. Max voltage for this part is 40V so I (incorrectly) assumed I could run 12V at 170mA with no problem. Apparently Power comes into play here. I am a software engineer by trade and electrical engineering is a hobby (learning experience) for me. So I don't really understand much of what is given in the datasheet. Analog circuitry is like black magic.
LOL
The TA = 25°C 625mW spec. apparently indicates a maximum current at a given voltage. A max voltage/current graph would have been very helpful to me but I don't see anything like that in the spec.
So after the helpful responses by "
audioguru" I now know that at 12V around 52mA is the max current. Correct?