72. PNP Transistor for Sensor Module Power Control

Neha is designing a battery-powered IoT board and wants the 3.3V MCU to turn a 5V sensor module ON and OFF to save power during sleep mode.

She decides to use a PNP transistor as a high-side switch on the 5V rail feeding the sensor.

The sensor module draws up to 50mA.

The MCU GPIO will control the PNP base through a series resistor.

She wants an SOT-23 SMD package for compact layout.

Help her select a suitable PNP transistor from DigiKey.

Make sure it can handle the sensor current with margin, has low saturation voltage for minimal voltage drop, and works reliably in industrial temperatures.