onsemi BC183C_J35Z

Overview

BC183C from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 30 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, 350 mW P_C, with h_FE range 40–800 at I_C = 10 μA to 100 mA, and f_T = 150 MHz. It serves as a low-noise, medium-speed switching or linear amplification device in signal conditioning stages of consumer audio and sensor interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC183C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its V_CEO/I_C rating trade-off, h_FE spread across operating current, saturation voltage behavior at high β, noise figure (10 dB @ 200 mA), and TO-92 thermal derating limits.

Technical Context

The BC183C operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for general-purpose linear amplification and moderate-speed switching. Its DC current gain exhibits strong collector-current dependence-40 min at 10 μA, 120–800 at 2–100 mA-with V_CE(sat) = 0.25 V @ 10 mA/0.5 mA and 0.6 V @ 100 mA/5 mA.

Small-signal performance includes h_fe = 450–900 @ 2 mA/1 kHz, f_T = 150 MHz @ 5 V/10 mA, C_OB = 5 pF @ 10 V, and NF = 10 dB @ 200 mA/2 kΩ source. Junction temperature range spans −55°C to +150°C, supporting industrial ambient operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC183C is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads: Collector (Lead 1), Base (Lead 2), Emitter (Lead 3). The package supports through-hole mounting and provides adequate thermal conduction for low-to-medium power dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose amplifier applications.

Compared with BC547B and 2N3904, the BC183C offers lower-cost legacy compatibility and wider h_FE spread-advantageous for cost-sensitive consumer electronics where manual calibration or trimming is acceptable-but lacks modern reliability certifications and tighter parameter bins.

Availability

BC183C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplification, sensor signal conditioning, low-voltage switching, and legacy logic interface applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence mitigation.

Supply support for BC183C includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of analog and discrete semiconductors, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016. Known for robust bipolar and MOSFET product lines.

The BC183C belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for broad utility in cost-sensitive analog signal chains and industrial control interfaces where TO-92 form factor and proven reliability were prioritized.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC183C?

The BC183C has a maximum continuous DC collector current (I_C) rating of 100 mA at T_A = 25°C. This rating decreases with rising ambient temperature due to thermal limitations of the TO-92 package; derating curves in the BC183C datasheet specify linear reduction to zero at approximately 150°C junction temperature. Always verify thermal design margins when operating near this limit.

Does BC183C support high-frequency amplification up to 100 MHz?

Yes, the BC183C has a current-gain bandwidth product (f_T) of 150 MHz at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 10 mA, confirming usable gain well into the VHF range. However, practical small-signal amplification above 30 MHz requires careful attention to layout parasitics, bias network stability, and output loading-parameters confirmed in the BC183C typical characteristics graphs.

What is the pin configuration of BC183C in TO-92 package?

The BC183C uses standard TO-92 pinout: Lead 1 = Collector, Lead 2 = Base, Lead 3 = Emitter-viewed with flat side facing outward and leads pointing down. This matches industry-standard orientation for BC107/BC108/BC109 series, enabling mechanical and electrical interchangeability in legacy designs using the BC183C.

How does BC183C compare to BC547 in terms of DC current gain?

The BC183C specifies h_FE ranging from 40 (min at I_C = 10 μA) to 800 (max at I_C = 100 mA), whereas BC547B guarantees h_FE ≥ 200 at I_C = 2 mA. Thus, BC183C offers wider gain variability-useful for cost-driven designs accepting manual gain trimming-but BC547B delivers tighter, more predictable amplification in production-critical circuits using the BC183C's functional space.

Is BC183C suitable for low-noise preamplifier applications?

Yes, the BC183C has a measured noise figure of 10 dB at V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 200 mA, and R_G = 2 kΩ, making it appropriate for first-stage preamplifiers in audio and sensor signal chains where moderate noise performance suffices. Its low V_BE(on) (0.55–0.7 V) and high h_fe also support stable biasing in low-voltage, low-power configurations using the BC183C.