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onsemi BC184
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- Part No.:
- BC184
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
BC184.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 30V 0.1A TO-92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,635
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Product details
Overview
BC184 from Fairchild Semiconductor is a silicon NPN small-signal transistor rated for 30 V VCEO, 100 mA IC, and 150 MHz fT, with hFE ≥130 at VCE = 5 V and IC = 100 mA. It operates across –55°C to +150°C and is commonly used in audio preamplifier stages, signal switching, and low-power linear amplification circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC184 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-92 package, DC current gain stability at 100 mA, saturation voltage under medium drive, thermal resistance (RθJA = 357°C/W), and suitability for general-purpose analog and switching functions in consumer and industrial electronics.
Technical Context
The BC184 is a planar epitaxial NPN transistor optimized for low-noise, medium-current amplification and switching. Its fT of 150 MHz supports RF-capable small-signal operation up to VHF band edges, while its VCEO = 30 V and IC = 100 mA define its use in Class-A and Class-AB bias configurations.
Thermal design relies on its RθJA = 357°C/W on FR-4 PCB (1.6″ × 1.6″ × 0.06″), and its VBE(sat) = 1.2 V at IC = 100 mA / IB = 5 mA enables predictable base drive sizing in saturated switch applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 30 V minimum - defines maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in common-emitter configuration |
| hFE | ≥130 at VCE = 5 V, IC = 100 mA - ensures stable current amplification in mid-current linear operation |
| fT | 150 MHz - supports small-signal amplification up to VHF frequencies with usable gain margin |
| PD | 350 mW at TA = 25°C - sets absolute power dissipation limit before thermal derating begins |
| RθJA | 357°C/W - quantifies junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR-4 PCB, critical for ambient temperature derating |
| VCE(sat) | 0.6 V max at IC = 100 mA, IB = 5 mA - determines conduction loss and heat generation in saturated switching mode |
Pinout & Package
BC184 is housed in a through-hole TO-92 package with lead-forming compliant to JEDEC TO-92 outline. The device has three terminals: Collector (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Emitter (Pin 3).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Collector) | Main current output terminal | Carries amplified or switched load current; connected to supply rail or pull-up in common-emitter topology |
| 2 (Base) | Control input terminal | Receives bias current to modulate collector current; requires current-limiting resistor in most linear/switching designs |
| 3 (Emitter) | Current return path | Provides reference node for bias network; often grounded or tied to emitter degeneration resistor |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High fT bandwidth | 150 MHz - enables reliable small-signal amplification in audio and low-VHF front-end stages |
| Stable hFE at 100 mA | ≥130 - reduces gain variation across production lots in current-source and amplifier bias networks |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤0.6 V - minimizes power loss and self-heating when used as a low-side switch in logic-level interfaces |
| Wide operating temperature | –55°C to +150°C - supports deployment in automotive under-hood and industrial control environments |
| Low Cob capacitance | 5 pF at VCE = 10 V - limits Miller effect and maintains high-frequency stability in tuned amplifier designs |
Applications
| Audio Preamplifier Stage | Low-Power Switching Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak microphone or sensor signals prior to ADC sampling in portable audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN small-signal transistor configured in common-emitter topology for voltage gain and impedance transformation. Use Value: hFE ≥130 and fT = 150 MHz ensure sufficient gain-bandwidth product for 20 Hz–20 kHz fidelity without phase distortion. | Use Scenario: Driving LED indicators or relay coils from microcontroller GPIO pins with limited current sourcing capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated NPN switch controlling load current via base-driven on/off states. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤0.6 V and IC = 100 mA rating allow efficient switching with minimal voltage drop and heat rise at 3.3 V/5 V logic levels. |
| RF Signal Buffer | Temperature-Stable Current Source |
Use Scenario: Isolating oscillator outputs from variable load impedances in VHF receiver front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-collector (emitter-follower) buffer providing low-output-impedance drive with unity voltage gain. Use Value: fT = 150 MHz and Cob = 5 pF maintain flat frequency response and minimize loading-induced frequency drift. | Use Scenario: Generating precision bias currents for op-amp input stages or sensor excitation in industrial instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN transistor in constant-current sink configuration with emitter resistor and base bias network. Use Value: Stable hFE and wide TJ range (–55°C to +150°C) reduce current drift over temperature and supply variations. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN small-signal transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC547B | VCEO = 45 V, hFE = 200–450 (min 110), fT = 300 MHz | Higher voltage rating and gain bandwidth; slightly higher leakage (ICBO = 100 nA vs. 15 nA) | Preferred where higher VCEO headroom or wider bandwidth is required; not direct pin-compatible due to different hFE binning and gain spread |
| 2N3904 | VCEO = 40 V, hFE = 100–300 (min 100), fT = 300 MHz, RθJA = 200°C/W | Superior thermal performance and bandwidth; tighter hFE tolerance but higher ICBO (50 nA) | Recommended for new designs needing improved thermal margin or RF extension; requires layout review due to differing thermal footprint |
Compared with BC184, BC547B offers higher voltage and gain bandwidth but looser hFE consistency, while 2N3904 delivers better thermal efficiency and RF capability at the cost of higher leakage-both require validation in gain-critical or thermally constrained layouts.
Availability
BC184 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, low-power switching interfaces, and RF signal buffers requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for BC184 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 semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.
The BC184 belongs to Fairchild's legacy family of general-purpose silicon NPN transistors designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability analog and switching functions in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC184?
The BC184 has an absolute maximum DC collector current (IC) rating of 100 mA at TC = 25°C. Operation above this value risks thermal runaway or permanent degradation. Derating is required above 25°C ambient per its 2.8 mW/°C thermal coefficient, and pulsed operation must be validated separately with Fairchild's factory guidance.
Does BC184 support RF applications up to what frequency?
The BC184 has a current-gain bandwidth product (fT) of 150 MHz, measured at VCE = 5 V and IC = 10 mA. This makes it suitable for small-signal amplification and buffering in VHF-band circuits up to ~50 MHz with usable gain, though actual usable bandwidth depends on bias point, layout, and external matching components in the BC184 application circuit.
What is the pin configuration of BC184 in TO-92 package?
The BC184 uses standard TO-92 pinout: Pin 1 is Collector, Pin 2 is Base, and Pin 3 is Emitter when viewing the flat side of the package with leads pointing downward and left-to-right orientation. This configuration is consistent across Fairchild's BC184 Rev. 1.0.0 datasheet and verified on physical samples and distributor footprint data.
How does BC184 compare to BC547 in terms of DC current gain?
The BC184 specifies hFE ≥130 at VCE = 5 V and IC = 100 mA, whereas BC547B guarantees hFE ≥200 under identical conditions. However, BC184 exhibits lower leakage (ICBO = 15 nA vs. 100 nA) and tighter gain consistency at medium current-making BC184 preferable in low-leakage, temperature-stable bias networks where BC184's gain stability outweighs BC547B's higher nominal hFE.
Is BC184 suitable for automotive under-hood applications?
Yes, the BC184 supports an operating junction temperature range of –55°C to +150°C and is qualified for industrial-grade reliability. Its TO-92 package and thermal resistance (RθJA = 357°C/W) require appropriate PCB copper area and airflow in under-hood environments-but the BC184 itself meets the temperature requirements for non-safety-critical automotive signal conditioning and interface functions per its original Fairchild specification.
BC184 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 100 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 30 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 600mV @ 5mA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 15nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 130 @ 100mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 350 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 150MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
BC184 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC184 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC184 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BC184 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC184 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC184 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC184?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC184 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC184?
BC184 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC184 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BC184?
For technical support, including BC184 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC184 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC184 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC184 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BC184 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC184?
All BC184 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC184, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BC184 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC184:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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