onsemi BC184_J35Z

Overview

BC184_J35Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is a silicon NPN small-signal transistor in TO-92 package, rated for V_CEO = 30 V (min), h_FE = 130 (min) at V_CE = 5.0 V and I_C = 100 mA, and f_T = 150 MHz - used in low-power amplification and switching circuits such as audio preamplifiers and signal routing stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC184_J35Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain linearity at 10–100 mA, saturation voltage under defined base drive, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 357 °C/W), and compatibility with FR-4 PCB mounting per JEDEC standard.

Technical Context

The BC184_J35Z operates as a general-purpose bipolar junction transistor with fixed-emitter biasing capability and linear active-region behavior up to 100 mA collector current. Its f_T of 150 MHz supports RF amplification up to VHF band edges, while V_BE(on) = 0.55–0.7 V enables predictable turn-on in Class-A amplifier stages.

Thermal design relies on R_θJA = 357 °C/W (FR-4, 1.6" × 1.6") and P_D = 350 mW at T_A = 25°C, derating 2.8 mW/°C above ambient - limiting continuous dissipation to ~180 mW at 85°C ambient. Junction temperature must remain ≤150°C per absolute maximum rating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC184_J35Z is housed in a through-hole TO-92 package with standardized lead configuration: Pin 1 = Collector, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Emitter. The package complies with JEDEC TO-92 outline and supports manual soldering and wave soldering on FR-4 boards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN small-signal transistor applications.

Compared with BC547B and 2N3904, BC184_J35Z offers balanced h_FE, f_T, and I_C capability - making it uniquely suitable for mid-current analog amplification where both gain and bandwidth must be maintained simultaneously without sacrificing thermal margin on FR-4 PCBs.

Availability

BC184_J35Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, RF intermediate frequency stages, and discrete logic-level translation circuits requiring stable component supply and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for BC184_J35Z 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; its legacy product lines emphasize reliability, manufacturability, and broad application coverage.

The BC184_J35Z belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications in consumer audio, industrial controls, and communications equipment where proven TO-92 performance and JEDEC-compliant thermal behavior are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC184_J35Z?

The BC184_J35Z has an absolute maximum DC collector current rating of 100 mA, as specified in its Fairchild datasheet Rev. 1.0.0. Operation beyond this value risks thermal runaway or permanent degradation. Derating is required above 25°C ambient, with total device dissipation limited to 350 mW at 25°C and decreasing by 2.8 mW/°C.

Does BC184_J35Z support RF amplification applications?

Yes, BC184_J35Z supports RF amplification up to VHF frequencies due to its f_T = 150 MHz and low output capacitance (C_ob = 5 pF). It is commonly used in 10.7 MHz IF amplifier stages and low-power RF preamplifiers where moderate gain and stability are required - confirmed by Fairchild's electrical characteristics table under test conditions V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 10 mA, f = 100 MHz.

What is the pin configuration of BC184_J35Z in TO-92 package?

The BC184_J35Z uses standard TO-92 pinout: Pin 1 = Collector, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Emitter, with leads arranged in flat-side-up orientation. This configuration is documented in the "1. Collector 2. Base 3. Emitter" note on page 1 of the Fairchild BC184 Rev. 1.0.0 datasheet and verified across authorized distributor footprint diagrams.

How does BC184_J35Z compare to BC547 in terms of DC current gain?

BC184_J35Z guarantees h_FE ≥130 at I_C = 100 mA and V_CE = 5 V, whereas BC547B specifies h_FE = 200–450 at I_C = 2 mA. The BC184_J35Z maintains higher gain consistency at higher currents, making it more suitable for linear amplification near full-rated I_C, unlike BC547 which excels at low-current, high-gain scenarios.

Is BC184_J35Z suitable for use in temperature-critical industrial environments?

Yes, BC184_J35Z supports operation from –55°C to +150°C junction temperature, with validated thermal resistance R_θJA = 357 °C/W on standard FR-4 PCB. Its robust absolute maximum ratings and documented derating curve make it appropriate for industrial control modules where ambient temperatures reach 85°C - provided PCB layout adheres to Fairchild's 1.6" × 1.6" copper pad recommendation.