onsemi BC184_L34Z

Overview

BC184_L34Z 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, with f_T = 150 MHz and P_D = 350 mW - commonly used in audio preamplifier stages and low-power switching circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC184_L34Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain linearity at 10–100 mA, saturation voltage under defined I_B/I_C conditions, thermal resistance (R_θJA = 357 °C/W on FR-4), and safe operating area limits per absolute maximum ratings.

Technical Context

The BC184_L34Z operates as a general-purpose amplifying and switching device with fixed NPN polarity, requiring external biasing networks to establish Q-point stability. Its h_FE variation across I_C (100–130 at 10 μA–100 mA) and V_BE(on) = 0.55–0.7 V support predictable base drive design in Class-A amplifiers and digital logic interfaces.

Thermal performance is defined for FR-4 PCB mounting (1.6″ × 1.6″ × 0.06″); R_θJC = 125 °C/W and R_θJA = 357 °C/W constrain continuous power dissipation above 25°C ambient by 2.8 mW/°C derating. Cob = 5 pF at V_CE = 10 V enables stable operation up to mid-VHF frequencies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC184_L34Z uses the standard TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads: Collector (lead 1), Base (lead 2), Emitter (lead 3), mounted vertically with flat side facing viewer and leads downward.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC184_L34Z, BC547B offers higher voltage rating and gain but looser h_FE tolerance, while 2N3904 delivers double the f_T and 45% lower R_θJA, making it more suitable for RF-critical or thermally constrained layouts.

Availability

BC184_L34Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplification, low-speed digital switching, and crystal oscillator load driving requiring stable component supply across industrial control, consumer electronics, and educational prototyping programs.

Supply support for BC184_L34Z 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_L34Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy silicon NPN transistor family designed for cost-sensitive, general-purpose amplification and switching in non-automotive industrial and consumer equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC184_L34Z?

The BC184_L34Z has an absolute maximum DC collector current (I_C) of 100 mA at T_C = 25°C. Operation at this level requires adherence to thermal derating (2.8 mW/°C above 25°C) and verification of V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V under corresponding base drive. Exceeding 100 mA risks permanent degradation per Fairchild's Absolute Maximum Ratings table in the BC184_L34Z datasheet.

Does BC184_L34Z support linear amplification at 10 kHz?

Yes, BC184_L34Z supports linear amplification at 10 kHz with minimal distortion. Its f_T = 150 MHz and h_FE ≥ 130 at I_C = 100 mA provide ample gain-bandwidth margin, while V_BE(on) = 0.55–0.7 V and low Cob = 5 pF ensure stable biasing and frequency response. The BC184_L34Z is routinely used in audio preamp stages within this band.

What is the pin configuration of BC184_L34Z in TO-92 package?

BC184_L34Z uses standard TO-92 pinout: lead 1 = Collector, lead 2 = Base, lead 3 = Emitter, with flat side facing the viewer and leads pointing downward. This matches JEDEC TO-92 outline and is confirmed in Fairchild's BC184_L34Z datasheet Rev. 1.0.0, page 1. No alternate pinouts are specified for BC184_L34Z.

Is BC184_L34Z RoHS compliant?

BC184_L34Z was manufactured under Fairchild's pre-acquisition environmental compliance program. While original documentation does not carry explicit "RoHS compliant" labeling, the device contains no lead in solderable terminations per Fairchild's 2007 Pb-free initiative, and BC184_L34Z meets exemption 7a (max 0.1% Pb in copper alloys). Full RoHS status should be verified via ON Semiconductor's current product change notices for BC184_L34Z.

Can BC184_L34Z replace BC107 in existing designs?

BC184_L34Z can functionally replace BC107 in many low-power amplifier and switch roles, as both are NPN TO-92 transistors with similar V_CEO (30 V vs. 45 V) and h_FE ranges. However, BC184_L34Z has lower f_T (150 MHz vs. 250 MHz for BC107) and higher V_CE(sat) (0.6 V vs. 0.5 V), so high-frequency or low-loss designs may require validation. BC184_L34Z is not a drop-in replacement without circuit review.