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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

onsemi BC184LC

Name: BC184LC
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC184LC
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC184LC

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)

Datasheet:: BC184LC.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 30V 0.2A TO-92-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:7,051

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Product details

Overview

BC184LC from Fairchild Semiconductor is a silicon NPN small-signal transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 30 V V_CEO, 200 mA I_C, and minimum h_FE of 250 at 2 mA collector current. It delivers 150 MHz f_T, 5 pF C_OB, and 4 dB noise figure at 1 kHz - used in low-noise audio preamplifiers, signal switching, and general-purpose amplification stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC184LC datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain linearity across 10 µA–100 mA, low V_CE(sat) (0.25 V @ 10 mA), thermal stability up to 150°C junction temperature, and compatibility with through-hole PCB assembly in legacy analog designs.

Technical Context

The BC184LC operates as a linear amplifying device with fixed-emitter biasing capability, supporting Class-A and Class-AB configurations. Its h_FE spans 100–900 depending on I_C, enabling stable gain control in discrete amplifier topologies without external feedback compensation.

Designed for low-noise analog signal paths, it features 4 dB NF at 200 mA and 1 kHz with 2 kΩ source resistance, and maintains consistent V_BE(on) (0.55–0.7 V) across operating currents - critical for predictable base drive in emitter-follower and differential pair circuits.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	30 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines rail headroom in single-supply amplifiers.
I_C (DC)	200 mA - continuous collector current limit; supports medium-drive analog stages and relay drivers.
h_FE (min)	250 @ V_CE=5 V, I_C=2 mA - ensures reliable current amplification in low-level signal conditioning.
f_T	150 MHz - usable bandwidth for RF coupling up to ~30 MHz with adequate gain margin.
NF	4 dB @ 1 kHz, 200 mA - enables high-SNR preamp design in microphone and sensor interface circuits.
V_CE(sat)	0.25 V @ I_C=10 mA, I_B=0.5 mA - minimizes power loss in saturated-switch applications.
C_OB	5 pF @ V_CE=10 V, 1 MHz - limits Miller effect in high-gain common-emitter stages.

Pinout & Package

BC184LC uses the standard TO-92 plastic package (3-lead, through-hole), with lead configuration: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Base.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Emitter)	Current sink terminal	Reference node for bias network; connects to ground or emitter degeneration resistor in CE/CC topologies.
2 (Collector)	Current source terminal	Output node for amplified signal; ties to load resistor or next-stage input in multi-stage amplifiers.
3 (Base)	Control input terminal	Accepts forward-biased current to modulate collector current; requires series resistor for stable DC biasing.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low noise figure	4 dB at 1 kHz enables clean signal amplification in audio front-ends and sensor interfaces.
High f_T	150 MHz supports wideband operation in IF amplifiers and oscillator buffer stages.
Wide h_FE range	100–900 across I_C allows flexible gain setting without active compensation networks.
Low V_CE(sat)	0.25 V at moderate drive reduces conduction loss in switching and linear regulator pass elements.
TO-92 mechanical compatibility	Standard footprint enables drop-in replacement in legacy through-hole designs and prototyping breadboards.

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage	Signal Switching Circuit
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak microphone or piezoelectric sensor signals before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN small-signal transistor configured in common-emitter topology for voltage gain. Use Value: 4 dB noise figure and 250+ h_FE ensure high-fidelity signal integrity with minimal added noise.	Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling analog signal paths using transistor as a grounded-emitter switch. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated NPN switch controlled by microcontroller GPIO or logic gate output. Use Value: 0.25 V V_CE(sat) and fast turn-on reduce power dissipation and propagation delay in multiplexed systems.
Differential Pair Amplifier	Emitter-Follower Buffer
Use Scenario: Forming the core gain cell in discrete op-amp input stages or instrumentation amplifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One half of matched NPN pair providing high-input-impedance, low-offset amplification. Use Value: Tight h_FE consistency (100–900 range) and low C_OB support balanced AC response and CMRR optimization.	Use Scenario: Impedance matching between high-output-impedance sources and low-input-impedance loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-collector configuration delivering unity voltage gain and high current drive. Use Value: 200 mA I_C rating and 1.2 V V_BE(sat) enable robust sourcing into capacitive or resistive loads.

Audio Preamp Stage

Signal Switching Circuit

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak microphone or piezoelectric sensor signals before ADC sampling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN small-signal transistor configured in common-emitter topology for voltage gain.

Use Value: 4 dB noise figure and 250+ h_FE ensure high-fidelity signal integrity with minimal added noise.

Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling analog signal paths using transistor as a grounded-emitter switch.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated NPN switch controlled by microcontroller GPIO or logic gate output.

Use Value: 0.25 V V_CE(sat) and fast turn-on reduce power dissipation and propagation delay in multiplexed systems.

Differential Pair Amplifier

Emitter-Follower Buffer

Use Scenario: Forming the core gain cell in discrete op-amp input stages or instrumentation amplifiers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One half of matched NPN pair providing high-input-impedance, low-offset amplification.

Use Value: Tight h_FE consistency (100–900 range) and low C_OB support balanced AC response and CMRR optimization.

Use Scenario: Impedance matching between high-output-impedance sources and low-input-impedance loads.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-collector configuration delivering unity voltage gain and high current drive.

Use Value: 200 mA I_C rating and 1.2 V V_BE(sat) enable robust sourcing into capacitive or resistive loads.

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	V_CEO = 45 V, h_FE = 200–450, f_T = 300 MHz, TO-92	Higher voltage rating and bandwidth; slightly higher noise figure (10 dB typical)	Preferred where higher supply rails or RF extension beyond 30 MHz is required.
2N3904	V_CEO = 40 V, h_FE = 100–300, f_T = 300 MHz, TO-92	Wider availability and tighter h_FE binning; lower noise figure not specified in standard datasheet	Chosen for cost-sensitive production where 300 MHz f_T and broad industry acceptance outweigh low-noise priority.

Compared with BC547B and 2N3904, the BC184LC offers superior noise performance (4 dB vs ≥10 dB) and optimized h_FE linearity at low currents - making it preferred for precision analog front-ends despite narrower voltage margin and lower f_T.

Availability

BC184LC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplification, discrete signal switching, and emitter-follower buffering requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BC184LC 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 manufacturer specializing in analog, power, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The BC184LC belongs to Fairchild's legacy silicon NPN transistor family, engineered for low-noise, general-purpose amplification and switching in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC184LC?

The BC184LC has a guaranteed minimum V_CEO rating of 30 V at T_C = 25°C. This value represents the maximum DC voltage that can be applied between collector and emitter with the base open before breakdown occurs. Exceeding this rating risks permanent device failure. The BC184LC datasheet specifies BV_CEO = 30 V (min.) under test condition I_C = 2 mA.

Does BC184LC support low-noise audio applications?

Yes, BC184LC supports low-noise audio applications with a measured noise figure of 4 dB at 1 kHz, 200 mA collector current, and 2 kΩ source resistance. Its combination of low C_OB (5 pF), stable h_FE, and tight V_BE(on) tolerance makes it suitable for microphone preamplifiers and line-level signal conditioning where SNR preservation is critical.

What is the pin configuration of BC184LC?

The BC184LC uses a standard TO-92 package with three leads: Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Collector, and Pin 3 is Base - viewed from the flat side with leads pointing downward. This configuration matches JEDEC TO-92 outline and is compatible with common PCB footprints and breadboard layouts used for discrete transistor circuits.

What is the typical current gain (h_FE) of BC184LC at 2 mA collector current?

The BC184LC exhibits a minimum h_FE of 250 at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 2 mA, with typical values reaching 450 and maximum values up to 900 under the same conditions. This wide h_FE range allows flexibility in bias design but requires verification in-circuit to ensure stability across unit-to-unit variation.

Can BC184LC be used as a saturated switch?

Yes, BC184LC can operate as a saturated switch with V_CE(sat) = 0.25 V at I_C = 10 mA and I_B = 0.5 mA, and 0.6 V at I_C = 100 mA and I_B = 5 mA. Its 200 mA I_C rating and low saturation voltage make it suitable for low-power digital interfacing, LED driving, and relay control where thermal dissipation remains within the 625 mW package limit.

BC184LC 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):: 200 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:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 150MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

BC184LC FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC184LC through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC184LC 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 BC184LC reliable?

The price and inventory of BC184LC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC184LC is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC184LC?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC184LC transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC184LC?

BC184LC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC184LC 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 BC184LC?

For technical support, including BC184LC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC184LC requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC184LC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC184LC 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 BC184LC meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC184LC?

All BC184LC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC184LC, 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 BC184LC part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC184LC:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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