onsemi BC184LC_D27Z

Overview

BC184LC_D27Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is a silicon NPN small-signal transistor in TO-92 package, rated for V_CEO = 30 V, I_C = 200 mA, and P_C = 625 mW at T_a = 25°C. It delivers h_FE ≥ 250 at V_CE = 5 V / I_C = 2 mA and f_T = 150 MHz, commonly used in audio preamplifier stages and low-power switching circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC184LC_D27Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain consistency across I_C = 10 µA–100 mA, low V_CE(sat) (0.25 V @ I_C = 10 mA / I_B = 0.5 mA), noise figure of 4 dB at 1 kHz, and TO-92 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

The BC184LC_D27Z operates as a general-purpose amplifying and switching device with a specified junction temperature limit of 150°C and storage range from –55°C to +150°C. Its h_FE spans 100–900 depending on bias point, and it exhibits low output capacitance (C_OB = 5 pF at V_CE = 10 V / f = 1 MHz), supporting stable high-frequency small-signal operation.

It features V_BE(on) = 0.55–0.7 V at V_CE = 5 V / I_C = 2 mA and V_BE(sat) = 1.2 V at I_C = 100 mA / I_B = 5 mA, enabling predictable base drive requirements in linear and saturated modes. Leakage currents are tightly controlled: I_CBO ≤ 15 nA at V_CB = 30 V and I_EBO ≤ 15 nA at V_EB = 3 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC184LC_D27Z is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with lead spacing matching JEDEC TO-92 outline. The device uses a 3-pin configuration with emitter, collector, and base assigned to pins 1, 2, and 3 respectively per manufacturer marking and dimensional drawing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC184LC_D27Z, BC547B offers higher voltage headroom and tighter h_FE binning but no guaranteed f_T minimum, while 2N3904 demands pinout revision and has less robust high-current saturation behavior-making BC184LC_D27Z optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained audio and switching roles where its 30 V/250 h_FE/150 MHz balance is validated.

Availability

BC184LC_D27Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, low-power switching circuits, and RF oscillator designs requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence resilience.

Supply support for BC184LC_D27Z 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 devices before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The BC184LC_D27Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy silicon NPN small-signal transistor family, designed for general-purpose amplification and switching in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment where reliability and parametric consistency are essential.

FAQ

What is the pin configuration of BC184LC_D27Z?

The BC184LC_D27Z uses a TO-92 package with pin 1 as emitter, pin 2 as collector, and pin 3 as base-matching the standard E-C-B sequence. This configuration is confirmed in the original Fairchild datasheet Rev. A1 and verified against JEDEC TO-92 mechanical drawings. Always confirm orientation via package marking before PCB layout.

Does BC184LC_D27Z have a guaranteed minimum f_T specification?

Yes, the BC184LC_D27Z datasheet specifies f_T = 150 MHz (minimum) under test conditions V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 10 mA, and f = 100 MHz. This value is guaranteed across production lots and forms part of the device's small-signal high-frequency performance envelope.

Can BC184LC_D27Z replace BC547 in existing designs?

BC184LC_D27Z can replace BC547 in many cases due to identical TO-92 package and E-C-B pinout, but differences exist: BC184LC_D27Z has lower V_CEO (30 V vs. 45 V) and higher guaranteed h_FE (250 min vs. 200 min). Verify voltage margins and bias stability before substitution in BC547-based circuits.

What is the maximum power dissipation of BC184LC_D27Z at 70°C ambient?

At T_a = 70°C, BC184LC_D27Z derates linearly from its 625 mW rating at 25°C using the specified thermal resistance θ_JA ≈ 200°C/W. This yields P_D(max) ≈ 625 mW − (70−25)°C × (625 mW / 125°C) = 450 mW. Exceeding this risks junction temperature exceeding 150°C.

Is BC184LC_D27Z suitable for low-noise microphone preamplifier applications?

Yes, BC184LC_D27Z is suitable for low-noise microphone preamplifiers: its measured noise figure is 4 dB at V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 200 mA, R_G = 2 kΩ, and f = 1 kHz. Combined with h_FE ≥ 250 and low C_OB, it supports stable, high-SNR gain stages in battery-powered audio front-ends.