onsemi BC184L_J35Z

Overview

BC184L_J35Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is a silicon NPN small-signal transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 30 V V_CEO, 500 mA I_C, and 350 mW P_C at T_a = 25°C, with h_FE ≥ 130 at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 100 mA; used in audio preamplifier stages and low-power switching circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC184L_J35Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain linearity at 2–100 mA, low noise figure (4 dB @ 1 kHz), f_T = 150 MHz, V_BE(sat) = 1.2 V, and TO-92 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

The BC184L_J35Z operates as a general-purpose amplifying and switching device with fixed-emitter biasing capability. Its h_FE range spans 450–900 at I_C = 2 mA and V_CE = 5 V, supporting high-gain small-signal amplification, while maintaining V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C = 100 mA and I_B = 5 mA for efficient low-voltage switching.

It features low output capacitance (C_OB = 5 pF @ V_CE = 10 V, f = 1 MHz) and a noise figure of 4 dB under RG = 2 kΩ, making it suitable for RF-coupled audio front-ends and low-noise sensor interface amplifiers where signal integrity at sub-100 kHz is critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC184L_J35Z is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads: Emitter (Pin 1), Collector (Pin 2), Base (Pin 3), compliant with JEDEC TO-92 outline dimensions (14.47 mm length, 4.58 mm width, 3.86 mm height).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC184L_J35Z, BC547B offers greater voltage safety margin but reduced small-signal gain consistency, while 2N3904 provides broader industry availability and tighter V_BE tolerance-both require revalidation of noise and gain linearity in audio-critical paths.

Availability

BC184L_J35Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifier stages, low-voltage switch drivers, and RF detector interfaces requiring stable component supply across industrial, consumer, and prototyping environments.

Supply support for BC184L_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 semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete devices before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The BC184L_J35Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy silicon NPN transistor family designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability analog and switching functions in consumer electronics and industrial controls.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC184L_J35Z?

The BC184L_J35Z supports a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 500 mA at T_a = 25°C. Derating is required above ambient temperature per the thermal resistance curve; at 70°C ambient, maximum I_C drops to approximately 320 mA to maintain T_J ≤ 150°C. This rating applies only under DC or low-duty-cycle pulsed conditions.

Is BC184L_J35Z suitable for audio amplifier applications?

Yes, BC184L_J35Z is well-suited for audio amplifier applications due to its low noise figure (4 dB @ 1 kHz), high h_FE (450–900 at I_C = 2 mA), and stable gain linearity. It is commonly used in electret microphone preamplifiers and tone-control stages where signal fidelity below 20 kHz is essential. Biasing must account for V_BE(on) = 0.55–0.7 V.

What is the pin configuration of BC184L_J35Z?

The BC184L_J35Z uses a standard TO-92 package with pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Base (viewed with flat side facing outward and leads pointing down). This matches JEDEC TO-92 mechanical specification and is compatible with BC547, 2N3904, and other common NPN transistors in the same outline.

Does BC184L_J35Z have a specified f_T value?

Yes, BC184L_J35Z has a specified current-gain bandwidth product (f_T) of 150 MHz, measured at V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 10 mA, and f = 100 MHz. This confirms usable small-signal gain up to ~15 MHz and supports RF detector and IF amplifier roles in AM radio receivers and sensor signal conditioning.

What is the storage temperature range for BC184L_J35Z?

The BC184L_J35Z has a specified storage temperature range of –55°C to +150°C, matching its operational junction temperature limit. This wide range supports long-term inventory storage in uncontrolled environments and deployment in automotive under-hood or industrial outdoor enclosures where thermal cycling is expected.