onsemi BC213L

Overview

BC213L from Fairchild Semiconductor is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) designed for amplification and switching in low-to-medium power circuits, with V_CEO = −30 V, I_C = −500 mA, h_FE = 40–400 at I_C = −2.0 mA, f_T = 200 MHz, and TO-92 package - used in audio preamplifiers, relay drivers, and signal inversion stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC213L datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its PNP polarity, −30 V collector-emitter breakdown rating, DC current gain range across operating currents, saturation voltage performance at −100 mA, and thermal dissipation limit of 625 mW at 25°C ambient.

Technical Context

The BC213L operates as a silicon PNP BJT with epitaxial planar construction, optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its h_FE varies from 40 at I_C = −10 µA to 400 at I_C = −2.0 mA, and it delivers V_CE(sat) = −0.25 V at I_C = −10 mA / I_B = −0.5 mA.

Small-signal behavior includes f_T = 200 MHz at V_CE = −5 V / I_C = −10 mA and NF = 10 dB at 1 kHz with R_G = 2 kΩ, confirming suitability for RF-coupled audio and medium-frequency switching where gain-bandwidth and noise are design-critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC213L is housed in a standard through-hole TO-92 package (3-lead, epoxy-molded), with lead configuration: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Base - verified per Fairchild Rev. A datasheet mechanical drawing and terminal assignment.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP general-purpose amplifier applications.

Compared with BC213L, BC214L offers enhanced voltage safety margin and tighter h_FE, while PN2907A trades bandwidth for higher ruggedness - making BC213L optimal for cost-sensitive, medium-speed amplification where 30 V and 200 MHz are sufficient design targets.

Availability

BC213L is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, relay driver circuits, and LED current sink applications requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing from original manufacturing lots.

Supply support for BC213L 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; known for high-reliability signal chain and power devices.

The BC213L belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose BJT family, engineered for broad utility in linear amplification, switching, and interface functions across consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC213L?

The BC213L has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of −500 mA at T_A = 25°C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Derating applies above 25°C ambient, and actual usable current depends on PCB copper area, airflow, and V_CE - the BC213L typically sustains −300 mA in standard TO-92 mounting per application guidance.

Does BC213L support RF amplification, and up to what frequency?

Yes, the BC213L supports RF amplification with a current-gain bandwidth product (f_T) of 200 MHz at V_CE = −5 V and I_C = −10 mA. It is suitable for small-signal amplification in VHF-adjacent bands (e.g., FM radio IF stages up to ~50 MHz), though layout parasitics and bias stability become critical above 30 MHz.

What is the pin configuration of BC213L in the TO-92 package?

The BC213L uses standard TO-92 pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Base - confirmed in the mechanical drawing and terminal description of the Fairchild Rev. A datasheet. This matches JEDEC TO-92 orientation when flat side faces viewer and leads point downward.

How does BC213L compare to BC212L in terms of voltage ratings?

The BC213L has V_CEO = −30 V and V_CBO = −45 V, whereas BC212L specifies V_CEO = −25 V and V_CBO = −30 V. Thus, BC213L provides higher voltage headroom for both collector-emitter and collector-base junctions - making it preferable in 24 V systems or designs requiring margin against transients.

Is BC213L suitable for linear current regulation in LED driver applications?

Yes, the BC213L can be used in linear LED current sink configurations with an emitter degeneration resistor. Its h_FE consistency, V_CE(sat) ≤ −0.6 V at −100 mA, and 625 mW power rating support stable single-string LED driving up to ~350 mA - provided thermal management meets R_θJA = 200 °C/W requirements.