onsemi BC214LB

Overview

BC214LB from Fairchild Semiconductor is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) designed for amplification and switching in low-to-medium power analog and digital circuits, with V_CEO = −30 V, I_C = −500 mA continuous, h_FE = 140–400 at −2 mA/−5 V, f_T = 200 MHz, and TO-92 package - used in audio preamplifiers, discrete logic inverters, and load-switching stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC214LB datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its PNP polarity, −30 V V_CEO rating, −500 mA I_C capability, −1.1 V V_BE(sat) at −100 mA, and thermal resistance of 200 °C/W in ambient air - critical for thermal design and gain-stability validation in linear and saturated operation.

Technical Context

The BC214LB operates as a silicon PNP BJT with epitaxial planar construction, optimized for general-purpose linear amplification and hard-switching applications up to 300 mA collector current. Its DC current gain (h_FE) spans 140–400 under −2 mA/−5 V bias, and small-signal h_fe reaches 200–400 at 1 kHz, supporting stable mid-band gain in discrete amplifier stages.

It features low noise figure (2.0 dB at 15.7 kHz), high f_T (200 MHz), and tight V_CE(sat) (−0.25 V at −10 mA/−0.5 mA), enabling efficient switching in battery-powered logic interfaces and low-distortion signal buffering where base drive efficiency and bandwidth matter.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC214LB is housed in a standard through-hole TO-92 package with 3 leads: Emitter (Lead 1), Collector (Lead 2), Base (Lead 3), oriented with flat side facing viewer and leads downward. Package outline conforms to JEDEC TO-92 variant with 14.47 mm body length and 3.60 mm width.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC556B and BC214L, the BC214LB offers optimal balance of gain (140–400), bandwidth (200 MHz), and low-noise performance (2.0 dB) in the −30 V/−500 mA class - making it preferred for audio and precision switching where both linearity and speed matter.

Availability

BC214LB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, discrete logic inverters, and linear voltage regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply, consistent h_FE binning, and proven TO-92 thermal performance.

Supply support for BC214LB 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 power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The BC214LB belongs to Fairchild's legacy BC21x PNP amplifier family, engineered for cost-effective, reliable general-purpose amplification and switching in consumer, industrial, and communication equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC214LB?

The BC214LB supports a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of −500 mA at T_A = 25°C. Derating applies above 25°C per the 5.0 mW/°C thermal specification. This rating assumes adequate PCB copper area or ambient airflow to maintain junction temperature below 150°C. The BC214LB must not be operated beyond this limit in DC or high-duty-cycle pulsed conditions without thermal analysis.

Does BC214LB have a specified noise figure, and under what conditions?

Yes, the BC214LB has a noise figure (NF) of 2.0 dB, measured at V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −200 µA, R_G = 2 kΩ, and f = 15.7 kHz. This value reflects its suitability for low-level audio signal amplification. The BC214LB's low NF is enabled by its optimized epitaxial base structure and tight process control, distinguishing it from standard-switching PNP transistors lacking noise characterization.

What are the absolute maximum ratings for BC214LB's junction temperature?

The BC214LB has an operating and storage junction temperature range (T_J, T_STG) of −55 °C to +150 °C. This maximum junction temperature of 150 °C is the limiting thermal condition for reliability; exceeding it risks permanent degradation. The BC214LB's R_θJA = 200 °C/W means that at 625 mW dissipation, the junction rises 125 °C above ambient - so operation at full power requires ambient ≤ 25°C.

Is BC214LB pin-compatible with other TO-92 PNP transistors like BC557?

BC214LB uses the standard TO-92 pinout (Emitter–Collector–Base, left-to-right with flat side facing), matching BC556, BC557, BC212, and BC213. However, BC557 has different h_FE bins and V_CEO (−45 V), so direct substitution requires verification of gain, voltage, and thermal requirements. The BC214LB itself is not guaranteed pin-compatible with all TO-92 PNP devices - only those sharing identical lead assignment and electrical specs.

What is the typical V_BE(sat) for BC214LB, and how does it affect base drive design?

The BC214LB exhibits a typical V_BE(sat) of −1.1 V at I_C = −100 mA and I_B = −5 mA. This value directly determines the minimum base-emitter forward voltage needed to achieve saturation. For reliable switching, base drive circuits must supply sufficient current to develop ≥−1.1 V across the base-emitter junction while accounting for series resistance - a key parameter in calculating R_B for microcontroller-driven BC214LB switches.