onsemi BC214LB_L34Z

Overview

BC214LB_L34Z 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 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 relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the BC214LB_L34Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its PNP polarity, −30 V V_CEO rating, −500 mA I_C capability, saturation voltage of −0.25 V at −10 mA/−0.5 mA drive, and thermal resistance R_θJA = 200 °C/W in TO-92.

Technical Context

This PNP BJT operates with reverse-polarity biasing: emitter positive relative to collector and base. Its DC current gain (h_FE) spans 140–400 across −2 mA to −100 mA, supporting both linear amplification and saturated switching. The 200 MHz f_T enables use up to mid-frequency analog stages.

Thermal design relies on R_θJA = 200 °C/W and P_D = 625 mW at 25°C, derating 5.0 mW/°C above ambient. Cutoff currents (I_CBO, I_EBO) are ≤ −15 nA, ensuring low leakage in standby states.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC214LB_L34Z is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads: Emitter (Pin 1), Collector (Pin 2), Base (Pin 3), viewed from flat side with leads down and tab up.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC214L and MPSA92, BC214LB_L34Z offers the optimal balance of gain (140–400), noise (2.0 dB), and saturation performance (−0.25 V) in TO-92 for general-purpose PNP use - whereas BC214L is functionally identical but differs only in packaging, and MPSA92 trades gain and noise for extreme voltage tolerance.

Availability

BC214LB_L34Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, discrete logic inverters, and relay driver circuits requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturability in through-hole designs.

Supply support for BC214LB_L34Z 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 components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The BC214LB_L34Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose BJT family, engineered for cost-sensitive, reliability-critical linear and switching applications in consumer, industrial, and automotive-adjacent systems.

FAQ

What is the pin configuration of BC214LB_L34Z?

The BC214LB_L34Z uses a TO-92 package with pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Base - verified from Fairchild's official datasheet Rev. A (October 2003). This configuration is standard for PNP transistors in this series and must be observed to avoid reverse-bias damage during PCB layout or assembly.

Does BC214LB_L34Z support switching applications?

Yes, BC214LB_L34Z supports switching applications with V_CE(sat) = −0.25 V at −10 mA/−0.5 mA and −0.6 V at −100 mA/−5 mA, enabling efficient on-state conduction. Its −500 mA I_C rating and low storage time make it suitable for <100 kHz relay and LED drivers, provided base drive meets h_FE-based current requirements.

What is the maximum operating temperature for BC214LB_L34Z?

The BC214LB_L34Z has a specified operating junction temperature range of −55°C to +150°C per its Absolute Maximum Ratings. Ambient operation is constrained by thermal resistance: at 25°C ambient, max power dissipation is 625 mW, derating 5.0 mW/°C above that - so sustained 500 mW operation requires ambient ≤ 125°C with adequate heatsinking.

Is BC214LB_L34Z RoHS compliant?

BC214LB_L34Z was manufactured prior to RoHS enforcement deadlines and predates standardized lead-free certification. It contains leaded solder terminations and is not RoHS-compliant per EU Directive 2011/65/EU. For new designs requiring compliance, consult ON Semiconductor's modern PNP alternatives such as NSS20201MR6T1G.

How does BC214LB_L34Z compare to BC214L in performance?

BC214LB_L34Z and BC214L share identical electrical specifications, thermal characteristics, and TO-92 mechanical dimensions. The "L34Z" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging per Fairchild internal coding; no parametric or functional difference exists between BC214LB_L34Z and BC214L - both deliver the same V_CEO, h_FE, f_T, and V_CE(sat) performance.