onsemi BC214LC

Overview

BC214LC 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 I_C = −2 mA, f_T = 200 MHz, and TO-92 package - used in audio preamplifiers, relay drivers, and signal inversion stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC214LC 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 I_C = −10 mA/I_B = −0.5 mA, and thermal resistance R_θJA = 200 °C/W in TO-92.

Technical Context

The BC214LC operates as a silicon PNP BJT with epitaxial planar construction, optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its DC current gain spans 140–400 under V_CE = −5 V and I_C = −2 mA, while small-signal h_fe reaches 350–600 at 1 kHz, supporting stable biasing in Class-A and Class-AB stages.

It exhibits low noise figure (2.0 dB at 15.7 kHz), high f_T (200 MHz), and tight leakage control (I_CBO ≤ −15 nA at V_CB = −30 V), enabling use in RF-coupled preamps and low-distortion analog signal paths where gain consistency and thermal stability are critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC214LC is housed in a standard through-hole TO-92 package (3-lead, plastic, upright configuration) with lead spacing of 1.27 mm and overall height ≤ 4.58 mm. Pin identification follows JEDEC TO-92 orientation: viewed from flat side with leads down, left-to-right is Emitter (1), Collector (2), Base (3).

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 BC212L, the BC214LC offers the best balance of gain margin (h_FE ≥ 140), bandwidth (200 MHz), and low-noise operation (2.0 dB NF) in the TO-92 PNP family - making it preferred for precision analog and medium-speed switching where both linearity and speed matter.

Availability

BC214LC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, relay drivers, and logic-level signal inverters requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BC214LC 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 BC214LC belongs to Fairchild's legacy "FACT Quiet Series™" PNP transistor family, engineered for low-noise amplification and reliable switching in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC214LC?

The BC214LC 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. Actual usable current depends on PCB copper area, ambient temperature, and duty cycle - sustained operation near rated I_C requires attention to R_θJA = 200 °C/W to avoid exceeding T_J = 150°C.

Is BC214LC suitable for audio amplifier applications?

Yes, BC214LC is well-suited for audio amplifier applications due to its low noise figure (2.0 dB at 15.7 kHz), high h_FE (140–400), and stable f_T (200 MHz). It has been widely used in microphone preamplifiers and tone-control stages. The BC214LC maintains linearity under typical audio bias conditions (V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −2 mA), and its TO-92 package simplifies prototyping and repair.

What is the pin configuration of BC214LC?

The BC214LC uses a standard TO-92 package with three leads: Pin 1 is Emitter, Pin 2 is Collector, and Pin 3 is Base - identified when viewing the flat side of the package with leads pointing downward and arranged left-to-right. This matches JEDEC TO-92 orientation and is consistent across Fairchild's BC21xL series. Always verify orientation with marking dot or notch before soldering.

Does BC214LC have a specified thermal resistance value?

Yes, BC214LC specifies R_θJA = 200 °C/W (junction-to-ambient) and R_θJC = 83.3 °C/W (junction-to-case) at T_A = 25°C. These values assume standard PCB mounting with no added heatsink. For designs operating near maximum power dissipation (P_D = 625 mW), thermal simulation or empirical testing is recommended to confirm junction temperature remains below 150°C under worst-case ambient and airflow conditions.

Can BC214LC replace BC177 in existing designs?

The BC214LC is not a direct replacement for BC177 due to differences in gain range (BC177: h_FE = 125–375), V_CEO (BC177: −45 V), and package variant tolerances. While both are PNP TO-92 transistors, BC214LC offers higher minimum h_FE (140 vs. 125) but lower V_CEO (−30 V vs. −45 V). Substitution requires verification of voltage headroom and bias network stability - BC214LC may function in many BC177 circuits but is not guaranteed drop-in compatible.