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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

onsemi BC368_D26Z

Name: BC368_D26Z
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC368_D26Z
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC368_D26Z

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Datasheet:: BC368_D26Z.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 20V 2A TO-92-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

BC368_D26Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor designed for medium-power amplification and switching applications, with a continuous collector current rating of 2.0 A, V_CEO = 20 V, and DC current gain (h_FE) ranging from 50 to 375 at I_C = 5 mA. It operates across –55°C to +150°C and is commonly used in relay drivers and low-frequency amplifier stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC368_D26Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-92 package thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200°C/W), saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) = 0.5 V at I_C = 1.0 A), and f_T = 45 MHz bandwidth capability.

Technical Context

The BC368_D26Z is a silicon NPN BJT fabricated using Fairchild's Process 37, optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its design supports stable DC biasing with h_FE specified across three operating points (5 mA, 0.5 A, and 1.0 A), and it maintains V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V under high-current drive conditions.

Thermal performance is defined by R_θJC = 83.3°C/W and R_θJA = 200°C/W, indicating suitability for through-hole PCB mounting without heatsinking in moderate-power applications. The device's V_(BR)CEO = 20 V and V_(BR)CES = 25 V ensure robustness against transient overvoltage in inductive load switching.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper limit for supply rail in switch-mode or amplifier designs.
I_C (continuous)	2.0 A - Sustained collector current capacity; enables driving relays, small solenoids, or audio output stages without derating at 25°C.
h_FE	50–375 - DC current gain range across operating points; supports predictable base drive calculation for both low- and medium-current switching.
V_CE(sat)	0.5 V @ I_C = 1.0 A - Low saturation voltage reduces conduction loss and self-heating during switching duty cycles.
f_T	45 MHz - Current-gain bandwidth product; suitable for audio-frequency amplification and low-speed digital switching up to ~10 MHz.
R_θJA	200°C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance in standard TO-92 mounting; dictates maximum power dissipation (625 mW at 25°C) before thermal shutdown.

Pinout & Package

BC368_D26Z is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads, designed for axial through-hole mounting and manual soldering. Lead identification follows JEDEC TO-92 outline: emitter (E), base (B), collector (C) - flat side facing viewer, leads down, left-to-right = E-B-C.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Emitter (E)	Current sink terminal	Reference node for bias network; connects to ground or low-side return path in common-emitter configurations.
Base (B)	Control input	Receives forward-biased current to modulate collector current; requires series resistor to limit I_B per h_FE and desired I_C.
Collector (C)	Current source terminal	Connects to load and positive supply; carries full switched/amplified current; thermally coupled to package body.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High h_FE range	50–375 ensures reliable turn-on with minimal base drive, reducing MCU GPIO loading in embedded control circuits.
Low V_CE(sat)	0.5 V at 1 A minimizes power loss and heat generation in saturated switching applications like LED or relay drivers.
Wide temperature range	–55°C to +150°C operation supports deployment in industrial environments and automotive under-hood modules.
TO-92 mechanical compatibility	Standard footprint enables drop-in replacement with BC337, BC547, and other legacy NPN transistors in existing layouts.

Applications

Relay Driver Circuit	DC Motor Speed Control
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V, 100 mA coil relays in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured in common-emitter mode, controlled by microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V ensures <50 mW dissipation at full coil current, eliminating need for heatsinking.	Use Scenario: PWM-based speed regulation for brushed 24 V DC motors in HVAC actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch in half-bridge configuration, handling peak currents up to 1.5 A. Use Value: h_FE ≥ 85 at I_C = 0.5 A allows stable base drive with 5–10 mA, compatible with standard logic-level outputs.
Audio Pre-amplifier Stage	Power Supply Pass Transistor
Use Scenario: First-stage voltage amplification in battery-powered intercom systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased at I_C = 5 mA with V_CE = 10 V for linearity. Use Value: f_T = 45 MHz provides ample gain margin at 20 kHz, minimizing distortion in voice-band signals.	Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable linear regulators delivering up to 1.2 A. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled current source regulating output via feedback loop. Use Value: TJ max = 150°C and R_θJA = 200°C/W allow 625 mW dissipation at ambient ≤ 50°C without forced cooling.

Relay Driver Circuit

DC Motor Speed Control

Use Scenario: Driving 12 V, 100 mA coil relays in PLC I/O modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured in common-emitter mode, controlled by microcontroller GPIO.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V ensures <50 mW dissipation at full coil current, eliminating need for heatsinking.

Use Scenario: PWM-based speed regulation for brushed 24 V DC motors in HVAC actuators.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch in half-bridge configuration, handling peak currents up to 1.5 A.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 85 at I_C = 0.5 A allows stable base drive with 5–10 mA, compatible with standard logic-level outputs.

Audio Pre-amplifier Stage

Power Supply Pass Transistor

Use Scenario: First-stage voltage amplification in battery-powered intercom systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased at I_C = 5 mA with V_CE = 10 V for linearity.

Use Value: f_T = 45 MHz provides ample gain margin at 20 kHz, minimizing distortion in voice-band signals.

Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable linear regulators delivering up to 1.2 A.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled current source regulating output via feedback loop.

Use Value: TJ max = 150°C and R_θJA = 200°C/W allow 625 mW dissipation at ambient ≤ 50°C without forced cooling.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC337-40	h_FE min = 250 (I_C = 10 mA), V_CEO = 45 V, P_D = 625 mW - higher voltage rating but lower f_T (100 MHz).	Better suited for higher-supply-voltage switching (e.g., 30 V systems); less optimal for high-fidelity audio due to narrower gain-bandwidth trade-off.	Select BC337-40 when V_CEO > 20 V is required; verify base drive sufficiency at target I_C.
BC547B	h_FE min = 200 (I_C = 2 mA), V_CEO = 45 V, I_C = 100 mA - lower current rating and smaller package (TO-92 variant).	Restricted to signal-level amplification and low-power switching; unsuitable for >100 mA loads without parallel devices.	Choose BC547B only for sub-100 mA bias or preamp roles; not a functional substitute for BC368_D26Z's 2 A capability.

Compared with BC368_D26Z, BC337-40 offers higher breakdown voltage but similar thermal limits, while BC547B trades current capacity for tighter h_FE tolerance-neither is pin-compatible nor functionally interchangeable without circuit redesign.

Availability

BC368_D26Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, DC motor control modules, audio pre-amplifier stages, and linear regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for BC368_D26Z 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 BC368_D26Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose BJT product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, medium-power linear and switching applications in industrial controls and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC368_D26Z?

The BC368_D26Z has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 2.0 A at T_A = 25°C. This value decreases with rising ambient temperature due to thermal derating-5.0 mW/°C above 25°C-and must be applied with consideration of R_θJA = 200°C/W to avoid exceeding the 150°C maximum junction temperature. Actual usable current depends on PCB layout and airflow.

Does BC368_D26Z support switching applications with inductive loads?

Yes, BC368_D26Z supports inductive load switching such as relays and solenoids, thanks to its V_(BR)CES = 25 V and built-in ruggedness from Process 37 fabrication. However, a flyback diode must be used across the load to clamp inductive kickback; without it, voltage spikes exceeding V_CEO = 20 V may cause premature failure of the BC368_D26Z.

What is the typical DC current gain (h_FE) of BC368_D26Z at 1.0 A collector current?

At I_C = 1.0 A, V_CE = 1.0 V, and T_A = 25°C, the BC368_D26Z exhibits h_FE between 60 and 375. The minimum guaranteed value is 60, enabling conservative base drive design-for example, 100 mA of base current ensures ≥1.0 A collector current even under worst-case h_FE conditions.

Is BC368_D26Z available in surface-mount packaging?

No, BC368_D26Z is exclusively offered in the through-hole TO-92 package. Fairchild did not release a surface-mount variant (e.g., SOT-23 or SC-59) for this part number. For SMT alternatives with similar electrical specs, consider the MMBT3904 or NSS12201LT1G-but note differences in h_FE, V_CEO, and thermal performance versus BC368_D26Z.

What is the safe operating area (SOA) limitation for BC368_D26Z in pulse applications?

The BC368_D26Z datasheet specifies absolute maximum ratings for steady-state operation only; pulsed SOA data is not provided. For short-duration pulses (<10 ms, duty cycle <10%), consult Fairchild's application notes on Process 37 SOA curves or perform empirical testing with current limiting and thermal monitoring, as factory consultation is recommended per Note 2 in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table for BC368_D26Z.

BC368_D26Z Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 2 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 20 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 500mV @ 100mA, 1A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 10µA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 85 @ 500mA, 1V

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 45MHz

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

BC368_D26Z FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC368_D26Z through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC368_D26Z on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for BC368_D26Z reliable?

The price and inventory of BC368_D26Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC368_D26Z is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC368_D26Z?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC368_D26Z transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC368_D26Z?

BC368_D26Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC368_D26Z order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BC368_D26Z?

For technical support, including BC368_D26Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC368_D26Z requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC368_D26Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC368_D26Z products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BC368_D26Z meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC368_D26Z?

All BC368_D26Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC368_D26Z, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The BC368_D26Z part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC368_D26Z:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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