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

onsemi BC368_D74Z

Name: BC368_D74Z
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC368_D74Z
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC368_D74Z

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: BC368_D74Z.pdf

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

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

BC368_D74Z 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 of 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 linear power supplies and relay drivers.

For engineers reviewing the BC368_D74Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria 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 - all critical for low-loss switching and audio-frequency amplification design.

Technical Context

The BC368_D74Z is a silicon NPN BJT fabricated using Fairchild's Process 37, optimized for stable DC current gain across collector currents from 5 mA to 1.0 A. Its breakdown ratings - V_(BR)CEO = 20 V, V_(BR)CES = 25 V, and V_(BR)EBO = 5.0 V - define safe operating limits under open-base and open-emitter conditions.

Thermal performance is characterized by R_θJC = 83.3°C/W and R_θJA = 200°C/W, supporting operation up to 150°C junction temperature. The device exhibits typical pulsed h_FE > 300 at I_C = 0.1 A and maintains V_BE(on) ≤ 1.0 V at I_C = 1.0 A, enabling predictable base drive requirements in saturated-switch configurations.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	20 V - Maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage before avalanche breakdown under open-base condition.
I_C (continuous)	2.0 A - Continuous collector current capability; supports medium-power load switching without forced cooling.
h_FE	50–375 - DC current gain range at specified test points; enables flexible biasing in amplifier and switch designs.
V_CE(sat)	0.5 V @ I_C=1.0 A, I_B=100 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in switching applications.
f_T	45 MHz - Current-gain bandwidth product; suitable for audio amplification and low-MHz signal switching.
T_J range	–55°C to +150°C - Wide junction temperature range supports industrial and automotive under-hood environments.
P_D	625 mW @ T_A = 25°C - Total power dissipation limit; derates 5.0 mW/°C above ambient.

Pinout & Package

BC368_D74Z is housed in a TO-92 plastic package with standard lead configuration: Emitter (pin 1), Base (pin 2), Collector (pin 3), viewed from flat side with leads down.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1 (Emitter)	Current exit path for majority carriers	Connected to ground or low-side return; sets reference for base-emitter bias voltage.
Pin 2 (Base)	Control terminal for minority carrier injection	Receives current-limited drive to regulate collector current; requires ~100 mA for full saturation at 1 A load.
Pin 3 (Collector)	Current entry path and output node	Connected to load and supply rail; handles up to 2.0 A continuous current with appropriate heatsinking.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High h_FE consistency	Min 50 at I_C = 5 mA ensures reliable small-signal amplification without excessive base drive.
Low V_CE(sat)	0.5 V at I_C = 1.0 A reduces power loss and self-heating in switching regulators and motor drivers.
Robust thermal rating	R_θJA = 200°C/W allows operation up to +150°C junction temperature in compact PCB layouts.
Wide V_(BR) margin	V_(BR)CES = 25 V exceeds V_CEO, providing headroom against transient overvoltage in inductive load switching.

Applications

Audio Amplifier Stage	Relay Driver Circuit
Use Scenario: Low-voltage, single-supply audio preamplifier stage driving 8 Ω speaker loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN BJT configured in common-emitter topology for voltage and current gain. Use Value: h_FE ≥ 85 at I_C = 0.5 A and f_T = 45 MHz support clean mid-band amplification with minimal distortion.	Use Scenario: Driving 12 V DC coil relays with 100–200 mA hold current in industrial control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch controlling relay coil energization/de-energization. Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V ensures <100 mW conduction loss, reducing thermal stress on PCB traces and adjacent components.
Linear Power Supply Pass Transistor	DC Motor Speed Control
Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable 0–15 V, 1 A linear regulator with LM317 feedback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled current source regulating output via base bias. Use Value: Continuous I_C = 2.0 A and T_J = 150°C rating allow stable operation under full-load, high-ambient conditions.	Use Scenario: PWM-driven H-bridge low-side switch for bidirectional 24 V, 1.5 A brushed DC motor control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current, fast-turnoff switching element in half-bridge leg. Use Value: f_T = 45 MHz and low C_OB support clean 20 kHz PWM edge transitions with minimal switching loss.

Audio Amplifier Stage

Relay Driver Circuit

Use Scenario: Low-voltage, single-supply audio preamplifier stage driving 8 Ω speaker loads.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN BJT configured in common-emitter topology for voltage and current gain.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 85 at I_C = 0.5 A and f_T = 45 MHz support clean mid-band amplification with minimal distortion.

Use Scenario: Driving 12 V DC coil relays with 100–200 mA hold current in industrial control panels.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch controlling relay coil energization/de-energization.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V ensures <100 mW conduction loss, reducing thermal stress on PCB traces and adjacent components.

Linear Power Supply Pass Transistor

DC Motor Speed Control

Use Scenario: Series pass element in adjustable 0–15 V, 1 A linear regulator with LM317 feedback.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled current source regulating output via base bias.

Use Value: Continuous I_C = 2.0 A and T_J = 150°C rating allow stable operation under full-load, high-ambient conditions.

Use Scenario: PWM-driven H-bridge low-side switch for bidirectional 24 V, 1.5 A brushed DC motor control.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current, fast-turnoff switching element in half-bridge leg.

Use Value: f_T = 45 MHz and low C_OB support clean 20 kHz PWM edge transitions with minimal switching loss.

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	Higher h_FE (min 250), same TO-92 package, lower V_CEO (45 V vs. BC368_D74Z's 20 V)	Better suited for higher-voltage switching where gain stability at low I_C is critical	Select BC337-40 when V_CEO > 25 V is required and h_FE > 250 is needed at I_C < 100 mA
2N2222A	Lower I_C (800 mA), higher f_T (250 MHz), same V_CEO (30 V), TO-18 metal can	Preferred for RF and high-speed switching where speed outweighs current capacity	Choose 2N2222A for <100 MHz signal paths or legacy metal-can mechanical requirements

Compared with BC368_D74Z, BC337-40 offers higher gain but reduced voltage safety margin, while 2N2222A trades current capacity for speed and uses a different package - neither is pin-compatible, requiring layout revision if substituted.

Availability

BC368_D74Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear power supplies, relay drivers, audio amplifiers, and DC motor control circuits requiring stable component supply and industrial-grade temperature performance.

Supply support for BC368_D74Z 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 devices before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The BC368_D74Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose BJT family, engineered for cost-sensitive, medium-power linear and switching applications in industrial and consumer equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC368_D74Z?

The BC368_D74Z has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 2.0 A at T_A = 25°C. Derating applies above ambient temperature, and actual usable current depends on PCB copper area, heatsinking, and duty cycle. For sustained 1.5 A operation, ensure junction temperature remains below 150°C using R_θJA = 200°C/W.

Is BC368_D74Z suitable for switching inductive loads like relays?

Yes, BC368_D74Z is commonly used to drive relay coils due to its 2.0 A I_C rating and low V_CE(sat) of 0.5 V. Always pair it with a flyback diode (e.g., 1N4007) across the coil to suppress V_L = –L·di/dt transients. Its V_(BR)CES = 25 V provides margin against typical 12–24 V relay kickback spikes.

What is the DC current gain (h_FE) range of BC368_D74Z and how does it vary with operating conditions?

The BC368_D74Z exhibits h_FE = 50–375 depending on test conditions: min 50 at I_C = 5 mA/V_CE = 10 V, min 85 at I_C = 0.5 A/V_CE = 1.0 V, and min 60 at I_C = 1.0 A/V_CE = 1.0 V. Gain decreases at high current and elevated temperature; design margins should account for worst-case h_FE = 50 in saturation-critical circuits.

Does BC368_D74Z have a documented thermal resistance from junction to case (R_θJC)?

Yes, BC368_D74Z has a specified R_θJC of 83.3°C/W, measured under standard JEDEC conditions. This value enables accurate junction temperature estimation when a heatsink is attached to the collector tab (pin 3). Combined with R_θJA = 200°C/W, it confirms the device's suitability for moderate-power dissipation without external heatsinking in well-ventilated layouts.

Can BC368_D74Z be used in audio amplifier designs?

Yes, BC368_D74Z is frequently applied in Class-A and Class-AB audio preamplifier stages due to its f_T = 45 MHz, low noise characteristics, and stable h_FE across audio frequencies. Its V_CEO = 20 V supports ±12 V dual-rail operation, and typical V_BE(on) = 1.0 V simplifies bias network design. Avoid use in high-fidelity output stages where SOA limitations may restrict peak power handling.

BC368_D74Z Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

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

Packaging:: Tape & Box (TB)

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_D74Z FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC368_D74Z through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC368_D74Z 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_D74Z reliable?

The price and inventory of BC368_D74Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC368_D74Z is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC368_D74Z?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC368_D74Z transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC368_D74Z?

BC368_D74Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC368_D74Z 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_D74Z?

For technical support, including BC368_D74Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC368_D74Z requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC368_D74Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC368_D74Z 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_D74Z meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC368_D74Z?

All BC368_D74Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC368_D74Z, 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_D74Z part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC368_D74Z:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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