onsemi BD180

Overview

BD180 from onsemi is a plastic medium-power silicon PNP transistor designed for 5.0–10 W audio amplifiers and drivers in complementary or quasi-complementary circuits. It features V_CEO = 80 V, I_C = 1.0 A, P_D = 30 W at T_C = 25 °C, h_FE = 40–250 (at I_C = 0.15 A), and TO-225 package with emitter-base-collector pinout.

For engineers reviewing the BD180 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include safe operating area compliance in Class-B audio output stages, thermal resistance R_JC = 4.16 °C/W, V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.8 V at I_C = 1.0 A/I_B = 0.1 A, and Pb-free RoHS-compliant packaging.

Technical Context

The BD180 operates as a linear PNP power switching and amplification device in analog signal paths, with DC current gain specified across collector current range (I_C = 0.15 A to 1.0 A) and fixed V_CE = 2.0 V bias. Its f_T = 3.0 MHz supports mid-frequency audio bandwidth requirements without high-frequency instability.

Thermal design relies on junction-to-case conduction via the metal tab (pin 2/4 = collector), requiring mechanical mounting to heatsinks. Safe operating area (SOA) curves define pulse and DC limits-secondary breakdown avoidance mandates adherence to SOA boundaries below V_CE = 70 V and I_C = 3.0 A under continuous operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BD180 is housed in a TO-225 (Case 77-09, Style 1) plastic power package with integrated collector tab (pins 2 and 4), emitter at pin 1, and base at pin 3. The metal tab is electrically connected to the collector and must be insulated from chassis unless referenced to common collector potential.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP power transistor applications.

Compared with MJE15034G and 2N6039, BD180 offers superior h_FE consistency at low-to-mid collector currents and guaranteed RoHS compliance, making it preferred for new audio amplifier designs requiring tight gain matching and environmental certification.

Availability

BD180 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio power amplifiers, discrete driver stages, and linear regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric binning, and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BD180 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier focused on energy-efficient power management, analog, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The BD180 belongs to onsemi's legacy discrete power transistor family engineered specifically for high-fidelity audio amplification and complementary symmetry in analog signal chains.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BD180?

The BD180 has a maximum continuous collector current rating of 1.0 A at T_C = 25 °C. Derating is required above this temperature-power dissipation drops linearly at 240 mW/°C. At T_C = 75 °C, the usable I_C reduces to approximately 0.75 A to stay within thermal limits. This rating applies only when mounted to an adequately sized heatsink per the R_JC = 4.16 °C/W specification. BD180 must not be operated beyond its SOA curve boundaries.

Is BD180 pin-compatible with BD179?

No-BD180 is complementary to BD179 in function (PNP vs. NPN), not pinout. BD180 uses TO-225 Style 1 (pin 1 = emitter, pin 3 = base, pins 2/4 = collector), while BD179 uses TO-225 Style 3 (pin 1 = base, pin 3 = emitter, pins 2/4 = collector). Physical layout requires mirrored PCB footprints. BD180 and BD179 are intended for symmetric placement in push-pull stages, not direct substitution. Always verify pin mapping using onsemi's official package drawings before layout.

What does the "G" suffix mean in BD180G?

The "G" suffix in BD180G indicates full compliance with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and Pb-free construction-including lead-free terminations and halogen-free epoxy molding compound. It replaces legacy BD180 variants with lead-based solder plating. The "G" version maintains identical electrical and thermal specifications, and is the only currently orderable variant per onsemi's discontinuation notice (Rev. 15, Jan 2026). BD180G is fully drop-in compatible with prior BD180 versions in terms of footprint and performance.

Can BD180 be used in switching applications?

BD180 is characterized and optimized for linear operation in audio amplifiers and analog drivers-not high-speed switching. Its f_T = 3.0 MHz and relatively slow V_CE(sat) recovery (not specified in datasheet) limit usable switching frequency to <100 kHz. In hard-switching use, secondary breakdown risk increases significantly outside SOA boundaries. For dedicated switching, consider onsemi's MJD series or FMMT series. BD180 remains appropriate for Class-AB amplifier output stages where it operates in active or saturated regions with controlled dI/dt.

What is the safe operating area (SOA) limitation for BD180 at DC operation?

At DC operation, BD180's SOA is bounded by thermal and secondary breakdown limits. Per Figure 1, the absolute DC limit is I_C ≤ 3.0 A at V_CE ≤ 20 V, decreasing to I_C ≤ 1.0 A at V_CE = 80 V. Exceeding these coordinates risks thermal runaway or catastrophic failure. Designers must ensure load lines remain fully inside the DC SOA envelope and apply conservative derating-especially when ambient temperature exceeds 40 °C or heatsinking is suboptimal. BD180's SOA data is validated per JEDEC test conditions and must be applied directly without extrapolation.