onsemi MPSA18RLRAG
- Part No.:
- MPSA18RLRAG
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
MPSA18RLRAG.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.2A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,288
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Product details
Overview
MPSA18RLRAG from ON Semiconductor is an NPN general-purpose amplifier optimized for low-noise, high-gain operation at collector currents from 1 µA to 50 mA, with VCEO = 45 V, hFE ≥ 500 (at IC = 1 mA), fT = 100 MHz, and NF = 1.5 dB - commonly used in audio preamplifier stages and signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MPSA18RLRAG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified package mapping (TO-92), terminal roles, noise performance, gain linearity across microamp-to-milliamp bias, and direct alternatives for discrete amplifier replacement in analog front-ends.
Technical Context
The MPSA18RLRAG implements a silicon planar epitaxial NPN structure optimized for low-noise amplification in linear operating regions. Its design emphasizes high hFE stability from 10 µA to 10 mA and minimal capacitance (Ccb = 3.0 pF, Ceb = 6.5 pF) to preserve bandwidth in high-impedance node applications.
It operates within a junction temperature range of −55°C to +150°C and supports continuous collector current up to 100 mA with PD = 625 mW at 25°C - derated linearly above ambient. Thermal resistance RθJA = 200°C/W confirms suitability for through-hole PCB layouts without forced cooling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; enables use in 24–36 V analog supply rails. |
| hFE | 500–1500 - DC current gain at IC = 1–10 mA; ensures stable biasing with minimal base drive in low-power amplifiers. |
| fT | 100 MHz - unity-gain frequency; supports wideband small-signal amplification up to ~10–20 MHz with gain margin. |
| NF | 1.5 dB - noise figure at IC = 100 µA, RS = 10 kΩ, 1 kHz; critical for microphone preamps and sensor interface stages. |
| PD | 625 mW - total power dissipation at 25°C; sufficient for Class-A audio stages drawing ≤50 mA quiescent current. |
| RθJA | 200°C/W - junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; validates passive heatsinking feasibility on standard FR-4 boards. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 - molded plastic case with 3 radial leads, standardized for manual and automated through-hole assembly; lead pitch 0.500", component height 0.928", weight 0.22 g/unit.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| E (Emitter) | Current sink terminal, reference node for bias network | Connected to ground or emitter degeneration resistor; sets DC operating point and AC impedance. |
| B (Base) | Control input for minority-carrier injection | Receives bias current or AC-coupled signal; high input impedance requires careful layout to avoid noise pickup. |
| C (Collector) | Current source output terminal | Drives load or next stage; voltage swing limited by VCEO and supply rail; requires decoupling for stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-noise amplification | NF = 1.5 dB at 1 kHz enables high-fidelity signal recovery in sensor interfaces and mic preamps. |
| High DC current gain | hFE ≥ 500 at IC = 1 mA reduces base drive requirements and improves bias stability over temperature. |
| Wide gain-bandwidth product | fT = 100 MHz supports stable small-signal amplification up to mid-VHF frequencies with controlled roll-off. |
| Robust voltage ratings | VCEO = VCB = 45 V allows operation in industrial 24 V systems with margin against transients. |
Applications
| Audio Preamp Stage | Instrumentation Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level signals from electret microphones or piezoelectric sensors in portable audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN small-signal amplifier providing 20–40 dB voltage gain with minimal added noise. Use Value: 1.5 dB NF and high hFE ensure clean signal capture without requiring additional gain stages or complex bias networks. |
Use Scenario: Buffering and amplifying outputs from precision temperature or pressure sensors in industrial data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete transistor configured as common-emitter or emitter-follower for impedance transformation and gain. Use Value: Stable hFE across 1–10 mA and low Ccb/Ceb prevent phase shift and loading errors in high-Z sensor outputs. |
| RF Detector Front-End | Low-Power Analog Switch Driver |
Use Scenario: Amplifying IF signals (1–30 MHz) prior to envelope detection in AM receiver modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Small-signal RF amplifier with fT = 100 MHz enabling flat response up to 20 MHz. Use Value: 3.0 pF Ccb minimizes Miller effect, preserving gain and bandwidth in tuned collector loads. |
Use Scenario: Driving gate inputs of logic-level MOSFETs in battery-powered load switches or LED dimmers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured in common-emitter mode with saturated VCE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V. Use Value: High hFE allows full saturation with ≤5 mA base current, reducing MCU GPIO loading and power loss. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN small-signal amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2N5088 | Same process origin (Process 07); identical VCEO, hFE, and NF specs per datasheet cross-reference. | No functional difference; historically used interchangeably in low-noise amplifier designs. | Select 2N5088 when legacy BOM alignment or distributor stock availability favors that variant. |
| BC548C | Lower hFE (min 420 vs. 500), higher Ceb (8 pF vs. 6.5 pF), same VCEO = 30 V (reduced margin). | Acceptable in non-critical audio or switching apps but not recommended where <1.5 dB NF or >50 mA IC needed. | Choose BC548C only if cost sensitivity outweighs noise/gain requirements and supply voltage stays ≤24 V. |
Compared with MPSA18RLRAG, 2N5088 offers identical electrical behavior and drop-in compatibility, while BC548C trades noise performance and voltage headroom for broader commercial availability - making MPSA18RLRAG optimal for precision low-noise analog stages where specification margins matter.
Availability
MPSA18RLRAG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifier stages, instrumentation signal conditioning, and RF detector front-ends requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MPSA18RLRAG 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
ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The MPSA18RLRAG belongs to ON Semiconductor's discrete bipolar transistor portfolio, designed specifically for high-fidelity, low-noise linear amplification in analog signal chains where gain stability and noise floor are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the MPSA18RLRAG?
The MPSA18RLRAG has a VCEO rating of 45 V, meaning it can safely sustain up to 45 volts between collector and emitter with base open. This rating is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and applies at TA = 25°C; derating is required above ambient temperature per the 5.0 mW/°C thermal derating curve.
Does the MPSA18RLRAG support low-noise operation at microamp-level collector currents?
Yes - the MPSA18RLRAG is characterized for noise figure (NF) = 1.5 dB at IC = 100 µA, VCE = 5 V, RS = 10 kΩ, and f = 1 kHz. Its Process 07 design ensures stable hFE and low 1/f noise down to 1 µA, making MPSA18RLRAG suitable for ultra-low-power sensor interfaces.
What package type does the MPSA18RLRAG use, and is it compatible with standard TO-92 footprints?
The MPSA18RLRAG uses the TO-92 package with straight leads and no lead clip, matching JEDEC TO-92 outline dimensions (0.500" lead pitch, 0.928" height). It is fully compatible with standard TO-92 footprints and automated insertion equipment calibrated for Fairchild/ON Semiconductor TO-92 variants.
How does the MPSA18RLRAG compare to the 2N5088 in terms of electrical specifications?
The MPSA18RLRAG and 2N5088 share identical absolute maximum ratings, on-characteristics (hFE, VCE(sat)), and small-signal parameters (fT, NF, capacitances) per ON Semiconductor documentation. Both originate from Process 07 and are functionally interchangeable in all published designs using either part.
Can the MPSA18RLRAG be used in saturated switching applications?
Yes - the MPSA18RLRAG achieves VCE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V at IC = 50 mA and IB = 5 mA, confirming reliable saturation. Its high hFE (>500 at 1 mA) also enables efficient switching at lower base drive levels, though thermal limits (PD = 625 mW) require attention to duty cycle and PCB copper area.
MPSA18RLRAG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 200 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 300mV @ 5mA, 50mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 50nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 500 @ 10mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 160MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92 (TO-226)
MPSA18RLRAG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPSA18RLRAG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPSA18RLRAG 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 MPSA18RLRAG reliable?
The price and inventory of MPSA18RLRAG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPSA18RLRAG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPSA18RLRAG?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPSA18RLRAG transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPSA18RLRAG?
MPSA18RLRAG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPSA18RLRAG 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 MPSA18RLRAG?
For technical support, including MPSA18RLRAG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPSA18RLRAG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPSA18RLRAG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPSA18RLRAG 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 MPSA18RLRAG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPSA18RLRAG?
All MPSA18RLRAG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPSA18RLRAG, 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 MPSA18RLRAG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPSA18RLRAG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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