onsemi MPSA18RLRP
- Part No.:
- MPSA18RLRP
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
MPSA18RLRP.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.2A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,322
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Product details
Overview
MPSA18RLRP from onsemi is an NPN silicon low-noise general-purpose transistor in TO-92 package, rated for VCEO = 45 V, IC = 200 mA, and PD = 625 mW at TA = 25°C, with hFE up to 1500 and fT = 100–160 MHz - widely used in audio preamplifier stages and signal conditioning circuits where low noise and high gain are critical.
For engineers reviewing the MPSA18RLRP datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its 0.5 dB noise figure at 100 Hz (RS = 1 kΩ), 6.5 nV/√Hz equivalent input noise voltage, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, Pb-free availability (MPSA18RLRPG), and verified performance across −55°C to +150°C junction temperature range.
Technical Context
The MPSA18RLRP operates as a discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for low-noise amplification in small-signal applications. Its design emphasizes high DC current gain (hFE ≥ 400 at IC = 10 mA) and broadband RF capability (fT ≥ 100 MHz), supported by low Ccb (1.7–3.0 pF) and Ceb (5.6–6.5 pF) capacitances.
Noise performance is characterized under controlled conditions: NF = 0.5 dB typical at 100 Hz with RS = 1 kΩ, and VT = 6.5 nV/√Hz total noise voltage. The device exhibits stable hFE over temperature (−55°C to +125°C), with VBE(on) = 0.6–0.7 V and VCE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V at IC/IB = 10.
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 signal chains. |
| IC (continuous) | 200 mA - Supports medium-current preamp and driver stages without thermal derating at ambient. |
| hFE | 400–1500 - High and wide DC gain range allows flexible biasing and stable closed-loop gain control. |
| fT | 100–160 MHz - Sufficient bandwidth for audio, IF, and low-MHz RF amplification without instability. |
| NF (100 Hz) | 0.5 dB typical - Ultra-low noise figure critical for microphone preamps and sensor front-ends. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.3 V @ IC = 50 mA - Ensures minimal voltage drop and power loss in saturated switching or linear operation. |
| PD @ TA | 625 mW - Enables continuous operation in standard through-hole PCB layouts with natural convection cooling. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 (Case 29-11, Style 1), 3-lead through-hole plastic package with standardized lead spacing (P = 2.54 mm), compatible with manual soldering and wave soldering processes per ON Semiconductor's packaging specifications.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter | Current sink terminal; connects to ground or bias network; polarity defines NPN operation. |
| 2 | Base | Control input; requires ~0.65 V forward bias and microamp-level drive for full conduction. |
| 3 | Collector | Current source terminal; connects to supply rail or load; handles up to 45 V and 200 mA. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-noise amplification | 0.5 dB NF at 100 Hz enables high-fidelity audio and precision sensor signal recovery. |
| High DC current gain | hFE ≥ 400 at 10 mA ensures robust small-signal amplification with minimal base drive. |
| Wideband frequency response | fT ≥ 100 MHz supports stable gain up to VHF frequencies in tuned amplifier designs. |
| Thermal ruggedness | Junction temperature range of −55°C to +150°C supports industrial and automotive under-hood environments. |
| Pb-free option available | MPSA18RLRPG variant meets RoHS requirements without performance trade-offs. |
Applications
| Microphone Pre-amplifier | Instrumentation Amplifier Input Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Low-level electret microphone output (mV-range) is amplified before ADC sampling in voice-recognition modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN transistor configured in common-emitter topology providing first-stage voltage gain and impedance transformation. Use Value: 0.5 dB noise figure and 6.5 nV/√Hz input-referred noise preserve SNR in sub-10 mV signals without requiring costly op-amps. | Use Scenario: Front-end amplification of thermocouple or strain gauge outputs in data acquisition systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-hFE, low-drift NPN transistor used in differential pair or cascode configuration for initial signal conditioning. Use Value: Stable hFE across −55°C to +125°C and low VCE(sat) minimize offset drift and power dissipation in precision analog paths. |
| RF Intermediate Frequency Amplifier | Low-Voltage Analog Switch Driver |
Use Scenario: 10.7 MHz IF amplification in AM/FM radio receivers prior to demodulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tuned common-emitter amplifier with LC collector load delivering selective gain at fixed frequency. Use Value: fT ≥ 100 MHz and low Ccb/Ceb enable stable, high-Q resonant amplification without neutralization. | Use Scenario: Driving low-power analog switches (e.g., CMOS multiplexers) from microcontroller GPIO pins. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-transistor level shifter and current booster between 3.3 V logic and 5–12 V analog switch control rails. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V ensures <100 mV dropout at 20 mA drive current, preserving timing margins and reducing heat. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise NPN transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC548C | Lower hFE (420–800), higher NF (≈2.5 dB at 1 kHz), same TO-92 package. | Less suitable for ultra-low-noise audio; acceptable for general-purpose switching and medium-gain amplification. | Select BC548C only when noise <1 dB is not required and cost sensitivity outweighs gain/noise optimization. |
| 2N5088 | Higher hFE (600–1000), lower NF (0.3 dB typ.), but lower VCEO (30 V) and IC (50 mA). | Better for ultra-low-noise mic preamps below 30 V supply; unsuitable for higher-voltage or higher-current loads. | Choose 2N5088 when ultimate noise performance is prioritized and operating voltage stays ≤30 V. |
Compared with BC548C and 2N5088, the MPSA18RLRP delivers the best balance of high voltage rating (45 V), high current capability (200 mA), and low noise (0.5 dB), making it uniquely suited for industrial-grade audio and instrumentation designs requiring both headroom and fidelity.
Availability
MPSA18RLRP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, instrumentation signal conditioning, and RF intermediate-frequency amplifiers requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturing continuity.
Supply support for MPSA18RLRP 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 innovation, serving automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT markets with differentiated silicon solutions.
The MPSA18RLRP belongs to onsemi's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for low-noise, high-gain analog signal amplification in cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for the MPSA18RLRP?
The MPSA18RLRP has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) rating of 45 Vdc, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This rating applies under DC conditions with IB = 0 and defines the upper limit before avalanche breakdown occurs. Exceeding this voltage risks permanent device damage, and derating is recommended in high-temperature or pulsed applications.
Is the MPSA18RLRP suitable for low-noise audio amplifier designs?
Yes, the MPSA18RLRP is explicitly characterized as a low-noise transistor with a typical noise figure of 0.5 dB at 100 Hz (RS = 1 kΩ) and 6.5 nV/√Hz equivalent input noise voltage. These parameters are measured and guaranteed per the official onsemi datasheet, making the MPSA18RLRP well-suited for microphone preamplifiers, phono stages, and other high-SNR analog signal paths where noise minimization is critical.
What package type and pin configuration does the MPSA18RLRP use?
The MPSA18RLRP uses the TO-92 (Case 29-11, Style 1) through-hole plastic package with three leads arranged in emitter-base-collector order (Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector). This configuration is standardized across all MPSA18 variants and confirmed in the marking diagram and package dimensions section of the onsemi datasheet.
Does the MPSA18RLRP have a Pb-free version, and how is it designated?
Yes, the Pb-free version of the MPSA18RLRP is designated as MPSA18RLRPG. It shares identical electrical and thermal specifications with the MPSA18RLRP but complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. Both variants use the same TO-92 package and are supplied in 2000-unit ammo packs, as documented in the official ON Semiconductor ordering information table.
What is the DC current gain (hFE) range for the MPSA18RLRP at typical operating conditions?
The MPSA18RLRP exhibits a DC current gain (hFE) ranging from 400 to 1500, depending on collector current and test conditions. At IC = 10 mA and VCE = 5.0 Vdc, the minimum hFE is 400, while typical values reach 500–1150 and maximum values extend to 1500. This wide gain spread is fully characterized in the Electrical Characteristics table of the onsemi datasheet for MPSA18RLRP.
MPSA18RLRP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- 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)
MPSA18RLRP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPSA18RLRP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPSA18RLRP 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 MPSA18RLRP reliable?
The price and inventory of MPSA18RLRP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPSA18RLRP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPSA18RLRP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPSA18RLRP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPSA18RLRP?
MPSA18RLRP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPSA18RLRP 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 MPSA18RLRP?
For technical support, including MPSA18RLRP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPSA18RLRP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPSA18RLRP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPSA18RLRP 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 MPSA18RLRP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPSA18RLRP?
All MPSA18RLRP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPSA18RLRP, 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 MPSA18RLRP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPSA18RLRP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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