BC108 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Features, Uses and Other Useful Information

BC108 is a general purpose transistor of BC10X series, this post describes BC108 transistor pinout, equivalent, features, uses and other useful information about this NPN BJT transistor.

Features / Technical Specifications:

• Package Type: TO-18
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(IC): 100mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE): 20V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCB): 30V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VBE): 5V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 300 Milliwatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 100 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (hFE): 110 to 450
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should be: -65 to 150 Centigrade

BC108 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC108 is an NPN metal case transistor available in TO-18 package. It is quite popular transistor like other transistors of its series which are BC107 and BC109. The maximum collector current of the transistor is 100mA and the maximum collector-emitter voltage is 20V. The maximum collector dissipation of the transistor is 300mW and the minimum and maximum DC current gain is 110 to 800. The transition frequency is 100Mhz. BC108 is a general purpose transistor and can be used for wide variety of general applications. But in some areas it will perform even better. For example the transistor has very good noise figure and DC current gain due to which it can be used for verity of different signals amplification in electronics, such as audio amplification and any type of small signal amplification in which you require to cutoff some noise.

Moreover the transistor can also be used as a switch and drive load of upto 100mA.You will also find some differences between the absolute maximum ratings of different manufacturers.

Like other transistors of its series BC108 also comes in two different gain values which can be determined with the help of the first alphabet after the part number. If that alphabet is “A” then its DC gain will be 110 to 220, if “B” then its DC gain will be 200 to 450 and if “C” then its gain will be 420 to 800.

Where We Can Use It & How to Use:

As mentioned above BC108 has low noise and high gain type transistor therefore it can be used in variety of audio and small single amplification purposes such as audio pre-amplification, audio amplification and any type of small signal amplification. It can also be used in Fuzz Face guitar circuit and it is also a good alternative for old AC128 transistor used in Fuzz Face circuits.

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary of BC108 is BC178

Replacement and Equivalent:

If you can find BC108 transistor then you can also use other transistors in this series as replacement such as BC107 and BC109. Other than these you can also use its plastic package nearest possible substitutes which are BC546, BC547, BC548, BC549, BC560.

Applications:

Input stages to build low noise circuits

Low noise signal processing

RF circuits

Switch circuits

Darlington pairs

Safe Operating Guidelines / Absolute Maximum Ratings:

For long term performance the user must follow the safe operating guidelines and do not use the transistor on its absolute maximum ratings and always stay 20% below. The maximum collector current of the transistor is 100mA so do not drive load of more than 80mA, the maximum collector to emitter voltage is 20V therefore do not drive load of more than 16V. The collector of the transistor is also connected with the case therefore it is must to isolate the case or heatsink (if used) from the circuit connections and the device should be used at temperature above -65 °C and below 150°C.

Datasheet

To download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.

https://cdn.datasheetspdf.com/pdf-down/B/C/1/BC108_PhilipsSemiconductors.pdf