BC172 Transistor Pinout, Applications, Equivalents, Features, Safe operating guidelines and More

BC172 is an NPN transistor of BC17x series. In this post we will understand BC172 transistor pinout, applications, equivalents, features, safe operating guidelines and other specs of this device.

 

Absolute Maximum Ratings:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 100mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): 45V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CBO): 50V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 6V
• Total Device Dissipation (PD): 350mW
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 150 MHz
• Small Signal Current Gain (h_FE): 125 – 900
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: –55 to +150 Centigrade

 

Replacement and Equivalent:

BC546B/C , BC547B/C, BC447, BC523/B/C, BC539/B/C, BC550, BC445, BC524/A/B/C, BC447B, BC182A/B, BD337, BD237C, 2SD1014, 2SC2477, 2SC1992, 2SC2634, 2SC2472.

 

BC172 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC172 is an NPN transistor of BC17x series designed to be used in amplifier applications. But due to its good electrical characteristics and features this transistor is not limited to only amplifier applications and can also be used in wide variety of other applications. Some of its features are DC current gain of 120 to 800 which makes it ideal to use in applications where amplification of weak signals are required, small signal current gain of 125 to 900 makes it useful in applications where you want to amplify tiny signals and changes in these signals to get good clarity and enhanced performance, upto 150MHz of transition frequency makes it ideal to use in RF circuits around this frequency such as FM band, the noise figure is also acceptable which makes it ideal to use in application where noise cancellation is required.

Looking at the absolute maximum ratings of the transistor, the collector-emitter voltage is 25V, continuous collector current is 100mA, emitter-base voltage is 6V, collector-base voltage is 30V, total device dissipation is 350mW and max storage and operating junction temperature is from -55 °C to +150°C.

BC172 can be used in place of other popular general purpose transistors such as BC547, 2N3904 etc. Moreover the other transistors of the BC17x series can also be used alternatively in the place of BC172.

 

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

As mentioned above BC172 transistor is designed to be used in amplifier applications but due to its good electrical characteristics it can be used in a variety of other electronic applications such as RF circuits, preamplifier circuits, signal amplification, switching circuits etc. the detailed list of its applications can be found under the “Applications” heading below.

Moreover, regarding to the usage procedure of the transistor, it’s a BJT transistor so the usage procedure of the transistor is same as we use any other NPN BJT.

 

Applications:

Audio Amplifiers

Active Filters

Transmitter Circuits (Up to around 150MHz)

Radio Circuits (Up to around 150MHz)

Audio Preamplifiers

Any type of signal amplification

Darlington Pairs

Switching Loads under 100mA

 

Safe Operating Guidelines:

Here are the safe operating guidelines of the transistor.

• Do not use the transistor to its absolute maximum ratings and always stay 20% below from its absolute maximum ratings.
• Max collector-emitter voltage is 25V but according to the 20% rule we will not drive load of more than 20V.
• The maximum collector current is 100mA but following the 20% rule we will only use 80mA.
• The storage and operating temperature should be between -55°C to +150°C.

 

Datasheet:

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

https://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/615566/NJSEMI/BC172.html