BC183 Transistor Pinout, Equivalents, Applications, Features and More

In this post you will find all the details about BC183 transistor such as its pinout, equivalent, applications, features and other useful information about this device.

 

Absolute Maximum Ratings:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 100mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): 30V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): 45V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 6V
• Total Device Dissipation (Pc): 350 miliWatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 150 MHz (Minimum)
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 40 – 800
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -55 to +150 Centigrade

 

Replacement and Equivalent:

BC550, BC547, BC548, BC546, C945

 

BC183 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC183 is a general purpose NPN transistor available in TO-92 package. The transistor contains many good features which make it a good transistor to keep in your lab. Some of its features are: transition frequency of 150MHz which makes it a good candidate to use in RF circuits around 150MHz, The DC current gain is from 40 to 800 which is another good feature that makes it useful in circuits that require a high gain transistor to increase low level signals. Another good feature of the transistor is its low noise capability which makes it ideal to use in circuits that require a low noise transistor to decrease noise in its amplified signals.

It is a transistor of BC18x series which also contains other two transistors such as BC182 and BC183. Specifications of these transistors are almost the same but only contain some slight differences in voltage, transition frequency, and DC current gain. But still can be used in the place of each other. The only thing the user has to keep in mind is their collector-emitter voltage because the transistor that has a higher collector-emitter cannot be replaced with the lower collector-emitter voltage. So you should always keep this mind when replacing a transistor and always select an alternative that has an equal collector-emitter voltage of more but not less.

Now looking at the absolute maximum ratings of the transistor the maximum collector current is 100mA, max collector-emitter voltage is 30V, max collector-base voltage is 45V, max emitter-base voltage is 6V, max collector dissipation is 350mW and max storage and junction temperature is from -55°C to 150°C. The absolute maximum ratings means the maximum ratings on which the transistor can survive but it is always suggested to not use a transistor to its absolute maximum ratings because it will create stress on the transistor which results in damaging the transistor or making it weak. So it is always suggested to use it at least 20% below from its absolute maximum ratings.

 

How to Use This Transistor:

Using a BJT or bipolar junction transistor is not very difficult. In short, connect the emitter with the negative rail of the circuit, provide signals at the base (the signals from which you want to control the load or the signals which you want to amplify) and then get the amplified output from the collector in case of amplification or get the output current to drive the load in case of switch circuit. Of course, you have to use other passive components for more enhancements in your circuit but this is a simple straightforward guide to understand the concept of how to use this transistor.

 

Applications:

Audio Amplifier Circuits

Audio Amplifier Stages

Audio Preamplifier Circuits

Low Level Signal Amplification and Preamplification

Switching Circuits

Darlington Pairs

Automotive Circuits

Battery Charger Circuits

Tx and Rx Circuits

Solar Circuits

 

Safe Operating Guidelines:

Here are some guidelines for safe operation of the transistor.

• As mentioned above always use the transistor 20% below from its absolute maximum ratings.
• The maximum collector current is 100mA but we will only use 80mA.
• The maximum collector-emitter voltage is 30V but we will not drive load of more than 24V.
• Check the pin layout before using the transistor. (Connecting it wrong can damage it or make it weak.)
• The minimum and maximum storage and operating temperature should be in these limits: -55°C to 150°C.

 

Datasheet:

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

https://eu.mouser.com/datasheet/2/308/BC183-1299954.pdf