BC238 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Applications, Features and Other Useful Info

In this post we are going to discuss BC238 transistor pinout, equivalent, applications, features and other useful information about this NPN bipolar junction transistor.

Absolute Maximum Ratings:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 100mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): 30V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 5V
• Max Collector Power Dissipation (Pc): 500mW
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 130 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 120 – 800
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -55 to +150 Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary of BC238 is BC308

Replacement and Equivalent:

BC547, BC546, BD549, BD548, BC550 (Before using these alternatives it is suggested to check the pin layout.)

BC238 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC238 is a TO-92 package NPN bipolar junction transistor designed to be used in amplifier and switching applications. But due to its good electrical characteristics, it can also be variety of other applications which we will discuss later in this post.

It is a transistor of BC23x series, the other transistors of the series are BC237 and BC239 and there are also the complimentary transistor series which are BC307, BC308, and BC309.

The absolute maximum ratings of BC238 are maximum collector current of 100mA, max emitter-base voltage is 5V, max collector-emitter voltage is 30V, max power collector power dissipation is 500mW, max junction temperature is 150°C and max storage temperature if from -55°C to 150°C.

The transistor possesses some very good features which makes it ideal to use in variety of different applications. The features are maximum DC current gain of 800, transition frequency of 130MHz (Some manufacturers also make it with max 250MHz transition frequency), and low noise capabilities.

The transistor is manufactured in three different versions according to its DC current gain and can be determined with the help of the alphabet written after the part number. If the alphabet is “A” then the DC current gain will be 120 to 220, if “B” then 180 to 460 and if “C” then the DC current gain will be 380 to 800.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

The transistor is designed to be used in switching and amplifier applications but due to its good electrical characteristics, it can also be used in many other applications such as RF circuits, high gain low noise applications, signal amplification circuits, etc. The using procedure of the transistor is same as we use any other BJT transistor.

Applications:

Transmitter Circuits

Radio Circuits

Sensor Circuits

Audio Amplifier Stages

Audio Preamplifier Circuits

Darlington Pairs

Signal Amplification Circuits

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 these ratings.
• So the maximum collector-emitter voltage is 30V but according to the 20% below rulte we will not drive load of more than 24V.
• The maximum collector current is 800mA but we will not drive load of more than 80mA.
• Understand pin layout before using in your circuit.
• And always store or operate the transistor above -55°C and below 150°C.

Datasheet:

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

https://media.digikey.com/pdf/Data%20Sheets/Fairchild%20PDFs/BC23x.pdf