2SC5231A-8-TL-E Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 2SC5231A-8-TL-E is an RF Transistor NPN manufactured by onsemi, rated for 10V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with a 7GHz transition frequency and 100mW maximum power dissipation in a surface mount SMCP package. This part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity. The device is suitable for RF applications requiring low-noise amplification at frequencies up to 7GHz with moderate power handling.

Substiute Parts

2SC5231A-8-TL-E

onsemiIn Stock: 39342SC5231A-8-TL-E Datasheet

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2SC5488A-TL-H

onsemiIn Stock: 116162SC5488A-TL-H Datasheet

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2N918 PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 18392N918 PBFREE Datasheet

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2SC5087R(TE85L,F)

Toshiba Semiconductor and StorageIn Stock: 41762SC5087R(TE85L,F) Datasheet

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BFP720FESDH6327XTSA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 1039BFP720FESDH6327XTSA1 Datasheet

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BFR360FH6327XTSA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 185236BFR360FH6327XTSA1 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 2SC5231A-8-TL-E is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Transistor Type: NPN
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): ≥ 10V
• Frequency - Transition: ≥ 7GHz
• Power - Max: ≥ 100mW
• Current - Collector (Max): ≥ 70mA
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Operating Temperature: ≥ 150°C

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Noise Figure performance at RF frequencies
• DC Current Gain (hFE) characteristics
• Package form factor and pin configuration compatibility

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Direct Electrical Equivalents (matching or exceeding all primary parameters with compatible packaging) and Functional Alternatives (meeting electrical requirements with different package types or enhanced specifications for higher-frequency applications).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2SC5488A-TL-H (onsemi)

This part is the closest electrical equivalent to the 2SC5231A-8-TL-E. It matches all critical electrical parameters: 10V breakdown voltage, 7GHz transition frequency, 100mW power rating, 70mA maximum collector current, and 150°C operating temperature. The primary difference is the package type (SC-81 versus SC-75/SOT-416). The 2SC5488A-TL-H is active and ROHS3 compliant, providing long-term availability and regulatory compliance advantages over the obsolete main part.

2SC5087R(TE85L,F) (Toshiba Semiconductor and Storage)

This part exceeds the main part specifications in frequency (8GHz versus 7GHz) and power handling (150mW versus 100mW), with a higher maximum collector current (80mA versus 70mA). The 12V breakdown voltage provides additional voltage margin. The SC-61AA package differs from the original. This part is active and RoHS compliant. The lower maximum operating temperature (125°C versus 150°C) represents a constraint for high-temperature applications.

BFR360FH6327XTSA1 (Infineon Technologies)

This part provides enhanced frequency performance (14GHz versus 7GHz) and higher power dissipation (210mW versus 100mW). The 9V breakdown voltage is slightly below the original 10V specification. The SOT-723 package is significantly smaller than the original SC-75/SOT-416. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant. Selection is appropriate for applications requiring higher frequency capability with compact form factor.

2N918 PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp)

This part does not meet the primary substitution criteria. The 600MHz transition frequency is substantially below the required 7GHz, and the 50mA maximum collector current is below the 70mA requirement. The through-hole TO-72 package is incompatible with surface mount design requirements. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant but is unsuitable for direct substitution in RF applications requiring 7GHz performance.

BFP720FESDH6327XTSA1 (Infineon Technologies)

This part does not meet the primary substitution criteria. The 4.7V breakdown voltage is below the required 10V specification, and the 30mA maximum collector current is significantly below the 70mA requirement. Although the part offers exceptional frequency performance (45GHz), the voltage and current limitations preclude its use as a direct substitute. This part is active and ROHS3 compliant but is designed for different application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2SC5488A-TL-H directly replace the 2SC5231A-8-TL-E in existing designs?

A: The 2SC5488A-TL-H is electrically equivalent and meets all critical performance parameters. However, the package type differs (SC-81 versus SC-75/SOT-416). PCB layout and footprint compatibility must be verified before implementation. Pin configuration and lead spacing should be confirmed against the original design documentation.

Q: Why is the 2N918 PBFREE listed as a substitute if it does not meet the frequency requirement?

A: The 2N918 PBFREE is listed in the original part's substitute field but does not satisfy the primary substitution criteria for this RF application. The 600MHz transition frequency is insufficient for 7GHz operation. This part is suitable only for lower-frequency RF or general-purpose amplification applications.

Q: What are the key differences between the 2SC5087R(TE85L,F) and the original 2SC5231A-8-TL-E?

A: The 2SC5087R(TE85L,F) provides higher frequency capability (8GHz versus 7GHz) and greater power handling (150mW versus 100mW). The maximum collector current is higher (80mA versus 70mA). The maximum operating temperature is lower (125°C versus 150°C), which may limit use in high-temperature environments. The package type is SC-61AA instead of SC-75/SOT-416.

Q: Is the BFR360FH6327XTSA1 suitable for direct substitution?

A: The BFR360FH6327XTSA1 meets most electrical requirements with enhanced frequency performance (14GHz). However, the 9V breakdown voltage is below the original 10V specification. The SOT-723 package is significantly smaller and requires PCB redesign. This part is suitable for applications where higher frequency capability and compact form factor are priorities and the slightly lower voltage rating is acceptable.

Q: What compliance certifications should be verified when selecting a substitute?

A: All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant or RoHS compliant, meeting environmental regulatory requirements. All parts have Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited), indicating no special moisture handling is required. REACH compliance status is consistent across all active parts. Verify that the selected substitute meets the specific regulatory requirements of your application and region.

Q: How do package differences affect substitution decisions?

A: Package type determines PCB footprint, lead spacing, and mounting method compatibility. The original 2SC5231A-8-TL-E uses SC-75/SOT-416 surface mount packaging. Substitutes use different packages (SC-81, SC-61AA, 4-SMD, SOT-723, or TO-72). PCB redesign is required if the package type differs. Through-hole packages (such as TO-72) are incompatible with surface mount designs without significant layout modifications.

Q: What is the significance of the noise figure specification in RF transistor selection?

A: Noise figure indicates the transistor's contribution to system noise at specified frequencies. The original part specifies 1dB at 1GHz. Substitute parts with lower noise figures (such as BFP720FESDH6327XTSA1 at 0.5–1.3dB) provide improved noise performance. Higher noise figures (such as 2N918 PBFREE at 6dB) indicate greater noise contribution and are unsuitable for low-noise RF applications.

Q: Are there any inventory or availability considerations for these substitutes?

A: The 2SC5231A-8-TL-E is obsolete with 3,880 pieces in stock. Active substitutes have varying inventory levels: 2SC5488A-TL-H (11,541 pcs), 2N918 PBFREE (1,800 pcs), 2SC5087R(TE85L,F) (4,072 pcs), BFP720FESDH6327XTSA1 (958 pcs), and BFR360FH6327XTSA1 (185,129 pcs). Long-term availability is assured only for active parts. Procurement planning should prioritize active substitutes to ensure design continuity beyond current inventory depletion.