BC182 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC182 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. It features a 50 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 100 mA maximum collector current, and 350 mW power dissipation in a Through Hole TO-92 package. The BC182 is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent substitute components necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. Modern alternatives with active product status and improved compliance certifications are available to replace this legacy component.

Substiute Parts

BC182
onsemiIn Stock: 2460BC182 Datasheet
BC182
Current Part
MMBT100
onsemiIn Stock: 65415MMBT100 Datasheet
MMBT100
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter BC182 Value
Transistor Type NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max) 50 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max) 100 mA
Power - Max 350 mW
Frequency - Transition 200 MHz
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) 120 @ 2mA, 5V
Vce Saturation (Max) 600 mV @ 5mA, 100mA
Operating Temperature Range -55°C to 150°C
Mounting Type Through Hole
Package / Case TO-92-3
Product Status Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC182 is determined by electrical parameter compatibility within the NPN transistor category. The primary substitution criteria are:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

  • Transistor type must be NPN
  • Collector-emitter breakdown voltage must equal or exceed 50 V
  • Maximum collector current must equal or exceed 100 mA
  • Maximum power dissipation must equal or exceed 350 mW
  • Transition frequency must equal or exceed 200 MHz
  • Operating temperature range must encompass -55°C to 150°C
  • DC current gain characteristics must support the intended application

Mechanical Compatibility Considerations:

  • Package type may differ (Through Hole to Surface Mount substitution is permissible when circuit board design accommodates the alternative mounting technology)
  • Pin configuration must maintain functional equivalence

The MMBT100 satisfies all electrical requirements for substitution. While it employs Surface Mount SOT-23-3 packaging rather than Through Hole TO-92 packaging, the electrical parameters exceed or match the BC182 specifications, and the component is in active production status with current RoHS3 compliance certification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter BC182 MMBT100 Compatibility
Transistor Type NPN NPN Match
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max) 50 V 45 V MMBT100 rated lower; verify application voltage requirements
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max) 100 mA 500 mA MMBT100 exceeds requirement
Power - Max 350 mW 350 mW Match
Frequency - Transition 200 MHz 250 MHz MMBT100 exceeds requirement
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) 120 @ 2mA, 5V 100 @ 150mA, 5V Different measurement conditions; MMBT100 lower at specified point
Vce Saturation (Max) 600 mV @ 5mA, 100mA 400 mV @ 20mA, 200mA MMBT100 lower saturation voltage
Operating Temperature Range -55°C to 150°C -55°C to 150°C Match
Mounting Type Through Hole Surface Mount Different; requires PCB design accommodation
Package / Case TO-92-3 SOT-23-3 Different; pin configuration functionally equivalent
Product Status Obsolete Active MMBT100 in active production
RoHS Status Non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant MMBT100 meets current compliance requirements

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC182 Substitution with MMBT100:

The MMBT100 provides functional substitution for the BC182 with the following considerations:

Advantages:

  • Active product status ensures ongoing availability and supply chain continuity
  • RoHS3 compliance meets current environmental and regulatory requirements
  • Superior transition frequency (250 MHz vs. 200 MHz) supports higher-speed applications
  • Higher maximum collector current (500 mA vs. 100 mA) provides design margin
  • Lower saturation voltage (400 mV vs. 600 mV) improves switching efficiency

Limitations:

  • Collector-emitter breakdown voltage is 45 V versus 50 V; applications operating above 45 V require design verification
  • Surface Mount SOT-23-3 package requires PCB redesign from Through Hole TO-92 layout
  • DC current gain measured at different operating points; gain characteristics differ at low collector currents

Selection Criteria:

  • Use MMBT100 when circuit design accommodates Surface Mount technology and operating voltage remains below 45 V
  • Retain BC182 or identify alternative Through Hole NPN transistors if PCB design cannot accommodate Surface Mount components
  • Verify DC current gain requirements at actual operating collector current levels, as gain specifications are measured at different points between the two devices

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MMBT100 directly replace BC182 in existing Through Hole PCB designs?

A: No. The MMBT100 uses Surface Mount SOT-23-3 packaging while the BC182 uses Through Hole TO-92 packaging. PCB layout and footprint modifications are required. Adapter boards or complete PCB redesign may be necessary depending on production volume and design constraints.

Q: What is the primary electrical limitation when substituting BC182 with MMBT100?

A: The MMBT100 has a maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 45 V compared to the BC182's 50 V. Applications requiring operation above 45 V are not suitable for MMBT100 substitution. Verify the maximum voltage present at the collector-emitter junction in your specific circuit.

Q: Are the DC current gain specifications equivalent between BC182 and MMBT100?

A: No. The BC182 specifies minimum hFE of 120 at 2 mA collector current and 5 V Vce, while the MMBT100 specifies minimum hFE of 100 at 150 mA collector current and 5 V Vce. These measurements occur at different operating points. Evaluate gain requirements at your actual operating collector current to determine suitability.

Q: Does MMBT100 substitution require circuit design changes beyond PCB layout?

A: The lower saturation voltage of MMBT100 (400 mV vs. 600 mV) may improve switching performance but does not typically require circuit redesign. However, verify that base drive circuits and switching timing remain compatible with the different saturation characteristics.

Q: What compliance advantages does MMBT100 provide over BC182?

A: The MMBT100 is RoHS3 compliant and in active production status, while the BC182 is obsolete and RoHS non-compliant. For new designs or production requiring environmental compliance certification, MMBT100 meets current regulatory requirements.

Q: Can BC182 be used in new designs, or must substitution occur?

A: The BC182 is classified as obsolete. While existing inventory may be available, new designs should incorporate active-status components such as MMBT100 to ensure long-term supply chain viability and compliance with current environmental regulations.

Q: Are there Through Hole alternatives to BC182 if Surface Mount substitution is not feasible?

A: This reference addresses only the MMBT100 as a documented substitute. For Through Hole package requirements, consult the component manufacturer's full substitution matrix or contact your supplier for additional legacy-compatible alternatives.

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