BC184LC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC184LC is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 30 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 200 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in a TO-92-3 through-hole configuration and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary to maintain design continuity and ensure ongoing component availability for production and repair applications.

Substiute Parts

BC184LC

onsemiIn Stock: 888BC184LC Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

2N3708 PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 23522N3708 PBFREE Datasheet

DirectRFQ

BC184B PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 859BC184B PBFREE Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC184LC is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Transistor type: NPN configuration
• Voltage rating: 30 V collector-emitter breakdown minimum
• Current rating: 200 mA collector current minimum
• Package type: TO-92-3 through-hole configuration
• Saturation voltage: 600mV @ 5mA, 100mA
• Collector cutoff current: 15nA (ICBO) maximum

Substitute Classification:

Direct Equivalent (2N3708 PBFREE): Shares identical voltage and package specifications. Meets NPN type and through-hole mounting requirements. Differs in DC current gain specification and transition frequency, which do not preclude functional substitution in applications where the BC184LC operates within its rated parameters.

Similar Equivalent (BC184B PBFREE): Maintains identical voltage, current, saturation voltage, and collector cutoff current specifications. Shares NPN type and TO-92-3 package. Offers enhanced transition frequency (280MHz vs. 150MHz) and reduced maximum power dissipation (300mW vs. 625mW), making it suitable for higher-frequency applications within the same electrical envelope.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC184B PBFREE is the primary substitute for the BC184LC. Both devices share identical voltage ratings (30 V), collector current capacity (200 mA), saturation voltage characteristics (600mV @ 5mA, 100mA), and collector cutoff current (15nA ICBO). The BC184B PBFREE is manufactured by Central Semiconductor Corp and maintains active product status, ensuring long-term availability. This part is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting modern regulatory requirements. The enhanced transition frequency (280MHz) and reduced power dissipation (300mW) represent performance improvements over the obsolete BC184LC without compromising electrical compatibility in standard switching and amplification applications.

2N3708 PBFREE serves as an alternative substitute when BC184B PBFREE is unavailable. This device maintains the 30 V voltage rating and TO-92-3 package configuration. The 2N3708 PBFREE exhibits higher collector cutoff current (100nA vs. 15nA) and lower DC current gain (45 @ 1mA vs. 130 @ 100mA), which may affect performance in gain-sensitive applications. This part is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. Selection of the 2N3708 PBFREE requires circuit-level verification to confirm acceptable operation under the specified gain and leakage characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BC184B PBFREE directly replace the BC184LC without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The BC184B PBFREE maintains identical voltage ratings, current capacity, saturation voltage, and collector cutoff current specifications. Both devices are NPN transistors in TO-92-3 packages. The enhanced transition frequency and reduced power dissipation of the BC184B PBFREE do not introduce incompatibility in applications designed for the BC184LC.

Q: What is the primary difference between the 2N3708 PBFREE and BC184B PBFREE substitutes?

A: The 2N3708 PBFREE exhibits higher collector cutoff current (100nA vs. 15nA) and lower DC current gain (45 @ 1mA vs. 130 @ 100mA) compared to the BC184B PBFREE. The BC184B PBFREE more closely matches the BC184LC electrical characteristics and is the preferred substitute. The 2N3708 PBFREE is suitable only when BC184B PBFREE availability is constrained and circuit performance can tolerate the specified gain and leakage variations.

Q: Are the substitute parts RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Both substitute parts (2N3708 PBFREE and BC184B PBFREE) are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. The original BC184LC does not specify RoHS status but is REACH unaffected. Selection of compliant substitutes ensures compatibility with modern procurement and environmental regulations.

Q: Do the substitute parts share the same TO-92-3 package footprint?

A: Yes. All three devices—BC184LC, 2N3708 PBFREE, and BC184B PBFREE—are packaged in TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) through-hole configuration. Pin-to-pin compatibility is maintained, allowing direct board-level substitution without layout modification.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for the substitute parts?

A: The BC184B PBFREE and 2N3708 PBFREE both operate across -65°C to 150°C (TJ), providing extended low-temperature performance compared to the BC184LC specification of 150°C maximum. This expanded range does not introduce incompatibility and may provide additional design margin in temperature-sensitive applications.

Q: Why is the BC184LC classified as obsolete?

A: The BC184LC is an older design from onsemi. Substitute parts from Central Semiconductor Corp (2N3708 PBFREE and BC184B PBFREE) are actively manufactured and offer equivalent or enhanced electrical performance with modern compliance certifications. Use of active substitutes ensures supply chain continuity and regulatory compliance.