BC213 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC213 is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, housed in a TO-92-3 through-hole package. This device is rated for 30 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 500 mA maximum collector current, with a maximum power dissipation of 625 mW. The BC213 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain functional compatibility within the electrical and mechanical constraints of the original specification.

Substiute Parts

BC213

onsemiIn Stock: 1672BC213 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BC857BLT1G

onsemiIn Stock: 125142BC857BLT1G Datasheet

DirectRFQ

ZTX790A

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 5001ZTX790A Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC213 is determined by the following critical parameters: transistor type (PNP), maximum collector current rating, maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage, power dissipation capability, and mounting configuration. Substitute parts must satisfy the electrical requirements of circuits designed for the BC213 while accommodating differences in package type and performance characteristics.

Two substitute parts are identified based on these criteria:

BC857BLT1G (Direct Manufacturer Substitute): This onsemi part maintains PNP transistor type and active product status. However, it operates at reduced maximum collector current (100 mA versus 500 mA) and reduced power dissipation (300 mW versus 625 mW). The BC857BLT1G uses surface-mount SOT-23-3 packaging rather than through-hole TO-92-3, requiring circuit board redesign. This substitute is suitable for applications where collector current does not exceed 100 mA.

ZTX790A (Similar Manufacturer Substitute): This Diodes Incorporated part maintains through-hole mounting compatibility (E-Line TO-92 compatible) and PNP transistor type. The ZTX790A provides higher maximum collector current (2 A) and higher power dissipation (1 W) than the BC213, with higher maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V). This substitute is suitable for applications requiring higher current or power handling than the BC213 specification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC857BLT1G Selection Criteria:

The BC857BLT1G is an active product from onsemi with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. This substitute is appropriate for new designs where collector current requirements do not exceed 100 mA and where surface-mount technology is acceptable. The higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V) provides additional design margin. The higher DC current gain (220 minimum) reduces base drive requirements compared to the BC213. Circuit board redesign is required due to SOT-23-3 surface-mount packaging.

ZTX790A Selection Criteria:

The ZTX790A is an active product from Diodes Incorporated with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. This substitute maintains through-hole mounting compatibility with the BC213 via E-Line TO-92 compatible packaging, minimizing circuit board modifications. The ZTX790A is appropriate for applications requiring collector currents between 500 mA and 2 A, or where power dissipation exceeds 625 mW. The higher DC current gain (300 minimum) and higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V) provide design flexibility. Operating temperature range extends to 200°C junction temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BC857BLT1G directly replace the BC213 in existing through-hole circuit boards?

A: No. The BC857BLT1G uses SOT-23-3 surface-mount packaging, while the BC213 uses TO-92-3 through-hole packaging. Circuit board redesign is required. Additionally, the BC857BLT1G maximum collector current is 100 mA, which may be insufficient for applications designed for the BC213's 500 mA rating.

Q: Can the ZTX790A directly replace the BC213 in existing through-hole circuit boards?

A: Yes, with electrical verification. The ZTX790A uses E-Line TO-92 compatible through-hole packaging, which is mechanically compatible with TO-92-3 footprints. However, the ZTX790A has higher maximum collector current (2 A) and higher power dissipation (1 W), so circuit operation must be verified to ensure these higher ratings do not cause unintended behavior.

Q: What is the primary limitation of using BC857BLT1G as a substitute?

A: The BC857BLT1G has a maximum collector current of 100 mA, which is 80% lower than the BC213's 500 mA rating. Applications requiring collector currents above 100 mA cannot use this substitute. Additionally, surface-mount packaging requires board redesign.

Q: What is the primary advantage of using ZTX790A as a substitute?

A: The ZTX790A maintains through-hole mounting compatibility and provides higher current and power handling capability (2 A and 1 W respectively). This allows the substitute to function in applications where the BC213 may have been operating near its maximum ratings, with improved thermal margin.

Q: Are there differences in frequency response between these substitutes and the BC213?

A: Yes. The BC213 has a transition frequency of 200 MHz, while both the BC857BLT1G and ZTX790A have transition frequencies of 100 MHz. Applications requiring high-frequency switching performance above 100 MHz may not be suitable for these substitutes.

Q: Do all three parts have the same moisture sensitivity level?

A: Yes. The BC213, BC857BLT1G, and ZTX790A all have MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity level, indicating no special moisture handling requirements during storage or assembly.

Q: Which substitute is recommended for new product designs?

A: Selection depends on application requirements. For low-current applications (≤100 mA) where surface-mount technology is acceptable, use BC857BLT1G. For applications requiring higher current handling (up to 2 A) with through-hole mounting, use ZTX790A. Both are active products with current manufacturer support.