BC327RL1 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC327RL1 is a PNP bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 800 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in a Through Hole TO-92 (TO-226-3) configuration and is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. The BC327RL1 is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts to maintain design continuity and ensure long-term component availability for new production and field service applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	BC327RL1
Transistor Type	PNP
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	800 mA
Power - Max	625 mW
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	100 @ 100mA, 1V
Frequency - Transition	260MHz
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body (Formed Leads)
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC327RL1 is determined by equivalence in the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Mandatory Equivalence Criteria:

Transistor Type: PNP polarity
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 45 V minimum
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 800 mA or greater
Power - Max: 625 mW or greater
Vce Saturation characteristics compatible with application requirements
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-92-3 or TO-226-3 compatible footprint

Acceptable Parameter Variations:

DC Current Gain (hFE): May exceed minimum specification
Frequency - Transition: May be lower than original specification
Operating Temperature (TJ): May be limited to 150°C maximum
RoHS and compliance status: May differ from original part

The substitute parts BC32725TA, BC32740TA, and BC636TA satisfy the mandatory equivalence criteria and are suitable for direct replacement in applications where the BC327RL1 was originally specified.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC327RL1	BC32725TA	BC32740TA	BC636TA
Transistor Type	PNP	PNP	PNP	PNP
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45 V	45 V	45 V	45 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	800 mA	800 mA	800 mA	1 A
Power - Max	625 mW	625 mW	625 mW	1 W
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	700mV @ 50mA, 500mA	500mV @ 50mA, 500mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	100 @ 100mA, 1V	160 @ 100mA, 1V	250 @ 100mA, 1V	40 @ 150mA, 2V
Frequency - Transition	260MHz	100MHz	100MHz	100MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	-55°C ~ 150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Last Time Buy
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC32725TA is suitable for direct replacement in applications where the BC327RL1 was originally specified. This part is Active status with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. The DC Current Gain (hFE) of 160 @ 100mA, 1V exceeds the BC327RL1 minimum specification of 100, providing improved circuit performance. Transition frequency is reduced to 100MHz compared to the original 260MHz; this is acceptable for low-frequency switching applications but may not be suitable for high-speed signal processing circuits.

BC32740TA provides the highest DC Current Gain (hFE) of 250 @ 100mA, 1V among the substitute options, offering enhanced amplification characteristics. This part maintains Active status and ROHS3 compliance. The reduced transition frequency of 100MHz applies the same limitation as BC32725TA. This part is recommended for applications requiring maximum current gain within the specified voltage and current ratings.

BC636TA offers increased maximum collector current (1 A) and power dissipation (1 W) compared to the BC327RL1 (800 mA, 625 mW). This part is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating limited future availability. The DC Current Gain (hFE) of 40 @ 150mA, 2V is significantly lower than the BC327RL1 specification and may require circuit redesign. The improved Vce Saturation (500mV @ 50mA, 500mA) provides lower saturation voltage. BC636TA is suitable only for applications requiring higher current or power handling where the reduced gain is acceptable.

For new designs and long-term production, BC32725TA or BC32740TA are preferred due to Active product status and ROHS3 compliance. BC636TA should be avoided for new designs due to Last Time Buy status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC32725TA be used as a direct replacement for BC327RL1 in existing designs?

A: Yes. BC32725TA meets all mandatory electrical equivalence criteria: 45 V breakdown voltage, 800 mA maximum collector current, 625 mW power rating, and compatible TO-92-3 package. The higher DC Current Gain (160 vs. 100) and lower transition frequency (100MHz vs. 260MHz) are acceptable for most general-purpose switching applications. Verify application frequency requirements before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between BC32725TA and BC32740TA?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent with identical voltage, current, and power ratings. The primary difference is DC Current Gain: BC32740TA specifies 250 @ 100mA, 1V compared to BC32725TA at 160 @ 100mA, 1V. BC32740TA provides superior amplification characteristics for circuits requiring higher current gain. Both are Active status with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: Why is BC636TA not recommended as a primary substitute?

A: BC636TA is classified as Last Time Buy, indicating discontinued production and limited future availability. Additionally, the DC Current Gain specification (40 @ 150mA, 2V) is significantly lower than BC327RL1 (100 @ 100mA, 1V), potentially requiring circuit redesign. While BC636TA offers higher current and power ratings, these advantages do not justify the availability and performance trade-offs for new designs.

Q: Are the substitute parts physically compatible with BC327RL1 PCB layouts?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use TO-92-3 or TO-226-3 packages with Through Hole mounting, maintaining identical lead spacing and footprint compatibility with BC327RL1 designs. No PCB layout modifications are required for mechanical substitution.

Q: What is the impact of reduced transition frequency in BC32725TA and BC32740TA?

A: The transition frequency reduction from 260MHz to 100MHz affects high-frequency performance. For applications operating below 100MHz, this reduction has no practical impact. For circuits requiring switching speeds above 100MHz, the original BC327RL1 specifications must be maintained, and these substitutes are not suitable.

Q: Are there compliance differences between BC327RL1 and the substitute parts?

A: Yes. BC327RL1 is RoHS non-compliant, while BC32725TA, BC32740TA, and BC636TA are ROHS3 compliant. For applications subject to RoHS regulations, the substitute parts provide regulatory alignment. For legacy systems without RoHS requirements, compliance differences are not a limiting factor.

Q: What is the operating temperature range difference?

A: BC327RL1 specifies -55°C to 150°C (TJ), while substitute parts specify 150°C (TJ) maximum. The substitute parts do not specify a minimum operating temperature. For applications requiring operation below 0°C, verify the actual minimum temperature capability of substitute parts with the manufacturer before substitution.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message