MPSA27G Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MPSA27G is an NPN Darlington bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for through-hole applications in the TO-92 package. This component operates at a maximum collector voltage of 60 V with a collector current rating of 500 mA and maximum power dissipation of 625 mW. The device features a high DC current gain (hFE) of 10000 minimum at specified conditions, making it suitable for low-signal amplification and switching applications requiring current multiplication.

The MPSA27G is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for legacy systems and new designs requiring compatible performance characteristics.

Substiute Parts

MPSA27G

onsemiIn Stock: 2490MPSA27G Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BCX38C

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 1524BCX38C Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MPSA27G is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Transistor Configuration: Both the main part and substitute must be NPN-type Darlington transistors, ensuring identical polarity and gain characteristics for direct circuit replacement.

Voltage Rating: The maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage must equal or exceed 60 V to maintain safe operation within the original design envelope.

Current Capability: The substitute must support the required collector current. Parts with higher current ratings (such as 800 mA) are acceptable as they provide additional design margin without compromising functionality.

Power Dissipation: The substitute's maximum power rating must accommodate the thermal requirements of the application.

DC Current Gain: The minimum hFE specification must meet or exceed 10000 to ensure equivalent amplification and switching performance.

Package and Mounting: The substitute must use the TO-92 through-hole package to ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing printed circuit board layouts.

Operating Temperature Range: The substitute must support the required temperature range for the application.

The BCX38C meets all substitution criteria and is classified as an active product with enhanced specifications in several parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BCX38C Selection Basis:

The BCX38C from Diodes Incorporated is a direct functional substitute for the MPSA27G. Both devices share identical transistor topology (NPN Darlington), voltage rating (60 V), and minimum DC current gain (10000). The BCX38C is classified as an active product with current manufacturing support, addressing the obsolescence status of the MPSA27G.

The BCX38C provides enhanced specifications across multiple parameters: collector current capability increases from 500 mA to 800 mA, power dissipation increases from 625 mW to 1 W, and operating temperature range extends from 150 °C to 200 °C maximum junction temperature. These improvements provide additional design margin and thermal headroom without introducing incompatibility.

The BCX38C is RoHS3 compliant and carries REACH Unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component procurement. Both devices maintain identical moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1 - Unlimited) and ECCN classification (EAR99).

Pin configuration and package dimensions are equivalent between the MPSA27G and BCX38C in the TO-92 form factor, ensuring direct mechanical substitution on existing printed circuit boards without layout modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BCX38C directly replace the MPSA27G in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both devices are NPN Darlington transistors in the TO-92 package with identical voltage ratings (60 V), equivalent DC current gain specifications (10000 minimum), and compatible pin configurations. Direct substitution is possible without circuit modification.

Q: What are the key differences between these parts?

A: The BCX38C offers higher collector current capability (800 mA versus 500 mA), greater power dissipation rating (1 W versus 625 mW), lower saturation voltage (1.25 V versus 1.5 V at specified conditions), and extended operating temperature range (-55 to 200 °C versus -55 to 150 °C). These represent performance enhancements rather than incompatibilities.

Q: Is the BCX38C suitable for applications originally designed for the MPSA27G?

A: Yes. The BCX38C meets or exceeds all critical electrical parameters of the MPSA27G. Applications requiring the MPSA27G specifications will operate correctly with the BCX38C. The enhanced ratings provide additional design margin.

Q: Are there any package or pinout differences?

A: No. Both the MPSA27G and BCX38C use the TO-92 (TO-226-3) through-hole package with identical pin assignments. No PCB layout changes are required for substitution.

Q: What is the product availability status of these parts?

A: The MPSA27G is classified as obsolete. The BCX38C is an active product with current manufacturing support and documented inventory availability, making it the recommended choice for new designs and ongoing production.

Q: Do these parts have different compliance certifications?

A: The BCX38C carries RoHS3 compliance certification, while the MPSA27G does not specify this status. Both parts are REACH Unaffected and carry identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS classifications. The BCX38C meets current regulatory requirements for electronic component procurement.

Q: Can the BCX38C be used in high-temperature applications?

A: The BCX38C supports operation up to 200 °C junction temperature, compared to 150 °C for the MPSA27G. Applications requiring extended temperature operation benefit from the BCX38C's enhanced thermal specification.