PN918 RF Transistor NPN Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PN918 is an RF transistor NPN manufactured by onsemi, designed for radio frequency applications requiring operation at 15V with a transition frequency of 600MHz. This through-hole TO-92-3 packaged component delivers 350mW maximum power dissipation and is rated for 50mA collector current. The PN918 is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and production continuity. Substitute parts listed below maintain NPN transistor functionality while offering enhanced performance characteristics and active product status from Infineon Technologies.

Substiute Parts

PN918

onsemiIn Stock: 803PN918 Datasheet

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BFP182RE7764HTSA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 731BFP182RE7764HTSA1 Datasheet

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BFP420H6433XTMA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 2418BFP420H6433XTMA1 Datasheet

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BFR193WH6327XTSA1

Infineon TechnologiesIn Stock: 3433BFR193WH6327XTSA1 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PN918 RF transistor is determined by compatibility across the following critical parameters: transistor type (NPN), voltage rating capability, frequency performance, power dissipation capacity, and collector current handling. All substitute parts maintain NPN configuration and operate within or exceed the PN918's electrical envelope.

The three substitute parts listed—BFR193WH6327XTSA1, BFP182RE7764HTSA1, and BFP420H6433XTMA1—are classified as equivalent alternatives based on the following criteria:

Voltage Compatibility: All substitutes operate at 12V or 5V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage. The PN918 operates at 15V; substitutes with 12V ratings remain compatible for applications operating below 12V. The BFP420H6433XTMA1 at 5V is suitable only for 5V-rated circuit designs.

Frequency Performance: All substitutes exceed the PN918's 600MHz transition frequency, with capabilities ranging from 8GHz to 25GHz, ensuring superior high-frequency performance in RF applications.

Power Dissipation: Substitutes range from 160mW to 580mW maximum power. The BFR193WH6327XTSA1 at 580mW exceeds the PN918's 350mW rating. The BFP182RE7764HTSA1 and BFP420H6433XTMA1 operate below this threshold at 250mW and 160mW respectively.

Collector Current: All substitutes handle 35mA to 80mA maximum collector current, accommodating the PN918's 50mA specification.

Mounting Type: The PN918 uses through-hole TO-92-3 packaging. All substitutes employ surface-mount technology (SOT-143R, SOT-343, SOT-323), requiring PCB redesign for implementation.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BFR193WH6327XTSA1 (Infineon Technologies): This substitute provides the highest power dissipation capability at 580mW and maximum collector current of 80mA, exceeding PN918 specifications. The 12V voltage rating accommodates applications operating at or below 12V. Active product status with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected certification ensures long-term availability and regulatory compliance. Surface-mount SOT-323 packaging requires PCB redesign. Suitable for applications requiring enhanced power handling and higher frequency performance.

BFP182RE7764HTSA1 (Infineon Technologies): This substitute operates at 12V maximum voltage and 8GHz transition frequency with 250mW power dissipation and 35mA collector current. The 22dB gain specification exceeds the PN918's 15dB rating. Active product status with ROHS3 compliance ensures regulatory alignment. Surface-mount SOT-143R packaging requires PCB redesign. Suitable for applications where the PN918's 50mA collector current specification is not fully utilized.

BFP420H6433XTMA1 (Infineon Technologies): This substitute operates at 5V maximum voltage and delivers the highest transition frequency at 25GHz with 160mW power dissipation and 35mA collector current. Active product status with ROHS3 compliance ensures regulatory alignment. Surface-mount SOT-343 packaging requires PCB redesign. Suitable only for 5V-rated circuit designs requiring maximum frequency performance.

All three substitutes carry active product status, eliminating obsolescence risk associated with the PN918. Selection depends on voltage requirements, power dissipation needs, frequency performance demands, and PCB layout capability for surface-mount implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BFR193WH6327XTSA1 directly replace the PN918 in existing through-hole PCB designs?

A: No. The BFR193WH6327XTSA1 uses surface-mount SOT-323 packaging while the PN918 uses through-hole TO-92-3 packaging. PCB redesign is required to accommodate the different footprint and mounting method.

Q: Which substitute part is compatible with 15V supply voltage applications?

A: None of the listed substitutes are rated for 15V operation. The BFR193WH6327XTSA1 and BFP182RE7764HTSA1 are rated to 12V maximum. The BFP420H6433XTMA1 is rated to 5V maximum. Applications requiring 15V operation require alternative component selection or voltage regulation modifications.

Q: What is the primary advantage of the BFP420H6433XTMA1 over the PN918?

A: The BFP420H6433XTMA1 provides significantly higher transition frequency at 25GHz compared to the PN918's 600MHz, enabling operation in higher-frequency RF applications. However, it is limited to 5V maximum voltage operation and lower power dissipation at 160mW.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All three substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification. The PN918 RoHS status is not specified in the provided documentation.

Q: What is the minimum collector current rating for the substitute parts?

A: The BFR193WH6327XTSA1 specifies DC current gain at 30mA. The BFP182RE7764HTSA1 specifies DC current gain at 10mA. The BFP420H6433XTMA1 specifies DC current gain at 20mA. All operate below the PN918's 50mA maximum collector current specification.

Q: Do the substitute parts maintain the same operating temperature range as the PN918?

A: The substitute parts specify maximum junction temperature of 150°C. The PN918 specifies operating temperature range of -55°C to 150°C (TJ). The lower temperature limit specification for substitutes is not provided in the available documentation.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best power dissipation match to the PN918's 350mW rating?

A: The BFR193WH6327XTSA1 at 580mW exceeds the PN918's 350mW specification. The BFP182RE7764HTSA1 at 250mW and BFP420H6433XTMA1 at 160mW both operate below this threshold. Application power requirements determine the appropriate selection.