Introduction
The 2SC1815, often abbreviated as C1815, is a widely used NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) known for its versatility and effectiveness in low-power electronic applications. It’s a silicon-based, general-purpose transistor designed for a broad range of circuits, making it a staple component for both educational projects and commercial product development. Its compact size, housed in a standard TO-92 package, along with its robust electrical characteristics, contributes to its popularity.
The transistor is particularly well-suited for audio frequency amplification and high-frequency oscillation applications. Its key features include a relatively high DC current gain (hFE), which allows a small input current at the base to control a much larger current at the collector. This amplification capability is what makes it so effective in signal amplification circuits. The 2SC1815 also boasts a low noise figure, a critical parameter for audio circuits, as it ensures a clear, high-fidelity signal by minimizing unwanted electrical noise.
2SC1815 NPN Transistor
In addition to its use in amplification, the 2SC1815 also functions as an efficient electronic switch. With a maximum continuous collector current of 150mA and a collector-emitter voltage of 50V, it can easily drive small loads such as LEDs, small motors, or relays. Its ability to handle these specifications makes it a reliable choice for switching applications where a microcontroller or another low-power signal needs to control a slightly higher-power device. Its balance of features high gain, low noise, and suitable voltage and current ratings makes it a go-to transistor for countless electronic designs.
2SC1815 Pinout
2SC1815 NPN Transistor Key Features
The 2SC1815 is a popular NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). Its key features make it a versatile component for low-power electronic circuits, especially in amplification and switching roles.
Low Noise: It has a very low noise figure, making it an excellent choice for amplifying weak signals without adding significant electrical noise. This is why it’s widely used in audio preamplifiers and sensitive sensor circuits.
High Gain (hFE): The DC current gain (hFE) of the 2SC1815 is exceptionally high and can range from 70 to 700. This high gain allows a small base current to control a much larger collector current, providing effective signal amplification. It’s available in several variants, such as the 2SC1815-O, -Y, -GR, and -L, each with a specific gain range to suit different design requirements.
Collector Current (IC): It can handle a continuous collector current of up to 150mA. This is sufficient for driving small loads like LEDs, buzzers, and low-power relays in switching applications.
High Transition Frequency (fT): With a transition frequency of 80 MHz, the 2SC1815 can operate effectively in RF (Radio Frequency) circuits, particularly for signal amplification and oscillation in the VHF band.
Voltage Ratings: The transistor has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCE) of 50V and a collector-base voltage (VCB) of 60V. These ratings make it suitable for a variety of low to medium-voltage applications.
Power Dissipation (PC): It can dissipate up to 400mW of power, ensuring it can handle a range of small-signal amplification and switching tasks without overheating.
Compact Package: The 2SC1815 is most commonly available in the TO-92 through-hole package, which is small and easy to mount on a perfboard or PCB.
2SC1815 Transistor Specifications/Characteristics
| Characterstics | Rating (Max) |
|---|---|
| Max Collector Current(IC) | 150mA |
| Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE) | 50V |
| Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCB) | 60V |
| Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO) | 5V |
| Max Collector Dissipation (Pc) | 400 mW |
| Max Transition Frequency (fT) | 80 MHz |
| Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (hFE) | 70 – 700 |
| Max Storage & Operating temperature | -55 to +150 °C |
| Transistor Type | NPN |
| Package Type | TO – 92 |
| Noise Figure | 2 dB |
More Circuit Layouts
Key Applications of 2SC1815 NPN Transistor
The 2SC1815 is a versatile, low-power NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) known for its reliability and a wide range of applications. Its key characteristics, such as low noise and high gain, make it suitable for various electronic circuits.
Sensor Circuits
The 2SC1815 is used in sensor circuits to amplify small signals from sensors like photodiodes, thermistors, or pressure sensors. It can act as a signal conditioning element, boosting the weak output of the sensor to a level that can be read by a microcontroller or another circuit. Its low noise characteristic is particularly useful here, as it prevents the amplification of unwanted electrical noise.
Audio Preamplifiers
Due to its low noise figure, the 2SC1815 is a popular choice for audio preamplifiers. A preamplifier’s job is to take a weak audio signal from a microphone or an instrument and amplify it to a standard level before it goes to the main power amplifier. The 2SC1815 helps to achieve this without introducing significant hiss or distortion, ensuring high-fidelity sound.
Audio Amplifier Stages
Beyond preamplifiers, the 2SC1815 can be used in the driver stages of small to medium-power audio amplifiers. In these stages, it helps to boost the signal from the preamplifier and drive the larger power transistors that are responsible for outputting the final amplified sound to a speaker.
Switching Loads under 150mA
The 2SC1815 can be used as a simple electronic switch to control small loads. Its maximum collector current (Ic) is 150mA, making it suitable for controlling components like small LEDs, low-power relays, or buzzers. In this configuration, a small input signal at the base can turn on or off a much larger current flowing through the load.
RF Circuits
The 2SC1815’s high transition frequency (fT) of 80 MHz allows it to be used in low-power RF (Radio Frequency) circuits, particularly in the VHF (Very High Frequency) band. It can be found in small-signal RF amplifiers, oscillators, and mixers for applications such as simple FM radio receivers or hobbyist RF projects.
PNP Complimentary Transistor
PNP Complementary of 2SC1815 Transistor is 2SA1015.
Equivalent Transistors of 2SC1815
2N2222, 2N3904, 2SC945, 2SC3198, BC547, S8050
(the Pin configuration of some transistors could be different from 2SC1815).
Datasheet of 2SC1815 NPN Transistor
Click the following Button below to download the datasheet of 2SC1815 Transistor :
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