BC107 Technical Summary

BC107 - NPN Silicon Transistor Technical Summary

Overview

The BC107 is a general-purpose NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) housed in a hermetically sealed TO-18 metal package. Designed for reliable performance across a wide range of applications, this component offers robust electrical characteristics and excellent thermal stability. Its hermetic sealing ensures protection against environmental factors, making it suitable for demanding industrial and military applications.

As part of the BC10x series (which includes BC108 and BC109 variants), the BC107 is characterized by its medium power handling capability and high voltage tolerance. The transistor is commonly used in amplification, switching, and signal processing circuits where consistent performance is required.

Features

Silicon NPN epitaxial planar transistor
Hermetically sealed TO-18 metal package for enhanced durability
Multiple screening options available for quality assurance
High voltage capability: VCBO = 50V, VCEO = 45V
Medium current handling: Continuous collector current (IC) of 100mA
Peak collector current (ICM) of 200mA
Power dissipation (Ptot) of 300mW at 25°C ambient temperature
Wide operating temperature range: -65°C to +175°C
Identical pin configuration across BC107/BC108/BC109 series

Applications

The BC107 finds use in a variety of electronic circuits including:

Low-power audio amplifiers and preamplifiers
Signal processing circuits
Switching circuits
Impedance matching stages
Driver stages for higher power transistors
Oscillator circuits
Industrial control systems
Military and aerospace electronics (due to hermetic sealing)

Electrical Characteristics

All values measured at TA = 25°C unless otherwise specified.

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Collector-Base Voltage (VCBO): 50V
Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO): 45V (with base open)
Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCES): 45V (with base shorted to emitter)
Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 6V (reverse voltage)
Continuous Collector Current (IC): 100mA
Peak Collector Current (ICM): 200mA (pulsed)
Total Power Dissipation (Ptot): 300mW at Tamb ≤ 25°C
Operating Temperature Range (Tamb): -65°C to +175°C
Storage Temperature Range (Tstg): -65°C to +175°C

Typical Performance Characteristics

DC Current Gain (hFE): Typically 110-450 at IC = 2mA, VCE = 5V
Transition Frequency (fT): Minimum 150MHz at IC = 10mA, VCE = 5V
Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage: Typically 0.25V at IC = 10mA, IB = 1mA
Noise Figure: Typically 4dB at IC = 100μA, VCE = 5V, f = 1kHz

Package Information

TO-18 Metal Can Package

The BC107 is housed in a standard TO-18 package with the following mechanical characteristics:

Package type: Hermetically sealed metal can
Lead material: Kovar or equivalent alloy
Lead finish: Solderable finish (typically tin-plated)
Weight: Approximately 0.35 grams
Flammability rating: UL 94V-0 compliant

Package Dimensions

Package diameter: 5.2mm (0.205 inches) nominal
Package height: 4.7mm (0.185 inches) maximum
Lead spacing: 2.54mm (0.100 inches) between pins 1-2 and 2-3
Lead diameter: 0.48mm (0.019 inches) nominal
Lead length: 12.7mm (0.500 inches) minimum below seating plane

Pin Configuration

Viewed from the bottom with leads pointing downward:

Pin 1: Emitter
Pin 2: Base
Pin 3: Collector

The package features a small tab or protrusion near pin 1 for orientation identification.

Reliability and Qualification

The BC107 is available with various screening levels to meet different reliability requirements:

Standard commercial grade
Extended reliability versions
Military-specification compliant options

Hermetic sealing is verified by fine and gross leak tests per MIL-STD-883 method 1014. The device is also subjected to burn-in and other environmental stress tests for high-reliability versions.