C1815 General Purpose NPN Transistor – KSH 5 at HIMASTORES Mombasa – best electronics in Kenya
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C1815 General Purpose NPN Transistor

SKU: HMJ151 Category: Transistors
KSH 5.00
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Product Description

C1815 General Purpose NPN Transistor

High-Gain NPN Transistor for General Amplification and Switching

The C1815 is a widely used generalpurpose NPN silicon transistor designed for audio amplification and switching applications. Its high current gain and medium power handling make it suitable for lowpower audio amplifier stages, preamplifiers, and sensor circuits.

General Purpose NPN Transistor - Supports both amplification and switching functions
High Current Gain Range - hFE from 70 to 700 depending on grade selection
Collector-Emitter Voltage: 50V maximum [citation:5][citation:8]
Collector Current: 150mA maximum [citation:5][citation:8]
Collector Power Dissipation: 400mW in TO-92 package [citation:1][citation:8]
Use the C1815 for audio preamplifier stages or to drive loads up to 150mA such as relays and LEDs [citation:8]
This transistor is available in TO92 (throughhole) and SOT-23 (SMD) packages [citation:1][citation:5]

Technical Specifications

ParameterValue
Transistor TypeNPN
PackageTO92 or SOT23 [citation:5]
Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO)50V maximum [citation:5][citation:8]
Collector-Base Voltage (VCBO)60V maximum [citation:1][citation:8]
Collector Current (IC)150mA maximum [citation:5][citation:8]
Power Dissipation (PC)400mW (TO-92) [citation:1][citation:8]
Transition Frequency (fT)80MHz typical [citation:5][citation:8]
Operating Temperature-55°C to +150°C [citation:1]

= Pinout (TO-92 Package) =

When viewing the flat face with leads pointing downward:

PinFunction
1Emitter (E) [citation:12]
2Collector (C) [citation:12]
3Base (B) [citation:12]

> The pinout follows the ECB configuration for TO-92 package

For SOT-23 package, the pinout may differ: Base, Emitter, Collector

hFE Classification Grades

The C1815 is available in different gain ranks for optimal circuit performance [citation:9][citation:12]:

RankhFE Range
O70 - 140 [citation:12]
Y120 - 240 [citation:12]
GR200 - 400 [citation:12]
BL350 - 700 [citation:12]

> Grade is typically indicated by suffix after part number (e.g., 2SC1815-GR)

Choose grade based on the gain requirements of your specific application

Key Features

+High Current Gain - hFE up to 700 for strong signal amplification

+Good Frequency Response - 80MHz transition frequency suitable for audio applications

+Low Saturation Voltage - VCE(sat) typically 0.25V at 100mA for efficient switching

+Complementary PNP Pair - A1015 is the complementary PNP transistor [citation:6][citation:8]

= Applications =

  1. Audio preamplifiers and low-power amplifier stages [citation:7][citation:8]
  2. Small-signal switching circuits [citation:8]
  3. Sensor signal conditioning and amplification
  4. Driver stage for relays and LEDs under 150mA [citation:8]
  5. Low-power RF and oscillator circuits
Reliable and Versatile A proven transistor for generalpurpose applications
Widely Available Common component in throughhole and SMD packaging

√ Compatible with 5V and 12V circuits

√ Good replacement for 2N3904 in many applications (check pinout compatibility)

√ Can be paired with A1015 for push-pull amplifier configurations

Troubleshooting

Transistor not switching:

  • Verify baseemitter voltage is above 0.7V for turnon
  • Check base current and resistor values
  • Ensure load current does not exceed 150mA

Excessive heat:

  • Verify collector current is within 150mA limit
  • Ensure power dissipation does not exceed 400mW
  • Check for proper biasing in amplifier circuits