Transistor replacement query - 2SC1231A

[Snorbans]

Probably a real newbie question but I'm needing to replace a transistor - which is in the manual, 2SC1213A,B C - is that different form 2SC1213?

Googling produces equivalents, but which is right or I suspect as they share the same TO92 form the exact specifications won't need to be exact, so what is best, or any?

Alternatives
KSC2383OTA
BC337
KSD1616AGBU
KSC2383YTA

 

[Mooly]

The A,B,C variants have progressively higher breakdown voltages although it sounds a pretty generic device tbh.

The BC337 is good for 50 volts and so should be fine to replace the 2SC1231A but beware that the pinouts will be different so you need to fit it accordingly.

 

[Snorbans]

Thanks! i ordered KSC2383YTA in the end - is that a bad choice or generic enough?

 

[Mooly]

Sorry, I missed your reply...

Yes, that looks OK (an unusual choice though, originally intended for TV applications). Just make sure that the pinouts are identical.

 

[Snorbans]

Mmm, I didn't intend to make an unusual choice, I will play safe and get the BC's, thanks too for the pin warning, that's something I will get right

 

[Snorbans]

Actually the manual (Marantz 1060, P800, H801) says 2SC1213A,B C but the part itself has written on it C1318. Transistors are confusing aren't they?, an approximation is deemed good enough, is C1318 a reasonable approximation for C1213 (and does that equal 2SC1213A)? if so a replacement suggested for C1318 is, 2N3440, though rather than TO92 thats a TO39 form.

Perhaps KSC2383YTA, TV or not, is as good a choice?

 

[jerluwoo]

The 2sc1213 has excellent low voltage linearity under 3 volts compared to the c1318 but somewhat poor hFE at low currents. The ksc2383 seems to nearly match the low voltage linearity with better hFE performance in the low current region, based on datasheets anyway. Probably a good choice overall compared to the c1318 or 2n3440. The 2n3440 doesn't seem to match up with the c1318 at all spec wise, odd recommendation as equivalent.

 

[Mooly]

Transistors are confusing aren't they?, an approximation is deemed good enough.......

There are literally 10's of thousands of different devices out there and ultimately all are unique in some way.

As you have ordered the C2383 already I would use it... unless you can't wait 🙂

 

[Snorbans]

I'm just treading really carefully and transistor selection is new to me and there are too many options. If it is of more critical importance that Vcb, Max, current and max Power (Pd) match or improve on the original, then C2383 passes and I need to stop treading and start soldering. Its been an education, thanks for this help.

 

[Mooly]

Vce, Ic, and power dissipation are the main things to check. Beyond that and the technician needs to study the intended use and weigh up the most important of the other characteristics and how they may or may not influence things in the circuit it is to be used in.