AC176 Transistor Data

Key transistor data for the AC176 germanium NPN audio transistor including key electrical parameters, pinout, package type and many other key transistor details.

The AC176 transistor is a transistor which is found in many older transistor radios and other electronic items from around the 1970s. It is quite commonly found in many items where is was used primarily for audio circuits.

Key details and performance parameters for the AC176 transistor.

Transistor parameters & data
Parameters	Details
Transistor type	NPN germanium transistor
Package type	TO1
V_CBO max (V)	32
V_CEO max (V)	18
V_EBOmax (V)	10
I_C max (A)	1
T_J Max °C	90
P_TOT mW	220
f_T min (MHz)	1
C_OB	100p
h_fe	50 - 250
I_C for h_fe	`00 mA
Similar / equivalents

Outline:

Pinout:

Notes: This transistor was a very widely used transistor in its day. It represented the development of transistors because, although it is germanium, it is an NPN transistors - the early germanium transistors tended to be PNP.

Explanation of transistor parameters

Parameter	Explanation
V_CBO Max	Maximum collector-base voltage with emitter open circuit .
V_CEO Max	Maximum collector-emitter voltage with base open circuit.
V_EBO Max	Maximum emitter-base voltage with collector open circuit.
V_CEsat (included where applicable)	The voltage drop across the collector-emitter when the transistor is fully saturated (acting as a closed switch).
I_C Max	Maximum collector current.

Parameter	Explanation
T_J	Maximum junction temperature.
P_TOT Max	Maximum device dissipation normally in free air at 25°C unless other conditions indicated.
f_T Min	Minimum cutoff frequency at which the current gain in a common emitter circuit falls to unity.
C_OB Max	Maximum collector capacitane, normally measured with emitter open circuit.
h_FE	DC current gain for H_FE at I_C. [Note hfe is the small signal gain and although this may be slightly different, the transistor current gain will vary considerably from ne transistor to the next of the same type.]
P_TOT Max	Maximum device dissipation normally in free air at 25°C unless other conditions indicated.

These are the main transistor parameers that have been included in our list. There are others, but these help quantify the main elements of the performance of the transistor.

Read more about . . . . Transistor Data-sheet Specifications & Parameters.

Please note, that the data given is the best estimate we can give within a tabulated summary of this nature. Parameters also vary between manufacturers. Electronics Notes cannot accept any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, etc, although we do endevaour to ensure the data is as accurate as possible.