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How to Use C1815: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of C1815
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Introduction

The C1815 is a general-purpose NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) designed for amplification and switching applications. Manufactured by Transistor, this component is widely used in low to medium power circuits due to its reliable performance and compact size. With a maximum collector current of 800 mA and a maximum collector-emitter voltage of 50 V, the C1815 is suitable for a variety of applications, including audio amplification, signal processing, and low-power switching.

Explore Projects Built with C1815

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Battery-Powered Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracker with Sensor Integration
Image of Copy of CanSet v1: A project utilizing C1815 in a practical application
This circuit is a data acquisition and communication system powered by a LiPoly battery and managed by a Raspberry Pi Pico. It includes sensors (BMP280, MPU9250) for environmental data, a GPS module for location tracking, an SD card for data storage, and a WLR089-CanSAT for wireless communication. The TP4056 module handles battery charging, and a toggle switch controls power distribution.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Battery-Powered Raspberry Pi Zero W with MPU-6050 and LCD Display
Image of Science Fair: A project utilizing C1815 in a practical application
This circuit is a portable system powered by a 2000mAh battery, which is stepped up to 5V using a boost converter to power a Raspberry Pi Zero W. The Raspberry Pi interfaces with an MPU-6050 sensor for motion detection, an LCD TFT screen for display, and a vibration motor for haptic feedback.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32-CAM Smart Security System with PIR Sensor and BMP280, Battery-Powered and Wi-Fi Controlled
Image of ESP 32: A project utilizing C1815 in a practical application
This circuit is a wireless surveillance system using an ESP32-CAM module, a PIR motion sensor, and a BMP280 sensor. The ESP32-CAM captures images and sends them via Telegram when motion is detected by the PIR sensor, while the BMP280 provides environmental data. The system is powered by a 3.7V battery, regulated to 5V using an LM340T5 7805 voltage regulator, and includes a TP4056 for battery charging.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
MPU6050-Based Servo Control System with Arduino UNO
Image of Drawing : A project utilizing C1815 in a practical application
This circuit features an Arduino UNO microcontroller interfaced with an MPU6050 accelerometer/gyroscope for motion sensing. Four servos are controlled by the Arduino, with their power lines connected to a 5V supply from the 7805 voltage regulator, which is powered by a 9V battery. The servos' control lines are connected to the Arduino through 200 Ohm resistors, and a ceramic capacitor is used for noise suppression on the 5V line.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with C1815

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of Copy of CanSet v1: A project utilizing C1815 in a practical application
Battery-Powered Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracker with Sensor Integration
This circuit is a data acquisition and communication system powered by a LiPoly battery and managed by a Raspberry Pi Pico. It includes sensors (BMP280, MPU9250) for environmental data, a GPS module for location tracking, an SD card for data storage, and a WLR089-CanSAT for wireless communication. The TP4056 module handles battery charging, and a toggle switch controls power distribution.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Science Fair: A project utilizing C1815 in a practical application
Battery-Powered Raspberry Pi Zero W with MPU-6050 and LCD Display
This circuit is a portable system powered by a 2000mAh battery, which is stepped up to 5V using a boost converter to power a Raspberry Pi Zero W. The Raspberry Pi interfaces with an MPU-6050 sensor for motion detection, an LCD TFT screen for display, and a vibration motor for haptic feedback.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of ESP 32: A project utilizing C1815 in a practical application
ESP32-CAM Smart Security System with PIR Sensor and BMP280, Battery-Powered and Wi-Fi Controlled
This circuit is a wireless surveillance system using an ESP32-CAM module, a PIR motion sensor, and a BMP280 sensor. The ESP32-CAM captures images and sends them via Telegram when motion is detected by the PIR sensor, while the BMP280 provides environmental data. The system is powered by a 3.7V battery, regulated to 5V using an LM340T5 7805 voltage regulator, and includes a TP4056 for battery charging.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Drawing : A project utilizing C1815 in a practical application
MPU6050-Based Servo Control System with Arduino UNO
This circuit features an Arduino UNO microcontroller interfaced with an MPU6050 accelerometer/gyroscope for motion sensing. Four servos are controlled by the Arduino, with their power lines connected to a 5V supply from the 7805 voltage regulator, which is powered by a 9V battery. The servos' control lines are connected to the Arduino through 200 Ohm resistors, and a ceramic capacitor is used for noise suppression on the 5V line.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

  • Audio signal amplification
  • Low-power switching circuits
  • Oscillator circuits
  • General-purpose signal processing
  • Small motor control

Technical Specifications

Below are the key technical details of the C1815 transistor:

Parameter Value
Transistor Type NPN
Maximum Collector Current (Ic) 800 mA
Maximum Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vce) 50 V
Maximum Collector-Base Voltage (Vcb) 60 V
Maximum Emitter-Base Voltage (Veb) 5 V
DC Current Gain (hFE) 70 to 700 (varies by model)
Power Dissipation (Pc) 400 mW
Transition Frequency (ft) 80 MHz
Package Type TO-92

Pin Configuration

The C1815 transistor comes in a TO-92 package with three pins. The pinout is as follows:

Pin Number Pin Name Description
1 Emitter (E) Current flows out of this pin.
2 Base (B) Controls the transistor's operation.
3 Collector (C) Current flows into this pin.

The pin configuration is typically viewed with the flat side of the TO-92 package facing you.

Usage Instructions

Using the C1815 in a Circuit

The C1815 transistor can be used in two primary modes: as a switch or as an amplifier.

1. Switching Mode

In switching mode, the transistor operates as a digital on/off switch. To turn the transistor on, apply a small current to the base pin. This allows a larger current to flow from the collector to the emitter.

2. Amplification Mode

In amplification mode, the transistor amplifies a small input signal at the base to produce a larger output signal at the collector. The gain of the transistor (hFE) determines the amplification factor.

Example Circuit: LED Control with Arduino UNO

The C1815 can be used to control an LED with an Arduino UNO. Below is an example circuit and code:

Circuit Setup:

  • Connect the emitter (E) to ground.
  • Connect the collector (C) to one terminal of the LED (with a current-limiting resistor in series).
  • Connect the other terminal of the LED to the positive supply voltage (e.g., 5V).
  • Connect the base (B) to an Arduino digital pin through a 1 kΩ resistor.

Arduino Code:

// Define the pin connected to the transistor base
const int transistorBasePin = 9;

void setup() {
  // Set the transistor base pin as an output
  pinMode(transistorBasePin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on by sending a HIGH signal to the transistor base
  digitalWrite(transistorBasePin, HIGH);
  delay(1000); // Keep the LED on for 1 second

  // Turn the LED off by sending a LOW signal to the transistor base
  digitalWrite(transistorBasePin, LOW);
  delay(1000); // Keep the LED off for 1 second
}

Important Considerations

  • Always use a base resistor (typically 1 kΩ to 10 kΩ) to limit the base current and protect the transistor.
  • Ensure the collector current does not exceed 800 mA to avoid damaging the transistor.
  • Use a heat sink if the transistor is operating near its maximum power dissipation (400 mW).

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

  1. Transistor Not Switching Properly

    • Cause: Insufficient base current.
    • Solution: Check the base resistor value and ensure the base current is sufficient to saturate the transistor.
  2. Overheating

    • Cause: Exceeding the maximum power dissipation or collector current.
    • Solution: Reduce the load current or use a heat sink.
  3. No Output Signal

    • Cause: Incorrect pin connections or damaged transistor.
    • Solution: Verify the pin connections and replace the transistor if necessary.
  4. Low Amplification

    • Cause: Low hFE or insufficient input signal.
    • Solution: Check the transistor's hFE and ensure the input signal is within the required range.

FAQs

Q: Can the C1815 be used for high-power applications?
A: No, the C1815 is designed for low to medium power applications with a maximum collector current of 800 mA and power dissipation of 400 mW.

Q: What is the typical base resistor value for the C1815?
A: A base resistor between 1 kΩ and 10 kΩ is typically used, depending on the required base current.

Q: Can the C1815 be used in RF circuits?
A: Yes, the C1815 has a transition frequency (ft) of 80 MHz, making it suitable for low-frequency RF applications.

Q: How do I identify the pins on the C1815?
A: With the flat side of the TO-92 package facing you, the pins from left to right are Emitter (E), Base (B), and Collector (C).