RCA DPC217A Vintage TO-3 NPN Silicon Power Transistor Bench Tested
Full Description & History
Original RCA DPC217A vintage NPN silicon bipolar transistor in a TO-3 metal-can package. Features two mounting holes for heatsink installation and original RCA case markings, including 4T and 8002.
Individually checked using a semiconductor component analyzer. The device was identified as an NPN silicon BJT with measured DC current gain of 39.
LIFECYCLE: OBSOLETE
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
Radio Corporation of America (RCA) was established in 1919 and became one of America's major electronics manufacturers, contributing to radio, television, vacuum-tube, and semiconductor technology.
RCA produced extensive families of germanium and silicon transistors used in audio amplifiers, power supplies, industrial equipment, and communications systems.
The TO-3 metal-can package became widely used in power electronics because its metal case and mounting flange allowed heat to be transferred to an external heatsink. Original RCA-marked transistors remain of interest to restorers maintaining vintage electronic equipment.
Origin Tracker
Obsolete Stock
Legacy or discontinued stock no longer in normal production flow. Future supply may be limited.
Pipeline quantities are informational and may change after arrival, inspection, sorting, testing, or donor teardown.
Compatible Radios / Boards
Compatible Radios / Boards
Vintage electronic equipment originally using the RCA DPC217A transistor. Verify circuit requirements, voltage and current ratings, pinout, and heatsink mounting before installation.
RF Boneyard Bench Notes
RF Boneyard Bench Notes
NPN Silicon BJT
Red - Emitter
Green - Collector
Blue - Base
hFE = 39 at Ic = 4.85mA
Vbe = 0.481V at Ib = 1.00mA
Vbe = 0.532V at Ib = 5.00mA
VceSat = 0.046V at Ic = 5.0mA and Ib = 1.00mA
IcLeak = 0.011mA
Full high-current and rated-voltage testing not performed.
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