I was hoping someone here knows of an equivalent to the Hitachi 2SB857,2SB858 PNP transistor used in a MW7198 NiCad/NiMH battery charger. I have a datasheet for the Hitachi product( **broken link removed** ).... but I can`t get hold of one in Australia, ... does anybody know a common equivalent(possible available from somewhere like http://www.jaycar.com.au/ )
I have installed the new components and the charger is working well, I have tested the current output and voltage and all is how it should be.... however my only concern is that while charging a 4.8v 1500Mha NiMh pack @ 1 amp the transistor gets up to about 80-90 degrees C ! is that too hot ? Looking at the data sheet it states the "junction temp" can be 150 degrees C....does this mean it can get up to 150 safely ?
Thanks for the reply, The tran. in question is unfortunately not heatsinked !...and the case of the charger leaves very very little room to get one in !, I would really like to use a heatsink(I have quiet a few to choose from lying around) but the only way I can see using one is if I hang the tran.(and extend wires from the board to outside the case) outside the case and attatch a heatsink....which would look a little ugly... but I may have to do it !
If the transistor work now without without heatsink, and only 90 degrees hot, for proper cooling quite enough about 15...20 quadratcentimeter aluminium plate. The totally closed case avoided.(drill a few 4mm holes both (opposite) sides)
On the 90deg running transistor can work, but this method use only the chinese manufacturer(Hi). In homebrew experience i never enable over 50...60deg. (i designed the devices for 99 years work...)