2SC

2SC is a designation used for NPN bipolar junction transistors in the Japanese transistor naming system. In this scheme, the "2S" prefix indicates a transistor, the second letter denotes polarity, with "C" representing NPN devices and "A" representing PNP devices (2SA for PNP). The remaining digits identify the specific transistor type.

Historically, 2SC devices were developed and produced by Japanese manufacturers such as NEC, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi, spanning a range from small-signal transistors to power devices. Notable examples include 2SC1815, a widely used NPN small-signal transistor in audio and general-purpose circuits, and 2SC5200, a high-power NPN transistor used in audio power amplifiers; its complementary PNP partner is 2SA1943.

In modern electronics, the 2SC designation is most commonly found in legacy designs and hobbyist projects. Many 2SC types have been discontinued or superseded by modern surface-mount devices and alternative part-number schemes, though some popular types remain available through stock or specialty suppliers. The exact electrical characteristics—such as current gain, breakdown voltages, and switching speeds—vary considerably from device to device, so datasheets are consulted for each specific 2SC transistor.

Packaging for 2SC transistors historically covered a range of through-hole formats, including small-signal TO-92-style packages and larger cases for power devices. The series played a significant role in mid- to late-20th-century electronics, contributing to the widespread use of discrete transistors in radios, amplifiers, and instrumentation. The naming system, including 2SA (PNP) and 2SC (NPN), remains a reference point for engineers studying the era.