The BC550 is an adaptable NPN transistor, part of the respected BC547 series, valued for its dependable performance in both commercial and classroom settings. With the capability to manage switching currents up to 100mA, it functions efficiently as an amplifier, thanks to its 500mW collector dissipation and impressive DC gain reaching 800. Gain categories include.
• BC550A: 110-220
• BC550B: 200-450
• BC550C/CG: 420-800
The wide gain range of the BC550 suits various applications, from audio amplifiers to signal processing. You can appreciate its sturdiness, which ensures consistent output across different conditions, illustrating a thoughtful design. In educational environments, this transistor helps demonstrate ultimate switching and amplification concepts, appreciated for its predictability and ease of use.
In application, selecting the right gain version of the BC550 enhances circuit efficiency. For instance, opting for a higher gain variant like the BC550C/CG can increase sensitivity in amplifier circuits. Moreover, appropriately managed heat dissipation through proper heat sinks or cooling methods can prolong the component’s life, boosting overall performance.
Feature |
BC550 Specification |
Package Type |
TO-92 |
Transistor Type |
NPN |
Max Collector Current (IC) |
100 mA |
Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO) |
45 V |
Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCBO) |
50 V |
Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO) |
5 V |
Power Dissipation (PD) |
500 mW |
Max Transition Frequency (fT) |
300 MHz |
DC Current Gain (hFE) |
110 - 800 |
Storage & Operating Temperature |
-65 to +150 °C |
Type |
Parameter |
Mount |
Through Hole |
Mounting Type |
Through Hole |
Package / Case |
TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) |
Number of Pins |
3 |
Supplier Device Package |
TO-92-3 |
Weight |
201 mg |
Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage |
45V |
Current-Collector (Ic) (Max) |
100mA |
Number of Elements |
1 |
hFE Min |
110 |
Operating Temperature |
150°C TJ |
Packaging |
Bulk |
Part Status |
Obsolete |
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) |
1 (Unlimited) |
Termination |
Through Hole |
Max Operating Temperature |
150°C |
Min Operating Temperature |
-65°C |
Voltage - Rated DC |
45V |
Max Power Dissipation |
500mW |
Current Rating |
100mA |
Frequency |
300MHz |
Base Part Number |
BC550 |
Polarity |
NPN |
Element Configuration |
Single |
Power Dissipation |
500mW |
Power - Max |
500mW |
Gain Bandwidth Product |
300MHz |
Transistor Type |
NPN |
Collector Emitter Voltage (VCEO) |
45V |
Max Collector Current |
100mA |
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce |
110 @ 2mA, 5V |
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max) |
15nA ICBO |
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic |
600mV @ 5mA, 100mA |
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max) |
45V |
Frequency - Transition |
300MHz |
Collector Base Voltage (VCBO) |
50V |
Emitter Base Voltage (VEBO) |
5V |
REACH SVHC |
No SVHC |
RoHS Status |
RoHS Compliant |
Lead Free |
Lead Free |
Part Number |
Description |
Manufacturer |
MPQ6530 |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 0.6A (IC), 40V (VBR),
1-Element, NPN, Silicon, TO-92 |
Motorola Semiconductor Products |
ZTX557SM |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 0.5A (IC), 300V (VBR),
1-Element, PNP, Silicon, TO-92 COMPATIBLE, E-LINE PACKAGE-3 |
Zetex / Diodes Inc |
BC550-TR |
Transistor 100 mA, 45 V, NPN, Si, SMALL SIGNAL
TRANSISTOR, TO-92, BIP General Purpose Small Signal |
NXP Semiconductors |
FXT5550 |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 1A (IC), 60V (VBR),
1-Element, NPN, Silicon, PLASTIC, E-LINE PACKAGE-3 |
Zetex / Diodes Inc |
ZTX555M |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 1A (IC), 100V (VBR),
1-Element, NPN, Silicon, TO-92 COMPATIBLE, E-LINE PACKAGE-3 |
Diodes Incorporated |
UTZX549ASMT C |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 1A (IC), 30V (VBR),
1-Element, PNP, Silicon, TO-92 COMPATIBLE, E-LINE PACKAGE-3 |
Diodes Incorporated |
ZTX450F |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 1A (IC), 60V (VBR),
1-Element, NPN, Silicon, PLASTIC, E-LINE PACKAGE-3 |
Diodes Incorporated |
UTZX549ASTOA |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 1A (IC), 30V (VBR),
1-Element, PNP, Silicon, TO-92 COMPATIBLE, E-LINE PACKAGE-3 |
Diodes Incorporated |
ZTX1090T8 |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 1A (IC), 30V (VBR),
1-Element, NPN, Silicon, TO-92 STYLE, E-LINE PACKAGE-3 |
Diodes Incorporated |
UTZX4499MTC |
Small Signal Bipolar Transistor, 1A (IC), 30V (VBR),
1-Element, NPN, Silicon, TO-92 COMPATIBLE, E-LINE PACKAGE-3 |
Diodes Incorporated |
• BC337
• BC546
• BC547
• BC548
• BC549
• BC639
• 2N2222
• 2N3904
• C945
• 2SC1815
• 2SC3198
• BC560
BC550 and BC547 belong to the NPN transistor family, a staple in numerous electronic circuits. Despite sharing many attributes, they differ notably in their voltage capacities, influencing their roles in various applications.
• BC550: Exhibits a higher voltage capacity and excels in reducing noise, making it particularly suited for audio systems where clarity of sound is highly valued.
• BC547: Alongside BC548, it features a higher breakdown voltage, making it versatile for general-purpose use.
In the world of audio equipment, the BC550’s proficiency in curbing noise substantially boosts sound quality—a necessity derived from stringent audio design standards. This characteristic makes it a preferred choice for high-fidelity systems where reducing signal interference is insistent. For projects demanding greater voltage resilience, such as certain switch-mode power supplies, the BC547 provides a dependable option. This is mostly beneficial in scenarios where withstanding voltage spikes are a priority.
The BC550 is a transistor with remarkable versatility, often celebrated for its broad applicability across electronic circuits. Known for its low noise and notable gain, it plays notable roles in analog and digital environments, making it a cherished option for small signal amplification and switching.
• Darlington Pairs: The BC550 excels in Darlington configurations, effectively pairing transistors to achieve high current gain. Often employed to amplify weak signals, it enhances sensitivity exquisitely in audio equipment.
• Audio Amplification: With an affinity for audio amplification, this transistor is ideal, especially where noise reduction is active. You might embrace the BC550 to augment input signals in preamplifiers for pristine clarity.
• Signal Amplification: Its substantial gain supports signal amplification across various circuit applications. It fortifies signals in radio frequency (RF) circuits with minimal distortion impact.
• Microcontroller Outputs: When interfacing microcontrollers with external devices, the BC550 amplifies control signals, adeptly driving loads that surpass the microcontroller’s current capacity, proving valuable in embedded systems.
• Switching Below 100mA: Serving efficiently in switching circuits under 100mA, it adeptly manages minor electronic components. You can leverage this for low-power device control without stressing the transistor.
• Relays and LEDs: In relay circuits, the BC550 interfaces between low and high-power outputs, reliably activating relay coils. It also serves in LED circuits for precise on/off control.
• PWM Applications: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) applications benefit from the BC550’s rapid switching ability. It modulates signal width in motor speed control, enhancing system responsiveness.
• LED Dimmers: The BC550 enables adjustable brightness control in LED dimming circuits by modulating current flow, ensuring efficient energy use.
• H-Bridge Circuits: Supporting motor control in H-Bridge configurations, it allows directional changes and speed modulation. You can often employ this transistor to execute precise motion commands.
• Current Mirrors: The BC550 is active in current mirror circuits, offering consistent current flow, a cornerstone in analog integrated circuit design for stable performance.
• Impedance Buffering: Used in impedance buffering, it shields sensitive circuit stages from load variations, preserving signal integrity and high-quality analog signal processing.
• Oscillators and Comparators: In oscillators and comparators, the BC550's stability and reliability are prized, ensuring accurate timing and waveform generation, basic in digital clocks and waveform generators.
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The BC550 is appreciated for its flexibility as an NPN transistor, frequently utilized in scenarios with loads below 100mA. Its dual roles, enhancing signals as an amplifier and controlling operations as a switch, serve various circuit applications. You value its sustained stability and reliability in low-power contexts, often weighing the decision between its roles based on specific circuit needs.
Ensure that the current stays under 100mA while the voltage is kept below 45V DC. A suitable base resistor can protect against unwanted current surges. Storing the component between -65°C and 150°C is advisable. From hands-on experience, routinely monitoring these conditions during design and testing can avoid potential issues.
Bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) use both holes and electrons as charge carriers, setting them apart from unipolar field-effect transistors. This distinctive charge carrier interaction enhances gain and improves switching speed, beneficial for high-frequency applications. The interplay of these carriers is instrumental in achieving targeted electronic results.
Replacing the BC550 with the BC547 is doable if their hFE values are considered. The BC550 typically provides a higher hFE, indicating a greater gain. You can adjust for this to ensure that substitution doesn't negatively impact circuit function. Thoughtful evaluation of these factors is used to uphold circuit performance.