BC550BU

Single Bipolar Transistors Overview

The BC550BU is an NPN epitaxial silicon transistor manufactured by onsemi, housed in a TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) through-hole package. It features a maximum collector current of 100 mA and a collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 45 V. The device has a maximum power dissipation of 500 mW and a transition frequency of 300 MHz. Key electrical characteristics include a minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 110 at 2 mA and 5 V, a maximum collector cutoff current of 15 nA, and a maximum collector-emitter saturation voltage of 600 mV at 5 mA base current and 100 mA collector current.

Single Bipolar Transistors Feature Summary

• NPN polarity with epitaxial silicon construction for reliable switching and amplification
• Low noise performance suitable for sensitive signal processing applications
• Through-hole mounting capability in standard TO-92-3 leaded packages

Single Bipolar Transistors Applications

• General-purpose low-noise amplifier circuits
• Signal switching and logic interface stages
• Audio pre-amplification stages requiring low distortion

Single Bipolar Transistors Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity and datasheet alignment when sourcing the BC550BU. Confirm that the specific suffix corresponds to the required hFE binning and packaging format. Check for obsolescence status as availability may vary across distributors. Ensure compliance with relevant environmental standards such as RoHS if required for the target assembly process.

Single Bipolar Transistors Selection Notes

Select the BC550BU for designs requiring moderate voltage handling and low noise characteristics in small-signal applications. Consider the 45 V collector-emitter rating and 100 mA current limit when defining circuit boundaries. Evaluate thermal management requirements given the 500 mW power dissipation limit in the TO-92 package. Compare against other series members like BC547 or BC548 if different voltage or gain specifications are needed.

Single Bipolar Transistors Part Context

The BC550BU belongs to the BC546–BC550 family of NPN epitaxial transistors from onsemi. This series is designed for general-purpose use, offering complementary PNP counterparts in the BC556–BC560 range. The components share similar physical footprints and basic electrical structures, facilitating design flexibility within amplifier and switch topologies.

Single Bipolar Transistors Replacement Considerations

Public confirmed substitute part numbers include 2N5232APBFREE from Central Semiconductor Corp.