BC550CBU

Single Bipolar Transistors Overview

The onsemi BC550CBU is an NPN epitaxial silicon transistor housed in a TO-92 three-pin through-hole package. It features a maximum collector current of 100 mA and a collector-emitter voltage rating of 45 V. The device offers a minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 110, with a maximum power dissipation of 500 mW. Key electrical limits include a collector-base voltage of 50 V, an emitter-base voltage of 5 V, and a transition frequency of 1 MHz. It operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 150°C.

Single Bipolar Transistors Feature Summary

• Designed for low-noise amplifier applications due to specific noise characteristics.
• Functions as a switching and amplification component in electronic circuits.
• Provides complementary pairing options within the broader BC5xx series family.

Single Bipolar Transistors Applications

• Low-noise audio signal amplification stages
• General-purpose switching circuits
• Small-signal amplifier designs

Single Bipolar Transistors Procurement Notes

Verify the manufacturer origin carefully, as this part number has been produced by both Fairchild Semiconductor and onsemi following their integration. Ensure the datasheet revision matches your design requirements, particularly regarding lead frame materials and pin configurations. Confirm RoHS compliance status for your specific region, as older batches may differ from current production runs.

Single Bipolar Transistors Selection Notes

Select this component when a low-noise NPN transistor is required for small-signal processing. The BC550C suffix indicates a specific hFE binning range compared to other variants like the AB or B suffixes. Consider the thermal management capabilities of the TO-92 package if high power dissipation is anticipated in the target application environment.

Single Bipolar Transistors Part Context

This transistor belongs to the BC546–BC550 series of NPN epitaxial silicon transistors. While the BC546 variant supports higher voltages up to 65 V, the BC550 is optimized for lower noise performance at 45 V. It serves as the NPN counterpart to the PNP BC560 transistor, facilitating push-pull circuit designs.

Single Bipolar Transistors Replacement Considerations

Public confirmed substitute part numbers: 2N5232A PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp).

Single Bipolar Transistors FAQ

What is the primary advantage of the BC550 over the BC547?

The BC550 is specifically characterized for low-noise performance, making it more suitable for sensitive audio and RF amplifier applications compared to the general-purpose BC547.

Does the BC550CBU have an isolated case connection?

Yes, the datasheet specifies that the case connection is isolated, meaning the collector is not electrically connected to the mounting tab.