BC546 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Uses, Features

This post describes the BC546 transistor pinout, equivalent, uses, features and some other useful information about this transistor.

Features / technical specifications:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 100mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): 65V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): 80V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 6V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc):  500 miliWatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 150 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 110 – 800
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -65 to +150 Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary BC556

Replacement and Equivalent:

BC547, BC548, BC549, 2N2222, 2N3904, BC550, C945 (Pin configuration of some transistors mentioned here may different from BC546, therefore it is suggested to check pin configuration of the transistor you want to replacing in your circuit)

BC546 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC546 is a widely used general purpose transistor, it possesses high gain and low noise type features, the maximum DC current gain value is 800 and the maximum collector dissipation of this transistor is 500 miliWatt due to which this device can be used in many audio and signal amplification purposes. The maximum load this transistor allows is 100mA which is an ideal value to drive relays, LEDs, ICs, other transistors etc.

This transistor manufactured in four different part numbers like BC546, BC546A, BC546B and BC546C, the only difference between these four part numbers are their DC current gain value, like BC546 current gain value is from 110 to 800, BC546A is from 110 to 220, BC546B is from 200 to 450, BC546C is from 420 to 800.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

BC546 transistor can be used in wide variety of general purpose applications, it can be used as a switch to control loads under 100mA. It can easily be used voltages under 65V.  Apart from that the transistor also possesses some very good characteristics that make it ideal to use in audio amplification related applications or other signal amplification purposes. For example the 2db noise figure, DC current gain value of 800, collector dissipation of 500 miliWatt.

Applications:

Audio Preamplifiers

High gain Audio Amplifier Stages

Switching Loads under 100mA

Darlington Pairs

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit:

To get maximum long run performance from this device the user must not cross the max characteristic values of this transistor. Do not drive load above 100mA and above 65V DC. Do not use or store this device in temperature above +150 centigrade and below -65 centigrade. It is also recommended to use a suitable base resistor and always solder or attach the transistor in the circuit by checking the right pins, accidentally connecting the wrong pins in the circuit some time weakens the transistor due to which it not perform well in the long run.