BC558 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Uses, Features & Applications

This article explains BC558 transistor pinout, equivalent, features, applications and other details about how and where to use this device.

Features / Technical Specifications

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: PNP
• Max Collector Current(I_C): -100mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): -30V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): -30V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VBE): -5V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 500 Milliwatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 100 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 110 to 800
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should be: -65 to +150Centigrade

NPN Complementary

NPN Complementary of BC558 is BC548

Replacement and Equivalent

Alternative transistors for BC558 are BC559, 2N3906, BC338, 2N4403, A1015, BC557  (The pin configuration of the alternative transistors shown here may different from BC558, therefore it is recommended to always check the pin configuration before replacing in a circuit.)

BC558 Transistor Explained / Description

BC558 is a TO-92 packaged BJT transistor that can be used in many types of general purpose applications. It can be used as for any type of general amplification or switching. For using it as a switch to drive load it can handle 100mA of load with 30V. The collector dissipation is 500mW and maximum DC current gain is 800 therefore it can also be used as audio preamplifier purposes and audio amplification purposes. The emitter-base voltage is -5V due to which it can also be used at the output of microcontrollers. The device manufactured in three different part numbers like BC558A, BC558B and BC558C and the only difference between these three part numbers are their HFE values which can be detected by checking the last alphabet after the number, if the last alphabet is “A” then the HFE value will be 110~220, if “B” then 200~450 and if its “C” then it will be 420~800.

Where We Can Use BC558 Transistor & How to Use:

The transistors that are made for general purpose applications can be used in any type of normal requirements in electronic circuits. For example if used as a switch it can handle any load under 100mA like relays, LEDs, other big transistors, integrated circuits etc. On the other hand it can also be used as an audio amplifier or preamplifier and for any type of signal amplification.

Applications

Preamplifier

Audio amplifier

Any Signal Amplification

Darlington pair

Drive Load under 100mA

How to Get Long Term Performance

To get long term performance form C558 it is recommended to operate load more than 100mA, do not drive load of more than 30V, always use a suitable base resistor, check pin configuration before placing in the circuit and do not operate of store it in temperature below -65 centigrade and above +150 centigrade.