BC637 Transistor Pinout, Features, Equivalents, applications and electrical characteristics

BC637 is another interesting transistor from the BC63X series of NPN transistors with many good features. In post, we will discuss and understand BC637 transistor pinout, features, equivalents, applications, and electrical characteristics.

 

Absolute Maximum Ratings:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 1A
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CEO): 60V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 5V
• Max Base Current (I_B): 100mA
• Max Collector Power Dissipation (Pc): 1W
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 100 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 40 – 160
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: –65 to +150 Centigrade

 

PNP Complementary:

NPN Complementary of BC637 is BC638

 

Replacement and Equivalent:

C3940, BC639,  MPS455, 2SD1207, NTE2341, 2N6731, BC639-16, CS9103C, NTE2341, ZTX455, ZTX853.

 

BC637 Transistor Explained / Description:

If you require a high-current transistor in TO-92 package then BC637 is an ideal transistor for that purpose. Also, this transistor is packed with many good features that make it an ideal candidate for wide variety of applications. First of all looking at its maximum collector current is upto 1A and the peak collector current is upto 1.5A. The collector current of 1A makes it a valuable TO-92 package transistor because usually, you will not get 1A collector current capabilities in most of the TO-92 package transistors. The second very useful feature of the transistor is its transition frequency of 100MHz, which makes it ideal to use in RF circuits, high-speed switching circuits, digital circuits etc. Additionally the DC current gain of 40 to 160 also makes it a good candidate for audio preamplification, signal amplification etc.

Looking at the absolute maximum ratings of the transistor the maximum collector-emitter voltage is 60V, maximum collector current is 1A, max emitter-base voltage is 5V, max base current is 100mA, the maximum power dissipation is 1W and max storage and operating temperature is from -65 to 150°C.

 

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

BC637 transistor is designed to be used in applications such as switching and amplification but can also be used in other applications such as RF, digital, sensor etc. The using procedure of the transistor is same as we used any other BJT transistor.

 

Applications:

Audio Amplifier Stages

Radio Circuits (Up to around 100MHz)

PWM Circuits (For Small Motors and Other Loads)

Sensor Circuits

Signal Amplification Circuits

Audio Amplifier Circuit

Darlington Pairs

Transmitter Circuits (Up to around 100MHz)

Active Filters

Switching Loads under 1A

 

Safe Operating Guidelines:

Here are the safe operating guidelines of the transistor.

• Do not drive the transistor to its absolute maximum ratings and always stay 20% below.
• So according to the above guidelines, the maximum collector current is 1A but we will not drive load of more than 800mA.
• Same as the max collector-emitter voltage is 60V but we will not drive load of more than 48V.
• Always check the pin layout before using in the circuit.
• And always make sure to store or use the transistor at temperatures above -65°C and below 150°C.

 

Datasheet:

To download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.

https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/149/BC637-888529.pdf