BC547 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Uses, Features & Applications

In this post you will find BC547 transistor pinout, equivalents, uses, features, applications, details on where & how to use this transistor in an electronic circuit.

Features / technical specifications:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 100mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): 45V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): 50V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 6V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 500 miliWatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 300 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 110 – 800
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -65 to +150 Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary of BC547 is BC557

Replacement and Equivalent:

2N2222, 2N3904, 2N4401, BC337 (Pin configuration of some transistors are different from BC547, check pin configuration before replacing in a circuit)

BC547 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC547 is a general purpose BJT NPN transistor mostly used in electronics hobbyists and educational electronics projects. Besides these uses it can also be used in commercial circuits. It comes in TO-92 packaging and the maximum output current this transistor can handle is 100mA. The transistor is having very good DC current gain and low noise capabilities due to which it is ideal to use in signal amplification stages. The typical saturation voltage is only 90 millivolts which is also a good sign to use it as a switch.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

The BC547 is a widely used transistor and it can be used in any general purpose application, it can also be used as a substitute and replacement to many transistors, therefore it can be used in variety of electronic circuits for example switch small load on very low input voltage and current and also in amplification of small audio and other signals. The max transition frequency of the transistor is 300MHz so it will also perform well in RF circuits under 300MHz frequency.

Applications:

Sensor Circuits

Audio Preamp circuits

Audio Amplifier Stages

Switching Loads under 100mA

Transistor Darlington Pairs

Radio Frequency Circuits

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit:

For long run in a circuit it is important to not increase load more than 100mA on it, and do not exceed the voltage across this transistor to 45V DC. Always use a suitable base resistor to provide required current for saturation. Do not use or store it in temperature above +150 centigrade and below -65 centigrade. Always confirm the collector emitter and base pins before placing in circuit. If accidently placed wrong in a circuit than check its performance again because placing wrong pins sometimes burns the internal circuitry of the transistor or make it weak.