BC160 Pinout, Features, Applications, How to Use, Safe Operating Guidelines and More
BC160 is a metal can transistor available in TO-39 package. It is designed to be used in general applications. This article explains this transistor in details such as its pinout, features, applications, how to use, safe operating guidelines and more.
Absolute Maximum Ratings:
- Package Type: TO-39
- Transistor Type: PNP
- Max Collector Current(IC): -1A
- Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO): -40V
- Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCBO): -40V
- Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 5V
- Total Power Dissipation (PD): 3.7W
- Max Transition Frequency (fT): 50 MHz
- Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (hFE): 63 to 250
- Max Storage, Operating & Junction temperature range: -65 °C to +150 °C
NPN Complementary:
The NPN complimentary of BC160 is BC140
Replacement and Equivalent:
2N5153, BC461
BC160 Transistor Explained / Description:
The pretty looking old big metal design transistors that we mostly see in old equipment such as TVs, Radios and other industrial machines the BC160 also comes in the same big metal package called TO-39. The transistor is designed to be used in general purpose switching and amplifier applications.
The absolute maximum ratings of the transistor are as follows: The collector-emitter voltage is -40V, collector-base voltage is also -40V, collector current is 1A, peak collector current is 1.5A, base current is -200mA, total power dissipation is 3.7W, storage and operating temperature is from -65°C to +150°C and junction temperature is upto 175°C.
Now looking at the electrical characteristics of the transistor the DC current gain is 63 to 250, transition frequency is 50MHz, turn on time is 500ns and turn off time is 650ns, emitter capacitance is 180MHz and collector capacitance is 30pF.
Where We Can Use it & How to Use:
To use the transistor as a switch connect the emitter pin with the positive rail of the circuit provide singles to its base pin through a suitable current limiting resistor (signals through which you want to control the output load). Connect the load between the collector and negative rail of the circuit.
To use the transistor as an amplifier connect the emitter pin with the positive rail of the circuit, provide signals you want to amplify to the base pin of the transistor through a suitable capacitor. An electrolytic capacitor from 0.47uF to 10uF can be used. Connect the output device such as a speaker between the collector and the negative rail of the circuit. Do not connect the collector pin directly with the speaker and use a same value electrolytic capacitor between collector pin and the speaker’s positive wire the negative wire of the speaker will be connected with the negative rail of the circuit.
Applications:
Audio amplifier circuits
Voltage Regulator
Audio Frequency Driver Circuits
Switching circuits
Audio Output Stages
Motors Control
Safe Operating Guidelines:
Here are some safe operating guidelines to use the transistor.
- Do not use the transistor to its absolute maximum ratings and always stay 20% below from these ratings.
- The maximum collector-emitter voltage of the transistor is -40V but by following the 20% guidelines mentioned above we will only use -32V.
- Always use a suitable heatsink.
- The maximum collector current is 1A but according to the above guidelines we will only use 800mA.
- The operating and storage temperature should be between -65°C to +150°C.
Datasheet:
To download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.
https://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/16090/PHILIPS/BC160.html
