BC548 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Uses, Features

This article describes BC548 transistor pinout, equivalent, uses, features and other information about this device. BC 548 is a commonly used transistor that can be found easily. It can also be replaced with some well know transistors.

Features / technical specifications:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 500mA (Continuous)
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): 30V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): 30V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 5V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 625 miliWatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 150 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 110 – 800
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -55 to +150 Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary BC558

Replacement and Equivalent:

BC547, BC549, 2N2222, 2N3904, BC550 (Pin configuration of some transistors may different from BC548, check pin configuration before using or replacing in a circuit)

BC548 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC548 is another general purpose widely used transistor that can be easily get from reputable electronic components store, this transistor also have bunch of good features on the basis of which one can use it in their electronic circuit, it can handle maximum current of 500mA which is enough to drive many other components such as ICS, other transistors, portion of a circuits, relays, LEDs etc. The max collector dissipation of the device is 625 miliWatt which is another good feature to use it as a small amplifier.

The transistor comes in four different part numbers like BC548, BC548A, BC548B and BC548C and the only difference between the four is their DC current gain value, like BC548 current gain value is from 110 to 800, BC548A is from 110 to 220, BC548B is from 200 to 450, BC548C is from 420 to 800.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

BC548 transistor can be used in many general purpose applications; you can use it in the replacement of other general purpose transistor 2N3904, BC547 etc. as described above. A part from that it can be used as a switch to drive load under 500mA. The 500mA collector current is quite good feature for this size and type of transistor therefore you can drive wide variety of loads at the same time in an electronic circuit. Moreover this transistor also has a very good DC current gain and collector dissipation characteristics which makes it ideal to use it in amplification and pre-amplification stages of an electronic circuit.

Applications:

Sensor Circuits

Audio Preamplifiers

Audio Amplifier Stages

Switching Loads under 500mA

Darlington Pairs

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit:

To increase the durability and performance of this device the user much follow the guide lines and should not increase the values as described below. Do not drive the transistor above 30V, always make sure to place its pins right in the circuit, do not provide load more than 500mA, and always use a suitable resistor at the base of the transistor to provide it required current. Do not use or store the device in temperature above +150 centigrade and below -55 centigrade.