BC550 Transistor Pinout Diagram, Equivalent, Features, Uses & Other Details

Today we are going to discuss about BC550 transistor pinout diagram, equivalent, features, uses & other details about how to use this transistor in your electronic applications.

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): 5V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc):  500 miliWatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 150 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 110 – 800
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -65 to +150 Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary BC560

Replacement and Equivalent:

BC546, 2N2222, 2N3904, BC547, C945, PN100, BC337, 2SC1815, 2SC3198 (Pin configuration of the replacement transistor shown here may be different from the BC550, therefore it is recommended to check pinout of the transistor you are using as a substitute to BC550.)

BC550 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC550 is another general purpose BJT transistor of BC547 series. The transistors in this series are widely used for general purpose applications in commercial appliances and also in educational and hobby electronic projects. BC550 can be used for both switching and amplification purposes in electronic circuits. When used as a switch it can handle load upto 100mA. The maximum collector dissipation is 500mW and the max DC current gain value is 800 therefore it can also be used as a signal amplifier or preamplifier. It is manufactured in different hFE values which can be determined by the last alphabet used after the transistor number if the last alphabet is “A” the hFE value will be 110 to 220, if “B” the hFE value will be 200 to 450 and if “C” then the hFE value will be 420 to 800.

Where We Can Use It & How to Use:

This transistor can be used in variety of general applications. If you want to use it as a switch it can drive load of 100mA which is enough current to drive relays, power transistors, LEDs, ICs, microcontrollers, portion of a circuit etc. The emitter-base voltage is only 5V therefore it can also be used at the output of microcontroller to drive loads. On the other hand it can also be used as an amplifier for audio and any other small signals. Moreover it can also be used as an audio preamplifier or preamplifier for any small electronic signals.

Applications:

Audio Amplification

Audio Preamplification

Darlington Pairs

Microcontrollers Output

Signal Amplification

Switching Loads Under 100mA

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit:

To get long term performance with this device it is recommended to not drive load more than 100mA and 45V DC. Always use a suitable base resistor to provide required base current to the transistor. It is also suggested to use or store the transistor in the recommended temperature that is above -65 centigrade and below 150 centigrade.