BC556 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Specifications, Uses & More
This post describes BC556 transistor pinout, equivalent, specifications, uses & more details about this bipolar junction transistor.
Features / Technical Specifications
- Package Type: TO-92
- Transistor Type: PNP
- Max Collector Current(IC): -100mA
- Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE): -65V
- Max Collector-Base Voltage (VCB): -80V
- Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VBE): -5V
- Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 500 Milliwatt
- Max Transition Frequency (fT): 100 MHz
- Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (hFE): 110 to 800
- Max Storage & Operating temperature Should be: -65 to +150Centigrade
NPN Complementary
NPN Complementary of BC556 is BC546.
Replacement and Equivalent
Alternative transistors for BC556 are 2SA1016, 2SA1017, 2SA1082, 2N4403, A1015, A733, 2n2907, BC880, BC879, BC490, 2N5821, BC327 (The pin configuration of each transistor shown here may different from the BC556, it is recommended to first check the pin configuration of any transistor you are using as alternative or equivalent.)
BC556 Transistor Explained / Description
BC556 is a common and general purpose bipolar junction transistor available in TO-92 package. Due to its general purpose features it can be used in variety of general switching and amplification applications in electronic circuits. The collector-emitter voltage of the transistor is -65V therefore it can be used to drive loads upto -65V DC with max 100mA current. With 500mW collector dissipation (Pc) value and 110 to 800 DC current gain value this transistor can also be used in variety of general signal amplification and audio preamplification purposes. The transistor is manufactured in three different part numbers like BC556A, BC556B and BC556C and the only difference between these three different part numbers is the HFE values. If the ending alphabet is A then the HFE value will be 110~220, if the ending alphabet is B then the HFE value will be 200~450 and if its C then 420~800.
Where We Can Use & How to Use:
As described above it is a general purpose device so a user can use it in variety of general electronic application for example it can be used as a preamplifier or in preamplifier stages of an electronic circuits. It can also be used as an audio amplifier or in audio amplifier stages of a circuit and any type of general signal amplification purpose. On the other hand we can use it as a switch to drive loads under 100mA. The 100mA collector current is quite enough to drive small loads in electronic circuits like relays, LEDs, high power transistors and many other components of an electronic circuit. Moreover with the -5V emitter-base voltage this transistor can also be used at the output of microcontrollers.
Applications
Preamplifier
General purpose audio amplifier
General Signal amplification
PNP Darlington pair
Drive Load under 100mA
How to Get Long Term Performance
To get long term performance with this transistor it is suggested to not drive load more than 100mA and -45V DC, always check pin configuration before placing in the circuit, use a suitable base resistor for the transistor and do not operate or store the transistor in temperature below -65 centigrade and above +150 centigrade.
