S8550 Transistor Pinout, Equivalent, Uses, Features & Applications

This article describes S8550 transistor pinout, equivalents, uses, features, applications, and details on using it in an electronic circuit or project.

Features / Technical Specifications:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: PNP
• Max Collector Current(I_C): -0.7A or -700mA
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): -20V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): -30V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VBE): -5V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 1 Watt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 100 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 40 To 400
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should be: -65 to +150Centigrade

PNP Complementary:

NPN Complementary of S8550 is S8050

Replacement and Equivalent:

Alternative transistors for S8550 are BC528, 2N2906, BC527 and S8050, these are only few equivalents if you don’t fine them there are also more alternatives of S8550.

S8550 Transistor Explained / Description:

Like S8050, its PNP alternative S8550 is also a widely used transistor, it is a reliable low cost transistor with very good technical characteristics. It is designed for audio amplification and other general requirements in electronic circuits but apart from that it is also used widely in commercial appliances. The S8550 possess some very good features in its small TO-92 package therefore it can be used in many electronics applications for example the output dissipation is 1 watt which is very good feature to use it for amplification of audio signal to around 1 watt and also in many other audio amplification stages. The max collector current is -700mA hence it can also be used for variety of switching application in electronic circuits. The max gain of the transistor is 400 which is also a plus point of this transistor.

Where We Can Use it & How to Use:

S8550 is a general purpose transistor therefore you can use it at the output of your audio amplifier circuits to amplify the output audio signal to 1 watt, for example it can used in electronic doorbell circuits, mp3 audio amplifiers and in the output of buzzer circuits etc. If you want to use it as a switch then you can easily drive big relays, many small LEDs at once and One or two high power LEDs around 10 to 20 watts, switching ON an another portion or application in an electronic project / circuit etc. Moreover it can also be used as an alternative or equivalent to many other general purpose transistors and it is also an ideal transistor to use in your hobby electronic projects, therefore it is a must to have transistor in your electronics lab.

Applications:

Class B Amplifiers

Driving Loads under -700mA

As a switch in electronic circuits

Amplifying low gain signals to high gain

Output stage of small audio projects and circuits

How to Safely Long Run in a Circuit:

Electronics components perform very well in circuit for a long period of time if all the safety measures are taken in consideration at the time of designing and making the circuit, to make this transistor long run in your electronic application it is recommended to not use it in the circuit above 20V, and do not increase the output load from -700mA, always use a good current limiting resistor at the base of the transistor, and do not use it in the temperature above 150 centigrade and below -65 centigrade.