BC237C-AP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC237C-AP is a Bipolar (BJT) NPN transistor manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, rated for 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 100 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in a TO-92 through-hole configuration and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete product status, equivalent substitute parts with active availability are necessary for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility within the specified parameter ranges.

Substiute Parts

BC237C-AP

Micro Commercial CoIn Stock: 973BC237C-AP Datasheet

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BC547CTA

onsemiIn Stock: 47080BC547CTA Datasheet

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BC550CTA

onsemiIn Stock: 13803BC550CTA Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BC237C-AP are qualified based on the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Transistor Type: NPN (identical)
• Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 100 mA (identical)
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 45 V (identical)
• Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic: 600mV @ 5mA, 100mA (identical)
• Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 15nA (ICBO) (identical)
• Operating Temperature (TJ): 150°C (identical)

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole (identical)
• Package / Case: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads (identical)

Compliance Criteria:

• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (identical)

The substitute parts BC547CTA and BC550CTA meet all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. Both devices exceed the minimum DC Current Gain specification and provide enhanced power dissipation capability (500 mW versus 350 mW) and higher transition frequency (300MHz versus 200MHz), ensuring functional compatibility in applications designed for the BC237C-AP.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both BC547CTA and BC550CTA are qualified substitutes for the BC237C-AP based on electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. The BC237C-AP is classified as obsolete, while both substitute parts maintain active product status from onsemi, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

BC547CTA Selection Rationale: BC547CTA is manufactured by onsemi with active product status. This part meets all critical electrical specifications and maintains identical mechanical compatibility. The device is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, supporting regulatory compliance requirements. Inventory availability is 46,986 pieces.

BC550CTA Selection Rationale: BC550CTA is manufactured by onsemi with active product status. This part meets all critical electrical specifications and maintains identical mechanical compatibility. The device is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, supporting regulatory compliance requirements. Inventory availability is 13,720 pieces.

Both substitute parts provide enhanced performance characteristics relative to the obsolete BC237C-AP, including higher power dissipation (500 mW versus 350 mW) and increased transition frequency (300MHz versus 200MHz). These enhancements ensure functional compatibility in existing circuit designs without modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC547CTA and BC550CTA be used interchangeably with BC237C-AP?

A: Yes. Both BC547CTA and BC550CTA meet all critical electrical and mechanical parameters specified for the BC237C-AP. The devices share identical collector current rating (100 mA), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V), saturation voltage characteristics, and TO-92 through-hole packaging. Both are ROHS3 compliant.

Q: What are the key differences between BC547CTA and BC550CTA?

A: BC547CTA and BC550CTA are electrically equivalent for the purposes of substituting BC237C-AP. Both devices share identical ratings for collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, cutoff current, and operating temperature. Both provide 500 mW power dissipation and 300MHz transition frequency. Selection between these two parts may be based on inventory availability or supplier preference.

Q: Are there packaging differences between the main part and substitute parts?

A: No. The BC237C-AP, BC547CTA, and BC550CTA all use TO-226-3 and TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) formed leads through-hole packaging. Pin configuration and physical dimensions are compatible for direct board-level substitution.

Q: Why is the BC237C-AP classified as obsolete?

A: The BC237C-AP is listed as obsolete by the manufacturer. BC547CTA and BC550CTA are active products from onsemi, providing equivalent functionality with improved availability and long-term supply assurance.

Q: Do the substitute parts meet the same compliance standards as BC237C-AP?

A: Yes. Both BC547CTA and BC550CTA are ROHS3 compliant, matching the compliance status of BC237C-AP. BC547CTA and BC550CTA are also REACH unaffected.

Q: What is the DC Current Gain difference between BC237C-AP and the substitute parts?

A: BC237C-AP specifies a minimum DC Current Gain (hFE) of 380 @ 2mA, 5V. BC547CTA and BC550CTA specify a minimum DC Current Gain (hFE) of 420 @ 2mA, 5V. Both substitute parts exceed the minimum specification of the original part.

Q: Can BC237C-AP be used in new designs?

A: BC237C-AP is classified as obsolete. For new designs, BC547CTA or BC550CTA are recommended to ensure long-term component availability and supply chain stability.