BC487G Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC487G is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. It features a maximum collector current of 500 mA, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 60 V, and maximum power dissipation of 625 mW in a Through Hole TO-92 package. The BC487G is classified as an obsolete product, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain functional compatibility while meeting current availability and compliance standards.

Substiute Parts

BC487G

onsemiIn Stock: 1087BC487G Datasheet

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2N3904BU

onsemiIn Stock: 221042N3904BU Datasheet

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2N4401BU

onsemiIn Stock: 99862N4401BU Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BC487G are selected based on the following critical parameters that determine functional compatibility:

Primary Selection Criteria:

• Transistor Type: NPN (required match)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (required match)
• Package / Case: TO-92-3 compatible (required match)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 150°C (required match)
• Power - Max: 625 mW (required match)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): Must equal or exceed 60 V
• Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): Must equal or exceed 500 mA
• Frequency - Transition: Must equal or exceed 200MHz
• DC Current Gain (hFE): Must support required bias conditions

The identified substitute parts (2N3904BU and 2N4401BU) share identical package, mounting type, power rating, and operating temperature specifications with the BC487G. However, both substitutes operate at reduced maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V versus 60 V), requiring circuit design verification for applications operating near the 60 V specification limit.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

2N3904BU Substitution: The 2N3904BU is an active product with ROHS3 compliance, providing improved long-term availability compared to the obsolete BC487G. This substitute is suitable for applications where collector current requirements do not exceed 200 mA and collector-emitter voltage remains below 40 V. The 2N3904BU exhibits higher DC current gain (100 minimum versus 60 minimum) and superior frequency response (300MHz versus 200MHz), enabling potential circuit optimization. Applications requiring the full 500 mA collector current capability of the BC487G cannot use the 2N3904BU.

2N4401BU Substitution: The 2N4401BU is an active product with ROHS3 compliance, offering the highest collector current capability (600 mA) among available substitutes, exceeding the BC487G specification of 500 mA. This substitute accommodates applications requiring high collector current while maintaining compatibility with the 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage limitation. The 2N4401BU exhibits higher saturation voltage (750mV versus 300mV) at specified test conditions, which may impact switching performance in saturation-mode applications. The 2N4401BU provides superior frequency response (250MHz versus 200MHz).

Compliance and Availability: Both substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification and REACH Unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements. Both substitutes maintain active product status with substantial inventory availability (22,060 units for 2N3904BU; 9,900 units for 2N4401BU), ensuring long-term supply chain reliability compared to the obsolete BC487G.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 2N3904BU directly replace the BC487G in all applications?

A: The 2N3904BU shares identical package, mounting type, power rating, and operating temperature specifications with the BC487G. However, the 2N3904BU is limited to 200 mA maximum collector current and 40 V maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage, compared to the BC487G specifications of 500 mA and 60 V. Direct substitution is valid only for applications operating within these reduced parameter limits.

Q: Can the 2N4401BU directly replace the BC487G in all applications?

A: The 2N4401BU shares identical package, mounting type, power rating, and operating temperature specifications with the BC487G. The 2N4401BU exceeds the BC487G collector current specification (600 mA versus 500 mA) but operates at reduced collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V versus 60 V). Direct substitution is valid for applications operating below 40 V collector-emitter voltage. Applications requiring the full 60 V breakdown voltage capability cannot use the 2N4401BU.

Q: What are the package compatibility considerations?

A: The BC487G, 2N3904BU, and 2N4401BU all utilize Through Hole TO-92-3 (TO-226-3) packaging. Physical pin configuration and PCB footprint compatibility are identical across all three parts, enabling direct mechanical substitution without circuit board redesign.

Q: How do the DC current gain specifications compare?

A: The BC487G specifies minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 60 at 100 mA collector current and 5 V collector-emitter voltage. The 2N3904BU specifies minimum hFE of 100 at 10 mA and 1 V. The 2N4401BU specifies minimum hFE of 100 at 150 mA and 1 V. Higher DC current gain in the substitutes enables reduced base drive requirements in bias-dependent applications.

Q: What are the saturation voltage differences?

A: The BC487G specifies maximum saturation voltage of 300 mV at 100 mA base current and 1 A collector current. The 2N3904BU specifies 300 mV at 5 mA base current and 50 mA collector current. The 2N4401BU specifies 750 mV at 50 mA base current and 500 mA collector current. The 2N4401BU exhibits significantly higher saturation voltage, which may increase power dissipation in saturated switching applications.

Q: Are there frequency response differences?

A: The BC487G specifies transition frequency of 200 MHz. The 2N3904BU specifies 300 MHz, and the 2N4401BU specifies 250 MHz. Both substitutes provide superior high-frequency performance, enabling operation at higher switching speeds if circuit design permits.

Q: What is the significance of product status differences?

A: The BC487G is classified as obsolete, indicating discontinued manufacturing and limited future availability. Both 2N3904BU and 2N4401BU maintain active product status with current manufacturing and substantial inventory levels, ensuring reliable long-term supply chain access for new designs and production continuity.