BC546 NPN Bipolar Junction Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC546 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. The device operates at a maximum collector voltage of 65 V with a collector current rating of 100 mA and a power dissipation of 500 mW. The BC546 is packaged in a TO-92-3 through-hole configuration with a transition frequency of 300 MHz.

The BC546 is classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility within the specified parameter ranges.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	65	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100	mA
Power - Max	500	mW
Frequency - Transition	300	MHz
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3	—
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	°C

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BC546 are classified based on electrical parameter compatibility and product status. The substitution logic is structured as follows:

Parametric Equivalent Classification: Parts that maintain identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters including collector voltage, collector current, power dissipation, transition frequency, and DC current gain characteristics. These parts are direct functional replacements.

Similar Manufacturer Classification: Parts that maintain the same transistor type (NPN), collector voltage (65 V), collector current (100 mA), transition frequency (300 MHz), and through-hole TO-92 packaging, but may exhibit variations in secondary parameters such as power dissipation, saturation voltage, or DC current gain.

The following parameters determine substitution eligibility:

Transistor Type: NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 65 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 100 mA
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-92-3 or TO-92

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC546 (Main)	BC546ABU (Parametric Equivalent)	BC546-AP (Similar Manufacturer)
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Micro Commercial Co
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	65 V	65 V	65 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	300 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15 nA (ICBO)	15 nA (ICBO)	Not specified
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	200 @ 2 mA, 5 V
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	625 mW
Frequency - Transition	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz
Operating Temperature (Max)	150°C	150°C	150°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92
RoHS Status	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC546ABU (onsemi): This part is classified as a parametric equivalent to the BC546. It maintains identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters and is manufactured by the same supplier (onsemi). The BC546ABU carries an Active product status, making it suitable for new designs and production applications. The part is ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements. The BC546ABU is the primary recommended substitute for direct replacement of obsolete BC546 units.

BC546-AP (Micro Commercial Co): This part is classified as a similar manufacturer equivalent. It maintains the same transistor type, collector voltage, collector current, transition frequency, and through-hole TO-92 packaging as the BC546. The BC546-AP exhibits improved performance characteristics in specific parameters: lower saturation voltage (300 mV versus 600 mV) and higher DC current gain (200 versus 110). The part carries an Active product status and is ROHS3 compliant. The BC546-AP is suitable for applications where the improved saturation voltage and current gain characteristics provide design benefits. Extended operating temperature range (−55°C to 150°C) is available with this part.

Selection between BC546ABU and BC546-AP depends on application-specific requirements. For direct replacement with identical electrical behavior, BC546ABU is appropriate. For applications benefiting from lower saturation voltage or higher current gain, BC546-AP is suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC546ABU be used as a direct replacement for BC546?

A: Yes. BC546ABU is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications. All critical parameters including collector voltage (65 V), collector current (100 mA), power dissipation (500 mW), transition frequency (300 MHz), and DC current gain (110 @ 2 mA, 5 V) match the BC546 exactly. The primary difference is product status: BC546ABU is active while BC546 is obsolete.

Q: What are the differences between BC546ABU and BC546-AP?

A: Both parts maintain the same collector voltage (65 V), collector current (100 mA), and transition frequency (300 MHz). BC546-AP differs in three parameters: saturation voltage is lower (300 mV versus 600 mV), DC current gain is higher (200 versus 110), and power dissipation is higher (625 mW versus 500 mW). BC546-AP also offers an extended operating temperature range (−55°C to 150°C).

Q: Are the BC546ABU and BC546-AP pin-compatible?

A: Both parts use through-hole TO-92 packaging with identical pinout configuration. BC546ABU uses TO-92-3 packaging while BC546-AP uses TO-92 packaging. Both are mechanically and electrically compatible for through-hole PCB applications.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new designs?

A: BC546ABU is recommended for new designs requiring direct electrical equivalence to the BC546. BC546-AP is recommended when design specifications can benefit from lower saturation voltage or higher current gain characteristics.

Q: Are both substitute parts compliant with current regulatory standards?

A: Yes. Both BC546ABU and BC546-AP are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Q: What is the inventory status of substitute parts?

A: BC546ABU has 5556 pieces in stock. BC546-AP has 1054 pieces in stock. Both parts are available as new original components.

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