BC546ATAR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC546ATAR is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 65 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 100 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in a TO-92-3 through-hole configuration and is designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. The BC546ATAR is classified as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	100	mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	65	V
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

Substitution of the BC546ATAR is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter alignment within the NPN bipolar transistor category. The critical parameters governing substitution are:

Electrical Parameters:

Collector-emitter breakdown voltage (65 V minimum)
Maximum collector current (100 mA minimum)
Transition frequency (300 MHz minimum)
Power dissipation capability (500 mW minimum)
DC current gain (hFE) characteristics

Mechanical Parameters:

Package type: TO-92-3 through-hole configuration
Lead formation: TO-226AA formed leads

The BC546-AP qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching all critical electrical ratings and identical package specifications. The substitute part maintains the same base product number (BC546) and is pin-compatible with the original device.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC546ATAR (onsemi)	BC546-AP (Micro Commercial Co)	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	—
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	100	100	mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	65	65	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	300 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	mV
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min @ Ic, Vce	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	200 @ 2 mA, 5 V	—
Power - Max	500	625	mW
Frequency - Transition	300	300	MHz
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	—
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	—

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The BC546-AP manufactured by Micro Commercial Co is a direct electrical and mechanical substitute for the BC546ATAR. Both devices share identical maximum ratings for collector current, collector-emitter breakdown voltage, and transition frequency. The BC546-AP offers improved performance characteristics, including lower saturation voltage (300 mV versus 600 mV) and higher DC current gain (200 versus 110), while maintaining the same power dissipation capability and package configuration.

The BC546-AP is classified as an active product with RoHS3 compliance, providing superior long-term availability compared to the obsolete BC546ATAR. Both parts maintain REACH unaffected status and identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications. The extended operating temperature range of the BC546-AP (−55°C to 150°C versus 0°C to 150°C for the BC546ATAR) provides additional operational flexibility.

Pin-to-pin compatibility and identical package specifications ensure direct replacement without circuit board modifications or design changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BC546-AP directly replace the BC546ATAR in existing designs?

A: Yes. The BC546-AP is pin-compatible and electrically equivalent. Both devices use the TO-92-3 package with identical lead configuration. No circuit board modifications are required.

Q: What are the key differences between these two parts?

A: The BC546-AP offers superior electrical characteristics: lower saturation voltage (300 mV versus 600 mV), higher DC current gain (200 versus 110), and greater power dissipation capability (625 mW versus 500 mW). The BC546-AP also provides an extended operating temperature range and active product status.

Q: Why is the BC546ATAR listed as obsolete?

A: The BC546ATAR is classified as obsolete by onsemi. The BC546-AP from Micro Commercial Co is an active product offering equivalent functionality with improved specifications and long-term availability.

Q: Are there any compliance differences between these parts?

A: Both parts maintain REACH unaffected status and identical trade classification codes. The BC546-AP includes RoHS3 compliance certification, providing additional regulatory alignment for modern applications.

Q: What is the significance of the TO-92-3 package specification?

A: The TO-92-3 package is a three-lead through-hole configuration with formed leads. Both the BC546ATAR and BC546-AP use this identical package, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility without board redesign.

Q: Can the BC546-AP be used in high-frequency applications?

A: Both devices support 300 MHz transition frequency, making them suitable for general-purpose switching and amplification applications within this frequency range.

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