BC546C-AP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC546C-AP is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Micro Commercial Co, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. This device operates at 65 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage with a maximum collector current of 100 mA and transition frequency of 300 MHz. The BC546C-AP is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts for continued circuit implementation and procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Transistor Type	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	65 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA
Frequency - Transition	300 MHz
Power - Max	625 mW
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC546C-AP is determined by electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence within the BC546 base product family. The following parameters establish substitution validity:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 65 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 100 mA
Frequency - Transition: 300 MHz
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-92-3

All identified substitute parts maintain these core electrical specifications and physical form factor. Substitute parts are manufactured by onsemi and carry active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain continuity. Variations in DC Current Gain (hFE) and power dissipation ratings are secondary parameters that do not preclude substitution when primary electrical and mechanical specifications align.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC546C-AP (Main)	BC546CTA	BC546BTA	BC546BTF
Manufacturer	Micro Commercial Co	onsemi	onsemi	onsemi
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	65 V	65 V	65 V	65 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	420 @ 2mA, 5V	420 @ 2mA, 5V	200 @ 2mA, 5V	200 @ 2mA, 5V
Power - Max	625 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW
Frequency - Transition	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz
Operating Temperature	-55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)	150°C (TJ)	150°C (TJ)	150°C (TJ)
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Packaging Type	-	Cut Tape (CT)	Cut Tape (CT)	Cut Tape (CT)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC546CTA is the primary direct substitute for BC546C-AP. This part maintains identical DC Current Gain specifications (420 @ 2mA, 5V) and all critical electrical parameters. BC546CTA carries active product status from onsemi, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain reliability. This part is ROHS3 compliant and suitable for applications requiring the original BC546C-AP performance characteristics.

BC546BTA and BC546BTF are secondary substitutes with reduced DC Current Gain (200 @ 2mA, 5V) compared to the main part. Both parts maintain all critical voltage, current, and frequency specifications. These parts are appropriate for applications where lower current gain is acceptable or where circuit design accommodates hFE variation. Both carry active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

All substitute parts are manufactured by onsemi and supplied in Cut Tape packaging. The TO-92-3 package form factor is identical across all parts, enabling direct mechanical replacement in through-hole applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC546CTA directly replace BC546C-AP in existing designs?

A: Yes. BC546CTA maintains identical voltage ratings (65 V), current ratings (100 mA), transition frequency (300 MHz), and DC Current Gain specifications (420 @ 2mA, 5V). The TO-92-3 package is mechanically identical. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant.

Q: What is the difference between BC546CTA and BC546BTA?

A: The primary difference is DC Current Gain. BC546CTA specifies 420 minimum hFE at 2mA, 5V, while BC546BTA specifies 200 minimum hFE at the same conditions. All other electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) are identical. BC546BTA is suitable for applications where lower current gain is acceptable.

Q: Are there operating temperature differences between the main part and substitutes?

A: The BC546C-AP specifies -55°C to 150°C operating range. The onsemi substitutes specify 150°C maximum. Applications requiring operation below 0°C require evaluation of the reduced temperature range.

Q: Does packaging format affect substitution?

A: The BC546C-AP is supplied in standard through-hole format. All substitute parts (BC546CTA, BC546BTA, BC546BTF) use identical TO-92-3 package geometry and are supplied in Cut Tape format. Physical board layout compatibility is maintained.

Q: What is the power dissipation difference?

A: BC546C-AP specifies 625 mW maximum power dissipation. All onsemi substitutes specify 500 mW maximum. Applications operating near the original 625 mW limit require thermal analysis to confirm 500 mW rating is sufficient.

Q: Are all substitute parts currently available?

A: BC546CTA, BC546BTA, and BC546BTF all carry active product status from onsemi. The original BC546C-AP is classified as obsolete.

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