BC547,116 NPN Bipolar Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC547,116 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by NXP USA Inc., designed for small-signal switching and amplification applications. This device features a maximum collector current of 100 mA, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 45 V, and a transition frequency of 100 MHz in a TO-92-3 through-hole package. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	100	mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	400 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min @ Ic, Vce	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	—
Power - Max	500	mW
Frequency - Transition	100	MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	—
Product Status	Obsolete	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BC547,116 are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The primary substitution parameters are:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN (all substitutes must be NPN)
Package / Case: TO-92-3 through-hole configuration (mechanical compatibility)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (board assembly compatibility)
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown: 40 V minimum (BC547,116 rated at 45 V; 40 V substitutes operate within acceptable margin for most applications)
Current - Collector (Ic) Max: 100 mA minimum (BC547,116 rated at 100 mA; higher ratings provide design margin)
DC Current Gain (hFE): 100 minimum @ specified test conditions (ensures amplification capability)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Power dissipation: 500 mW minimum
Frequency - Transition: 100 MHz minimum (for switching speed compatibility)
Operating Temperature: 150°C maximum junction temperature

Substitutes are divided into two categories:

Category A - Direct Electrical Equivalents (100 mA Collector Current):

BC547ATA (Fairchild Semiconductor): Identical Ic rating, enhanced frequency response (300 MHz)

Category B - Higher Current Capability Substitutes (200 mA to 800 mA Collector Current):

2N3904TA, 2N3904TF, 2N3904TFR (onsemi): 200 mA Ic, 40 V Vce, enhanced frequency (300 MHz)
2N4401TA, 2N4401TF, 2N4401TFR (onsemi/Fairchild): 600 mA Ic, 40 V Vce, 250 MHz frequency
BC33716TA (Fairchild Semiconductor): 800 mA Ic, 45 V Vce (voltage-matched to original)
BC33725TA, BC33740TA (onsemi): 800 mA Ic, 45 V Vce, enhanced hFE performance

All substitutes maintain TO-92-3 through-hole packaging and are RoHS3 compliant with REACH unaffected status.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Ic (Max) mA	Vce Breakdown (Max) V	hFE (Min) @ Ic, Vce	Power (Max) mW	Frequency (Transition) MHz	Vce Sat (Max) mV	Product Status
BC547,116	NXP USA Inc.	100	45	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	500	100	400 @ 5 mA, 100 mA	Obsolete
BC547ATA	Fairchild Semiconductor	100	45	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	500	300	600 @ 5 mA, 100 mA	Active
2N3904TA	onsemi	200	40	100 @ 10 mA, 1 V	625	300	300 @ 5 mA, 50 mA	Active
2N3904TF	onsemi	200	40	100 @ 10 mA, 1 V	625	300	300 @ 5 mA, 50 mA	Active
2N3904TFR	onsemi	200	40	100 @ 10 mA, 1 V	625	300	300 @ 5 mA, 50 mA	Active
2N4401TA	onsemi	600	40	100 @ 150 mA, 1 V	625	250	750 @ 50 mA, 500 mA	Active
2N4401TF	Fairchild Semiconductor	600	40	100 @ 150 mA, 1 V	625	250	750 @ 50 mA, 500 mA	Active
2N4401TFR	onsemi	600	40	100 @ 150 mA, 1 V	625	250	750 @ 50 mA, 500 mA	Active
BC33716TA	Fairchild Semiconductor	800	45	100 @ 100 mA, 1 V	625	100	700 @ 50 mA, 500 mA	Active
BC33725TA	onsemi	800	45	160 @ 100 mA, 1 V	625	100	700 @ 50 mA, 500 mA	Active
BC33740TA	onsemi	800	45	250 @ 100 mA, 1 V	625	100	700 @ 50 mA, 500 mA	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Identical Electrical Specifications):

BC547ATA is the primary direct substitute for BC547,116. Both devices share identical maximum collector current (100 mA), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V), and DC current gain specifications. BC547ATA offers superior transition frequency (300 MHz versus 100 MHz), providing enhanced switching performance. BC547ATA is manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor and maintains active product status with RoHS3 compliance.

For Applications Requiring Higher Current Capability:

The 2N3904 series (2N3904TA, 2N3904TF, 2N3904TFR) accommodates collector currents up to 200 mA while maintaining 40 V breakdown voltage. These devices are manufactured by onsemi and feature 300 MHz transition frequency. All variants are active products with RoHS3 compliance. The 2N3904 series is suitable for applications where the BC547,116's 100 mA limit is insufficient but full 600 mA capability is not required.

For Applications Requiring Maximum Current Capability:

The 2N4401 series (2N4401TA, 2N4401TF, 2N4401TFR) and BC337 series (BC33716TA, BC33725TA, BC33740TA) support collector currents from 600 mA to 800 mA. The BC337 variants maintain the original 45 V breakdown voltage specification, while 2N4401 devices operate at 40 V. All variants are active products with RoHS3 compliance. BC33725TA and BC33740TA offer enhanced DC current gain (160 and 250 respectively) compared to the original 110 minimum specification.

Packaging and Compliance:

All substitute parts maintain TO-92-3 through-hole packaging, ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing PCB designs. All listed substitutes are RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC547ATA be used as a direct drop-in replacement for BC547,116?

A: Yes. BC547ATA shares identical maximum collector current (100 mA), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V), and minimum DC current gain (110 @ 2 mA, 5 V) specifications. The enhanced transition frequency (300 MHz) provides improved switching performance without compromising compatibility. Both devices use TO-92-3 through-hole packaging.

Q: What is the difference between the 2N3904 variants (TA, TF, TFR)?

A: The designations indicate packaging and tape format: TA denotes cut tape, TF denotes cut tape, and TFR denotes cut tape with reel. All three variants (2N3904TA, 2N3904TF, 2N3904TFR) share identical electrical specifications. Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements rather than electrical performance.

Q: Can I use a 2N4401 in place of BC547,116 if my circuit only requires 100 mA?

A: Yes. The 2N4401 series supports up to 600 mA collector current, which exceeds the BC547,116's 100 mA requirement. The 2N4401 operates at 40 V breakdown voltage (versus 45 V for BC547,116), which is acceptable for most applications. The higher current capability provides design margin without adverse effects in circuits designed for 100 mA operation.

Q: What is the significance of the different hFE ratings in the BC337 series?

A: BC33716TA, BC33725TA, and BC33740TA have minimum DC current gain specifications of 100, 160, and 250 respectively at 100 mA collector current. Higher hFE values indicate greater amplification capability and may reduce base drive requirements in amplifier circuits. Selection depends on specific circuit design requirements for gain and base current.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental regulations for electronic component manufacturing and use.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for substitute parts?

A: BC547ATA and BC33716TA specify maximum junction temperature of 150°C, matching the original BC547,116. The 2N3904 and 2N4401 series specify operating temperature range of -55°C to 150°C, providing extended low-temperature operation capability. All devices are suitable for standard industrial and commercial temperature environments.

Q: Can I interchange 2N3904TA, 2N3904TF, and 2N3904TFR in the same circuit?

A: Yes. All three variants share identical electrical specifications and TO-92-3 packaging. Differences are limited to packaging format and tape configuration for automated assembly. Electrical performance and pin configuration are identical.

Q: Why do some substitutes have lower Vce saturation voltage than BC547,116?

A: Lower Vce saturation voltage indicates improved switching efficiency and reduced power dissipation during saturation. For example, 2N3904 devices specify 300 mV saturation voltage (versus 400 mV for BC547,116) at comparable test conditions. This represents an improvement in switching characteristics and is compatible with BC547,116 applications.

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