BC547CG Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC547CG is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 100 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in the TO-92 (TO-226-3) through-hole configuration and operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 150°C. The BC547CG is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across critical parameters including voltage ratings, current capacity, gain characteristics, and frequency response while accommodating available packaging and product status options.

Key Parameters

Parameter	BC547CG	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100	mA
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15	nA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V	—
Power - Max	625	mW
Frequency - Transition	300	MHz
Operating Temperature	-55 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body	—
Product Status	Obsolete	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC547CG is determined by equivalence across the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Criteria:

Transistor type: NPN configuration
Voltage rating: 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage (maximum)
Current capacity: 100 mA maximum collector current
Saturation voltage: 600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA
Collector cutoff current: 15 nA (maximum)
DC current gain (hFE): Minimum 200 @ 2 mA, 5 V (note: BC547CG specifies 420 minimum; lower gain variants remain functionally compatible)
Frequency response: 300 MHz transition frequency
Power dissipation: 500 mW or greater

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

Mounting type: Through-hole configuration
Package family: TO-92 or TO-226-3 variants
Pin configuration: Three-terminal TO-92 standard

Product Status Consideration: Substitute parts classified as "Active" are preferred for new designs and ongoing production. The BC547CG's obsolete status makes active alternatives necessary for component sourcing.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC547CG (Main)	BC547CBU	BC550CBU	BC547B	BC547BBU	Unit
Manufacturer	onsemi	Fairchild Semiconductor	onsemi	Diotec Semiconductor	onsemi	—
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	—
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45	45	45	45	45	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100	100	100	100	100	mA
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 @ 5, 100	600 @ 5, 100	600 @ 5, 100	600 @ 5, 100	600 @ 5, 100	mV
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15	15	15	15	15	nA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	420 @ 2, 5	420 @ 2, 5	420 @ 2, 5	200 @ 2, 5	200 @ 2, 5	—
Power - Max	625	500	500	500	500	mW
Frequency - Transition	300	300	300	300	300	MHz
Operating Temperature (Max)	150	150	150	150	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	TO-226-3, TO-92-3	—

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Highest Compatibility):

BC547CBU and BC550CBU are classified as direct manufacturer substitutes. Both maintain identical electrical specifications across voltage, current, saturation voltage, cutoff current, and frequency parameters. Both are active products, eliminating obsolescence concerns. BC547CBU is manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor, while BC550CBU is manufactured by onsemi. Selection between these two depends on supplier availability and procurement requirements.

Similar Alternatives (Functional Compatibility):

BC547B and BC547BBU are classified as similar alternatives. These parts maintain electrical compatibility across all critical parameters with one exception: DC current gain (hFE) minimum is specified at 200 @ 2 mA, 5 V, compared to 420 for the main part and direct equivalents. This lower gain specification does not prevent functional substitution in applications where the circuit design accommodates the specified gain range. Both are active products. BC547B is manufactured by Diotec Semiconductor and supplied in cut tape packaging. BC547BBU is manufactured by onsemi and supplied in bulk packaging.

Power Dissipation Consideration:

The BC547CG specifies 625 mW maximum power dissipation. All substitute parts specify 500 mW maximum. In applications operating near the thermal limits of the original part, thermal performance should be evaluated against the reduced power rating of substitute components.

Compliance and Certifications:

BC547CBU: ECCN EAR99, HTSUS 8541.21.0075 BC550CBU: ROHS3 Compliant, REACH Unaffected, ECCN EAR99, HTSUS 8541.21.0075 BC547B: ECCN EAR99, HTSUS 8541.21.0075 BC547BBU: ROHS3 Compliant, REACH Unaffected, ECCN EAR99, HTSUS 8541.21.0075

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC547CBU directly replace BC547CG in existing designs?

A: Yes. BC547CBU maintains identical electrical specifications across voltage rating, current capacity, saturation voltage, cutoff current, DC current gain, and frequency response. Both use TO-92-3 through-hole packaging. The primary difference is product status: BC547CG is obsolete while BC547CBU is active.

Q: What is the difference between BC547CBU and BC550CBU?

A: Both parts are direct equivalents with identical electrical specifications. The primary difference is manufacturer: BC547CBU is manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor, while BC550CBU is manufactured by onsemi. Selection depends on supplier availability and procurement preferences.

Q: Can BC547B be used as a substitute for BC547CG?

A: Yes, with the following consideration: BC547B specifies a minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 200 @ 2 mA, 5 V, whereas BC547CG specifies 420 minimum. This lower gain does not prevent functional substitution if the circuit design accommodates the specified gain range. All other electrical parameters are equivalent.

Q: What is the difference between BC547B and BC547BBU?

A: Both parts have identical electrical specifications. The differences are manufacturer (Diotec Semiconductor for BC547B, onsemi for BC547BBU) and packaging format (cut tape for BC547B, bulk for BC547BBU). Selection depends on packaging requirements and supplier availability.

Q: Is the reduced power rating of substitute parts (500 mW vs. 625 mW) a concern?

A: The reduced power rating should be evaluated in applications operating near thermal limits. For most general-purpose switching and amplification applications, the 500 mW rating is sufficient. Thermal analysis is required for high-power or continuous-duty applications.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: BC550CBU and BC547BBU are specified as ROHS3 Compliant. BC547CBU and BC547B do not specify RoHS compliance status. Compliance requirements should be verified against specific application and regulatory requirements.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in PCB designs?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the standard TO-92 three-terminal through-hole package with identical pin configuration. No PCB layout modifications are required for substitution.

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

A: BC547CBU, BC550CBU, and BC547BBU specify a maximum operating temperature of 150°C. BC547B specifies -55°C to 150°C. All parts are suitable for standard industrial temperature ranges.

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