BC548ABU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC548ABU is a small-signal NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. It features a maximum collector current of 100 mA, collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 30 V, and a transition frequency of 300 MHz. The device is packaged in a TO-92-3 through-hole configuration with a maximum power dissipation of 500 mW.

The BC548ABU is classified as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for legacy systems and new designs requiring compatible performance characteristics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100	mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	30	V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15	nA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	—
Power - Max	500	mW
Frequency - Transition	300	MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC548ABU is determined by strict equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. The following parameters establish the substitution criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN configuration
Current Rating: Maximum collector current of 100 mA
Voltage Rating: Collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 30 V
Saturation Characteristics: Vce saturation of 600 mV at specified bias conditions
Leakage Current: Collector cutoff current of 15 nA maximum
Current Gain: DC current gain (hFE) minimum of 110 at 2 mA, 5 V
Power Dissipation: Maximum power rating of 500 mW
Frequency Response: Transition frequency of 300 MHz
Thermal Rating: Operating junction temperature of 150 °C
Package: TO-92-3 through-hole configuration

Substitute parts must match all parameters listed above without deviation. The BC548BU manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor meets these criteria and is classified as an active product, providing improved supply availability compared to the obsolete BC548ABU.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC548ABU (onsemi)	BC548BU (Fairchild Semiconductor)	Match
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	✓
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA	100 mA	✓
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	30 V	30 V	✓
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	✓
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15 nA	15 nA	✓
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	110 @ 2 mA, 5 V	✓
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	✓
Frequency - Transition	300 MHz	300 MHz	✓
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150 °C	150 °C	✓
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	✓
Package / Case	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	✓
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	—

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The BC548BU manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor is the direct parametric equivalent to the BC548ABU. All electrical specifications, thermal ratings, and mechanical package dimensions are identical. The BC548BU holds active product status, ensuring continued availability and supply chain support.

Selection of the BC548BU is appropriate for applications currently using the BC548ABU, as well as for new designs requiring equivalent performance. The transition from the obsolete BC548ABU to the active BC548BU eliminates supply risk and provides access to current manufacturing processes and quality assurance protocols.

Both parts carry ECCN classification EAR99 and are subject to identical export control regulations. Both are REACH unaffected and comply with applicable regulatory frameworks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BC548BU be used as a direct replacement for the BC548ABU in existing designs?

A: Yes. The BC548BU is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, thermal ratings, and package configuration. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the primary advantage of substituting the BC548ABU with the BC548BU?

A: The BC548BU is classified as an active product with established supply availability, whereas the BC548ABU is obsolete. This substitution eliminates supply chain discontinuity and supports long-term production requirements.

Q: Are there any differences in the TO-92-3 package between the two parts?

A: No. Both parts use the identical TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) through-hole package configuration. Pin assignments, lead spacing, and mechanical dimensions are identical.

Q: Do the DC current gain specifications differ between these parts?

A: No. Both parts specify a minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 110 at 2 mA collector current and 5 V collector-emitter voltage.

Q: Are there any compliance or regulatory differences between the BC548ABU and BC548BU?

A: No. Both parts carry identical ECCN classification (EAR99), are REACH unaffected, and comply with the same regulatory frameworks.

Q: What is the maximum power dissipation for both parts?

A: Both the BC548ABU and BC548BU are rated for a maximum power dissipation of 500 mW under specified thermal conditions.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in high-frequency applications?

A: Yes. Both parts specify an identical transition frequency of 300 MHz, supporting equivalent performance in high-frequency switching and amplification circuits.

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