BC548BTAR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC548BTAR is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, designed for small-signal amplification and switching applications. This device operates at a maximum collector voltage of 30 V with a collector current rating of 100 mA and delivers 500 mW maximum power dissipation. The BC548BTAR is packaged in a TO-92-3 through-hole configuration suitable for conventional PCB assembly.

The BC548BTAR carries an Obsolete product status, indicating that onsemi has discontinued active production and support for this part number. This obsolescence necessitates identification of equivalent and substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility with existing designs while ensuring continued availability and supply chain reliability.

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	200 @ 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 BC548BTAR is determined by strict equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. The following parameters establish the substitution criteria:

Electrical Parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN
Maximum Collector Current (Ic): 100 mA
Maximum Collector-Emitter Breakdown Voltage: 30 V
Saturation Voltage (Vce): 600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA
Collector Cutoff Current (ICBO): 15 nA
Minimum DC Current Gain (hFE): 200 @ 2 mA, 5 V
Maximum Power Dissipation: 500 mW
Transition Frequency: 300 MHz
Maximum Operating Temperature: 150 °C

Mechanical Parameters:

Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package Configuration: TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) with Formed Leads

All substitute parts listed below maintain identical electrical specifications and mechanical compatibility with the BC548BTAR, enabling direct functional replacement in circuit designs without modification to PCB layouts or component footprints.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC548BTAR (onsemi)	BC549BTF (onsemi)	BC548BTA (Fairchild)	BC549BTA (onsemi)
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	30 V	30 V	30 V	30 V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15 nA	15 nA	15 nA	15 nA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	200 @ 2 mA, 5 V	200 @ 2 mA, 5 V	200 @ 2 mA, 5 V	200 @ 2 mA, 5 V
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW
Frequency - Transition	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150 °C	150 °C	150 °C	150 °C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Fairchild Semiconductor	onsemi
Product Status	Obsolete	Last Time Buy	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC549BTF (onsemi): This part maintains complete electrical and mechanical equivalence to the BC548BTAR. The BC549BTF carries a Last Time Buy status from onsemi, indicating limited remaining availability. This part is supplied in Cut Tape packaging with 18,283 units currently in stock. Selection of BC549BTF is appropriate for applications requiring onsemi-sourced components with extended lead times acceptable for procurement.

BC548BTA (Fairchild Semiconductor): This part provides parametric equivalence across all electrical specifications and mechanical configuration. The BC548BTA is classified as Active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturing support. This part is supplied in Bulk packaging with 9,544 units in stock. Selection of BC548BTA is appropriate for applications requiring long-term component availability and supply chain stability from an alternative manufacturer.

BC549BTA (onsemi): This part delivers complete electrical and mechanical compatibility with the BC548BTAR. The BC549BTA carries Active product status with ROHS3 compliance certification. This part is supplied in Cut Tape packaging with 2,000 units in stock. Selection of BC549BTA is appropriate for applications requiring onsemi-sourced components with active manufacturing support and regulatory compliance documentation.

Component selection should prioritize Active product status parts (BC548BTA and BC549BTA) to ensure sustained availability and manufacturing continuity. The BC549BTF option provides intermediate availability with Last Time Buy status. All three substitute parts satisfy identical electrical and mechanical requirements for direct replacement applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC549BTF, BC548BTA, and BC549BTA be used interchangeably with BC548BTAR in existing circuit designs?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain identical electrical parameters including collector current rating (100 mA), collector-emitter breakdown voltage (30 V), saturation voltage (600 mV), DC current gain (200 minimum), power dissipation (500 mW), and transition frequency (300 MHz). All parts use identical TO-92-3 through-hole packaging with formed leads, enabling direct PCB footprint compatibility without design modification.

Q: What is the difference between BC548 and BC549 base product numbers?

A: The BC548 and BC549 designations represent different product lines within the same manufacturer families. Both lines deliver identical electrical specifications as documented in this reference. Selection between BC548BTA and BC549BTA or BC549BTF is determined by product availability, supply chain status, and packaging format requirements rather than electrical performance differences.

Q: How do packaging formats (Cut Tape, Bulk) affect component selection?

A: Packaging format affects procurement logistics and handling procedures but does not impact electrical or mechanical compatibility. Cut Tape packaging (BC549BTF, BC549BTA) is suitable for automated assembly processes. Bulk packaging (BC548BTA) is suitable for manual assembly or reel-based automated processes. All three formats deliver identical component specifications and TO-92-3 physical configuration.

Q: What is the significance of product status classifications (Obsolete, Last Time Buy, Active)?

A: Product status indicates manufacturing and supply availability. Obsolete status (BC548BTAR) indicates discontinued production with no further availability. Last Time Buy status (BC549BTF) indicates limited remaining inventory with defined end-of-life date. Active status (BC548BTA, BC549BTA) indicates ongoing production and indefinite availability. Component selection should prioritize Active status parts for new designs and long-term production requirements.

Q: Are there compliance or regulatory differences between substitute parts?

A: BC549BTF and BC549BTA carry ROHS3 compliance certification. BC548BTA compliance status is not specified in available documentation. All parts carry REACH Unaffected status and EAR99 export classification. Applications requiring documented ROHS3 compliance should specify BC549BTF or BC549BTA.

Q: Can BC548BTAR inventory be directly replaced with substitute parts in existing stock?

A: Yes. The 704 units of BC548BTAR in current inventory can be replaced with equivalent quantities of BC549BTF (18,283 units), BC548BTA (9,544 units), or BC549BTA (2,000 units) based on procurement strategy and supply chain requirements. All parts deliver identical functional performance in circuit applications.

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