BC548CTF Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The BC548CTF 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 transition frequency of 300 MHz in a TO-92-3 through-hole package. The BC548CTF is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for ongoing design support and procurement continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	100	mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	30	V
Vce Saturation (Max)	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15	nA
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min	420 @ 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	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC548CTF is determined by strict equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The following criteria establish valid substitutes:

Electrical Parameters (Must Match):

Transistor Type: NPN
Current - Collector (Ic) Max: 100 mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 30 V
Vce Saturation (Max): 600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 15 nA
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min: 420 @ 2 mA, 5 V
Power - Max: 500 mW
Frequency - Transition: 300 MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ): 150 °C

Mechanical Parameters (Must Match):

Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-92-3

Both identified substitute parts meet these criteria without exception.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC548CTF (onsemi)	BC548CTA (Fairchild Semiconductor)	BC549CTA (onsemi)
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN
Current - Collector (Ic) Max	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	30 V	30 V	30 V
Vce Saturation (Max)	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
DC Current Gain (hFE) Min	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW
Frequency - Transition	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150 °C	150 °C	150 °C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC548CTA (Fairchild Semiconductor): This part is electrically and mechanically identical to the BC548CTF across all specified parameters. The BC548CTA maintains active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity. ECCN and HTSUS classifications are equivalent. Selection of this part eliminates obsolescence risk while preserving circuit performance.

BC549CTA (onsemi): This part is electrically and mechanically identical to the BC548CTF across all specified parameters. The BC549CTA is manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer (onsemi) and maintains active product status. It carries RoHS3 compliance certification and REACH unaffected status. This part offers the advantage of sourcing from the original manufacturer with enhanced regulatory compliance documentation.

Both substitutes are suitable for direct replacement in applications currently using the BC548CTF. Selection between them depends on supply chain preference, packaging format requirements (Bulk versus Cut Tape), and compliance documentation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC548CTA and BC549CTA be used interchangeably with BC548CTF?

A: Yes. All three parts share identical electrical parameters (collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, current gain, power rating, and transition frequency) and mechanical specifications (TO-92-3 through-hole package). Direct substitution is supported without circuit modification.

Q: Why is the BC548CTF listed as obsolete?

A: The BC548CTF has reached end-of-life status with the manufacturer. The BC548CTA and BC549CTA are active alternatives that provide equivalent performance and ensure continued component availability.

Q: What is the difference between BC548CTA and BC549CTA?

A: Both parts are electrically and mechanically identical to the BC548CTF. The primary differences are manufacturer (Fairchild Semiconductor versus onsemi), packaging format (Bulk versus Cut Tape), and compliance certifications. BC549CTA includes RoHS3 compliance documentation.

Q: Are there any package or pinout differences between these parts?

A: No. All three parts use the TO-92-3 through-hole package with identical pinout and lead configuration. Physical substitution requires no modifications to PCB layouts or mechanical assemblies.

Q: What compliance standards apply to these substitutes?

A: BC548CTA and BC549CTA both carry ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8541.21.0075 classifications. BC549CTA includes RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status. Both parts are REACH unaffected.

Q: Can I mix manufacturers in the same circuit board?

A: Yes. Since all electrical and mechanical parameters are identical, mixing BC548CTA (Fairchild Semiconductor) and BC549CTA (onsemi) in the same assembly presents no technical compatibility issues.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message