BC549CBU Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC549CBU is a through-hole NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 30 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 100 mA maximum collector current. The device is packaged in TO-92-3 configuration and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete product status, identifying equivalent substitute parts with identical electrical and mechanical specifications is necessary for design continuity and procurement planning. Active alternatives with matching parameters are available to support ongoing production and maintenance requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
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 (ICBO)
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	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 (TO-226AA)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC549CBU is determined by equivalence across all critical electrical parameters and mechanical compatibility. The substitute part BC549CTA shares identical specifications for transistor type, collector current rating, collector-emitter breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, cutoff current, DC current gain, maximum power dissipation, transition frequency, operating temperature, and through-hole mounting configuration. Both parts utilize the TO-92-3 package standard.

The substitution is valid based on the following key parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN (identical)
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 100 mA (identical)
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 30 V (identical)
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic: 600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA (identical)
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 15 nA (ICBO) (identical)
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce: 420 @ 2 mA, 5 V (identical)
Power - Max: 500 mW (identical)
Frequency - Transition: 300 MHz (identical)
Operating Temperature (TJ): 150°C (identical)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (identical)
Package / Case: TO-92-3 (identical)

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC549CBU (Main Part)	BC549CTA (Substitute)	Match Status
Manufacturer	onsemi	onsemi	Identical
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	Identical
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA	100 mA	Identical
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	30 V	30 V	Identical
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	Identical
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15 nA (ICBO)	15 nA (ICBO)	Identical
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V	Identical
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	Identical
Frequency - Transition	300 MHz	300 MHz	Identical
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150°C	150°C	Identical
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Identical
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	Identical
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Substitute is Active
REACH Status	REACH Unaffected	REACH Unaffected	Identical
ECCN	EAR99	EAR99	Identical

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The BC549CTA is a direct substitute for the BC549CBU based on complete electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. The primary distinction is product status: BC549CBU is classified as obsolete, while BC549CTA maintains active product status. This status difference makes BC549CTA the appropriate selection for new designs and ongoing procurement.

Both parts are manufactured by onsemi and carry identical REACH Unaffected and EAR99 export classification designations. The BC549CTA is ROHS3 compliant, supporting compliance requirements for regulated applications.

The packaging difference between the main part (bulk packaging) and the substitute (cut tape packaging) does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. The TO-92-3 through-hole package configuration remains consistent, ensuring direct PCB mounting compatibility without design modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC549CTA replace BC549CBU in existing designs?

A: Yes. BC549CTA is electrically and mechanically equivalent to BC549CBU. All critical parameters including collector current, breakdown voltage, saturation voltage, current gain, power rating, and transition frequency are identical. The TO-92-3 through-hole package is the same, requiring no PCB layout changes.

Q: What is the difference between BC549CBU and BC549CTA packaging?

A: BC549CBU is supplied in bulk packaging, while BC549CTA is supplied in cut tape (CT) packaging. Both contain the same TO-92-3 component. The packaging format does not affect component performance or PCB mounting.

Q: Why is BC549CBU listed as obsolete?

A: BC549CBU has reached end-of-life status with onsemi. BC549CTA, with identical electrical specifications, is the active equivalent and is recommended for new procurement and design implementation.

Q: Are there compliance differences between BC549CBU and BC549CTA?

A: Both parts share identical REACH Unaffected and EAR99 export classification status. BC549CTA additionally carries ROHS3 compliance certification, providing enhanced regulatory support for applications subject to RoHS requirements.

Q: Can BC549CTA be used as a direct pin-for-pin replacement?

A: Yes. BC549CTA is a direct pin-for-pin replacement for BC549CBU. The TO-92-3 package configuration is identical, with no modifications to circuit design or PCB layout required.

Q: What are the key electrical parameters that make BC549CTA equivalent to BC549CBU?

A: Equivalence is established through identical specifications across all critical parameters: 100 mA maximum collector current, 30 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 600 mV saturation voltage at specified conditions, 420 minimum DC current gain, 500 mW power rating, and 300 MHz transition frequency. Operating temperature range and cutoff current specifications are also identical.

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