BC550C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC550C is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation, housed in a TO-92 package. This transistor is rated for 45V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 100mA maximum collector current, and 500mW power dissipation. The device operates across a temperature range of -65°C to 150°C and is classified as Active product status with full RoHS3 compliance. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance and mechanical compatibility are required for circuit applications where the BC550C is unavailable or when alternative sourcing is necessary.

Substiute Parts

BC550C

Taiwan Semiconductor CorporationIn Stock: 2242BC550C Datasheet

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2N5232A PBFREE

Central Semiconductor CorpIn Stock: 178042N5232A PBFREE Datasheet

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BC546ABU

onsemiIn Stock: 5653BC546ABU Datasheet

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BC550CBU

onsemiIn Stock: 2948BC550CBU Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BC550C is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Criteria:

• Transistor Type: NPN configuration required
• Mounting Type: Through Hole required
• Package / Case: TO-92-3 (TO-226-3) required
• Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): Equal to or greater than 45V
• Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): Equal to or greater than 100mA
• Power - Max: Equal to or greater than 500mW
• Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass -65°C to 150°C or higher
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant required

Performance Parameters (Secondary Consideration):

• DC Current Gain (hFE): Minimum 420 @ 2mA, 5V preferred for direct substitution
• Current - Collector Cutoff (Max): 15nA or lower preferred

Parts meeting all mandatory criteria are classified as direct substitutes. Parts exceeding voltage or current ratings while maintaining identical package and compliance specifications are classified as compatible alternatives.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC550CBU (onsemi)

BC550CBU is a direct substitute for BC550C. Both devices share identical voltage ratings (45V), current ratings (100mA), power dissipation (500mW), and DC current gain specifications (420 @ 2mA, 5V). The BC550CBU is manufactured by onsemi and maintains TO-92-3 package compatibility. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and Active product status. The BC550CBU includes transition frequency specification (300MHz) not provided for the BC550C. This part is suitable for direct replacement in all applications.

2N5232A PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp)

2N5232A PBFREE meets all mandatory substitution criteria with 50V collector-emitter breakdown voltage (exceeding the 45V requirement), 100mA collector current, and 625mW power dissipation. The device operates across -65°C to 150°C and is housed in TO-92-3 package with ROHS3 compliance. The DC current gain is specified at 250 @ 2mA, 5V, which is lower than the BC550C specification of 420. The collector cutoff current is 30nA, exceeding the BC550C specification of 15nA. This part is suitable for applications where higher voltage margin is beneficial and lower current gain is acceptable.

BC546ABU (onsemi)

BC546ABU meets all mandatory substitution criteria with 65V collector-emitter breakdown voltage (exceeding the 45V requirement), 100mA collector current, and 500mW power dissipation. The device operates across -65°C to 150°C and is housed in TO-92-3 package with ROHS3 compliance. The DC current gain is specified at 110 @ 2mA, 5V, which is significantly lower than the BC550C specification of 420. The collector cutoff current matches the BC550C at 15nA. This part is suitable for applications where higher voltage rating is required and lower current gain is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC550CBU directly replace BC550C in all circuit applications?

A: Yes. BC550CBU and BC550C share identical electrical specifications for voltage (45V), current (100mA), power (500mW), and DC current gain (420 @ 2mA, 5V). Both are housed in TO-92-3 packages and are ROHS3 compliant. Direct substitution is valid without circuit modification.

Q: What is the primary difference between BC550C and 2N5232A PBFREE?

A: The primary differences are voltage rating (50V versus 45V) and DC current gain (250 versus 420 @ 2mA, 5V). The 2N5232A PBFREE provides higher voltage margin and greater power dissipation (625mW versus 500mW). The lower current gain may affect circuit biasing in applications requiring specific gain characteristics.

Q: Is BC546ABU suitable as a substitute for BC550C?

A: BC546ABU meets all mandatory compatibility criteria including TO-92-3 package, 100mA current rating, and ROHS3 compliance. However, the DC current gain is significantly lower (110 versus 420 @ 2mA, 5V). Substitution is valid only in applications where lower current gain does not compromise circuit performance.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging format?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed (2N5232A PBFREE, BC546ABU, BC550CBU) are housed in TO-92-3 packages and are Through Hole mounting type, identical to the BC550C.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to all listed parts?

A: All parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected. All parts are classified as Active product status.

Q: How does operating temperature range affect substitution eligibility?

A: All substitute parts operate across -65°C to 150°C, matching or exceeding the BC550C operating range. Operating temperature range does not restrict substitution eligibility for any listed parts.

Q: What is the significance of collector cutoff current (ICBO) in substitution?

A: Collector cutoff current affects leakage characteristics. BC550C and BC546ABU specify 15nA ICBO. The 2N5232A PBFREE specifies 30nA ICBO. Higher cutoff current may increase leakage in low-current applications. This parameter should be evaluated based on specific circuit requirements.