BC550C Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC550C is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by onsemi, rated for 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 100 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in the TO-92 through-hole configuration and is classified as obsolete. The BC550C serves general-purpose switching and amplification applications in analog and digital circuits. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent substitute parts with active product status are available to ensure design continuity and supply chain reliability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100	mA
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15	nA
Power - Max	625	mW
Frequency - Transition	250	MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC550C is determined by electrical and mechanical compatibility across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

Transistor type (NPN)
Collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V minimum)
Maximum collector current (100 mA minimum)
Vce saturation characteristics (600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA)
Collector cutoff current (15 nA maximum)
Operating temperature range (-55°C to 150°C minimum)

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

Through-hole mounting type
TO-92 package configuration

All substitute parts listed meet or exceed these parameters. Variations in DC current gain (hFE), power dissipation, and transition frequency do not preclude substitution when the above criteria are satisfied. Substitute parts with higher performance ratings (increased frequency, higher gain, or lower power dissipation) are electrically compatible and functionally interchangeable.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC550C (Main)	BC547B	BC547BBU	BC547CBU	BC550CBU
Manufacturer	onsemi	Diotec Semiconductor	onsemi	Fairchild Semiconductor	onsemi
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45 V	45 V	45 V	45 V	45 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA
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	600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15 nA	15 nA	15 nA	15 nA	15 nA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V	200 @ 2 mA, 5 V	200 @ 2 mA, 5 V	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V
Power - Max	625 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW
Frequency - Transition	250 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz
Operating Temperature Range	-55 to 150 °C	-55 to 150 °C	-55 to 150 °C	-55 to 150 °C	-55 to 150 °C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)	TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC547CBU and BC550CBU are the primary substitutes for the BC550C. Both parts are manufactured by onsemi or Fairchild Semiconductor and carry active product status. BC550CBU maintains the same base product number as the BC550C and is ROHS3 compliant with REACH unaffected status. BC547CBU is manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor and offers equivalent electrical performance with active availability.

BC547BBU is an active substitute manufactured by onsemi. This part meets all electrical compatibility criteria and is ROHS3 compliant. The DC current gain specification (200 @ 2 mA, 5 V) is lower than the BC550C (420 @ 2 mA, 5 V), but this does not preclude substitution in applications where the minimum gain requirement does not exceed 200.

BC547B is an active substitute manufactured by Diotec Semiconductor. This part is supplied in cut tape packaging and meets all electrical compatibility criteria. The DC current gain specification (200 @ 2 mA, 5 V) is lower than the BC550C, and power dissipation is rated at 500 mW versus 625 mW for the BC550C.

All substitute parts feature higher transition frequency (300 MHz versus 250 MHz) and are electrically compatible with the BC550C in standard switching and amplification applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC547B, BC547BBU, BC547CBU, and BC550CBU be used interchangeably with BC550C?

A: Yes. All substitute parts meet the critical electrical parameters: 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 100 mA maximum collector current, 600 mV Vce saturation, 15 nA collector cutoff current, and -55°C to 150°C operating temperature range. All are packaged in TO-92 through-hole configuration. Differences in DC current gain and power dissipation do not prevent substitution when circuit design accommodates the specified minimum gain values.

Q: What is the difference between BC547 and BC550 series transistors?

A: The BC550 series is characterized by higher DC current gain (hFE minimum of 420 @ 2 mA, 5 V) compared to the BC547 series (hFE minimum of 200 @ 2 mA, 5 V). Both series share identical voltage and current ratings. The BC550C is obsolete; BC550CBU is the active equivalent. BC547 variants are available from multiple manufacturers in active status.

Q: Does packaging format affect substitution compatibility?

A: Packaging format (cut tape, bulk, or reel) does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. All substitute parts use the same TO-92 through-hole package. Packaging format is a supply chain consideration only and does not impact circuit performance or pin configuration.

Q: Are there compliance differences between substitute parts?

A: BC547CBU and BC550CBU are ROHS3 compliant. BC547B compliance status is not applicable. All parts are classified under ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8541.21.0075. REACH status is unaffected for onsemi parts; Diotec Semiconductor and Fairchild Semiconductor REACH status is vendor undefined or not applicable. Compliance requirements should be verified against specific application and regional regulations.

Q: What is the significance of the "C" suffix in BC550C and BC547C?

A: The "C" suffix indicates the DC current gain classification. BC550C and BC547CBU specify minimum hFE of 420 @ 2 mA, 5 V. BC547B and BC547BBU specify minimum hFE of 200 @ 2 mA, 5 V. Selection between gain classifications depends on circuit design requirements for base drive current and switching speed.

Q: Can BC550C be substituted in high-frequency applications?

A: The BC550C transition frequency is 250 MHz. Substitute parts BC547B, BC547BBU, BC547CBU, and BC550CBU all feature 300 MHz transition frequency, providing improved high-frequency performance. These substitutes are suitable for applications requiring higher frequency response than the original BC550C specification.

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