BC550C,112 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC550C,112 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by NXP USA Inc., designed for general-purpose switching and amplification applications. This device operates at a maximum collector voltage of 45 V with a collector current rating of 100 mA and dissipates up to 500 mW. The BC550C,112 is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent components for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across critical parameters including voltage ratings, current capacity, and thermal characteristics while accommodating the through-hole TO-92-3 package format.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45	V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100	mA
Power - Max	500	mW
Frequency - Transition	100	MHz
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	420 @ 2mA, 5V	—
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600mV @ 5mA, 100mA	—
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15	nA
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC550C,112 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Equivalence Criteria:

Transistor Type: NPN configuration
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): 45 V minimum
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): 100 mA minimum
Power - Max: 500 mW minimum
Mounting Type: Through Hole
Package / Case: TO-92-3 format

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

Frequency - Transition: May exceed 100 MHz
DC Current Gain (hFE): May exceed 420 @ 2mA, 5V
Power - Max: May exceed 500 mW
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): May exceed 45 V
Operating Temperature: May exceed 150°C

Substitute parts BC547CBU and BC550CBU meet all mandatory equivalence criteria with enhanced frequency performance. The 2N5232A PBFREE exceeds voltage and power ratings while maintaining collector current specifications, providing additional design margin.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BC550C,112 (Main)	BC547CBU	BC550CBU	2N5232A PBFREE
Manufacturer	NXP USA Inc.	Fairchild Semiconductor	onsemi	Central Semiconductor Corp
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	45 V	45 V	45 V	50 V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA
Power - Max	500 mW	500 mW	500 mW	625 mW
Frequency - Transition	100 MHz	300 MHz	300 MHz	—
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	420 @ 2mA, 5V	420 @ 2mA, 5V	420 @ 2mA, 5V	250 @ 2mA, 5V
Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic	600mV @ 5mA, 100mA	600mV @ 5mA, 100mA	600mV @ 5mA, 100mA	125mV @ 1mA, 10mA
Current - Collector Cutoff (Max)	15 nA	15 nA	15 nA	30 nA
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150°C	150°C	150°C	−65°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
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC547CBU (Fairchild Semiconductor)

The BC547CBU is an active product offering direct electrical equivalence to the BC550C,112 across all mandatory parameters. This device maintains identical collector voltage (45 V), collector current (100 mA), power dissipation (500 mW), and DC current gain specifications. The BC547CBU provides enhanced frequency performance at 300 MHz compared to the 100 MHz specification of the main part. Compliance certifications align with EAR99 export classification and HTSUS code 8541.21.0075. This substitute is suitable for direct replacement in existing designs without circuit modification.

BC550CBU (onsemi)

The BC550CBU is an active product manufactured by onsemi that achieves full electrical equivalence with the BC550C,112. This device matches all critical parameters including voltage rating (45 V), collector current (100 mA), power dissipation (500 mW), and DC current gain (420 @ 2mA, 5V). The BC550CBU incorporates enhanced frequency capability at 300 MHz. ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status confirm regulatory alignment. This substitute provides direct compatibility for applications requiring the BC550 base product number designation.

2N5232A PBFREE (Central Semiconductor Corp)

The 2N5232A PBFREE is an active product offering enhanced electrical specifications relative to the BC550C,112. This device exceeds the voltage rating at 50 V and provides increased power dissipation capacity at 625 mW, establishing additional design margin for voltage transient protection and thermal management. The collector current rating (100 mA) and package format (TO-92-3) maintain compatibility. The DC current gain specification (250 @ 2mA, 5V) is lower than the main part, requiring circuit verification in gain-dependent applications. The 2N5232A PBFREE incorporates extended operating temperature range (−65°C ~ 150°C) and improved saturation characteristics (125mV @ 1mA, 10mA). ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status confirm regulatory alignment. This substitute is applicable for designs requiring enhanced voltage and thermal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC547CBU directly replace BC550C,112 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. The BC547CBU maintains electrical equivalence across all critical parameters: 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 100 mA maximum collector current, 500 mW power dissipation, and 420 DC current gain at 2 mA, 5 V. The enhanced 300 MHz transition frequency does not introduce incompatibility. The TO-92-3 package format ensures mechanical compatibility.

Q: What is the primary difference between BC547CBU and BC550CBU?

A: Both devices provide identical electrical specifications and active product status. The primary distinction is manufacturer: BC547CBU is manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor, while BC550CBU is manufactured by onsemi. Selection between these substitutes depends on supply chain availability and procurement preferences. Both are suitable for direct replacement of the BC550C,112.

Q: When should 2N5232A PBFREE be selected over BC547CBU or BC550CBU?

A: The 2N5232A PBFREE is selected when circuit design requires enhanced voltage margin (50 V vs. 45 V) or increased power dissipation capacity (625 mW vs. 500 mW). The extended operating temperature range (−65°C ~ 150°C) accommodates applications with broader thermal requirements. The lower DC current gain (250 vs. 420) necessitates circuit verification in applications where gain is a critical design parameter.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: BC550CBU and 2N5232A PBFREE carry explicit ROHS3 compliance certification. BC547CBU compliance status is not specified in the provided data. Procurement specifications should confirm RoHS3 compliance for BC547CBU if regulatory compliance is mandatory.

Q: Do substitute parts maintain the same thermal characteristics as BC550C,112?

A: BC547CBU and BC550CBU maintain the same maximum operating temperature (150°C). The 2N5232A PBFREE extends the operating temperature range to −65°C ~ 150°C, providing broader thermal capability. All three substitutes are rated for 500 mW or greater power dissipation, maintaining thermal design compatibility.

Q: Is package compatibility guaranteed across all substitutes?

A: Yes. All substitute parts utilize the TO-92-3 package format with through-hole mounting, ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing PCB layouts designed for the BC550C,112.

Q: What is the significance of the obsolete status of BC550C,112?

A: The obsolete status indicates that NXP USA Inc. has discontinued production and support for this component. Substitute parts with active product status ensure ongoing availability, technical support, and supply chain continuity for new designs and production requirements.

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