BC550C,116 NPN Bipolar Transistor Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC550C,116 is an NPN bipolar junction transistor manufactured by NXP USA Inc., rated for 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and 100 mA maximum collector current. This device is packaged in TO-92-3 through-hole configuration and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary for ongoing design support, production continuity, and component sourcing.

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
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce	420 @ 2 mA, 5 V	—
Power - Max	500	mW
Frequency - Transition	100	MHz
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BC550C,116 are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter compatibility:

Direct Electrical Equivalents (Identical Ratings): Parts that maintain the same maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V), maximum collector current (100 mA), saturation voltage characteristics, and DC current gain specifications are classified as direct equivalents. These parts can replace the BC550C,116 in applications without circuit modification.

Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives (Enhanced Specifications): Parts with higher maximum collector current (200 mA or 600 mA) or lower collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V) are classified as manufacturer-recommended alternatives. These parts exceed the BC550C,116 specifications and are suitable for applications requiring higher current handling or where the lower voltage rating is acceptable.

Key Parameters Determining Substitution:

Collector-emitter breakdown voltage (VCEO): Must be ≥ 45 V for direct equivalents
Maximum collector current (Ic): Must be ≥ 100 mA for direct equivalents
DC current gain (hFE): Must be ≥ 420 @ 2 mA, 5 V for direct equivalents
Package type: Must be TO-92-3 through-hole for all substitutes
Saturation voltage: Must not exceed 600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA for direct equivalents

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Status	Ic (Max) mA	VCEO (Max) V	Vce Sat (Max) mV	hFE (Min)	fT MHz	Power mW	Package
BC550C,116	NXP USA Inc.	Obsolete	100	45	600	420	100	500	TO-92-3
BC547CTFR	onsemi	Active	100	45	600	420	300	500	TO-92-3
BC550CTA	onsemi	Active	100	45	600	420	300	500	TO-92-3
2N3904TA	onsemi	Active	200	40	300	100	300	625	TO-92-3
2N3904TF	onsemi	Active	200	40	300	100	300	625	TO-92-3
2N3904TFR	onsemi	Active	200	40	300	100	300	625	TO-92-3
2N4401TA	onsemi	Active	600	40	750	100	250	625	TO-92-3
2N4401TF	Fairchild Semiconductor	Active	600	40	750	100	250	625	TO-92-3
2N4401TFR	onsemi	Active	600	40	750	100	250	625	TO-92-3
2N5232A PBFREE	Central Semiconductor Corp	Active	100	50	125	250	—	625	TO-92-3
BC33716TA	Fairchild Semiconductor	Active	800	45	700	100	100	625	TO-92-3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Recommended for Pin-for-Pin Replacement):

BC547CTFR and BC550CTA from onsemi are direct electrical equivalents to the BC550C,116. Both parts maintain identical maximum ratings for collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V), maximum collector current (100 mA), saturation voltage (600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA), and DC current gain (420 @ 2 mA, 5 V). Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance and are available in TO-92-3 through-hole packaging. The BC547CTFR and BC550CTA offer higher transition frequency (300 MHz versus 100 MHz), providing improved high-frequency performance. These parts are suitable for direct substitution without circuit modification.

Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives (Enhanced Current Capability):

The 2N3904 series (2N3904TA, 2N3904TF, 2N3904TFR) from onsemi are manufacturer-recommended alternatives with doubled maximum collector current (200 mA) and 300 MHz transition frequency. These parts operate at a lower collector-emitter breakdown voltage (40 V) and exhibit lower saturation voltage (300 mV @ 5 mA, 50 mA). The 2N3904 series is suitable for applications requiring higher current handling within the 40 V voltage envelope.

High-Current Alternative:

The 2N4401 series (2N4401TA, 2N4401TF, 2N4401TFR) provides six times the maximum collector current (600 mA) while maintaining the 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating. These parts are suitable for applications requiring significantly higher current capacity. The 2N4401 series operates at 250 MHz transition frequency and exhibits higher saturation voltage (750 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA).

Enhanced Voltage Rating Alternative:

The 2N5232A PBFREE from Central Semiconductor Corp provides a higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage (50 V) with identical maximum collector current (100 mA). This part features lower saturation voltage (125 mV @ 1 mA, 10 mA) and lower DC current gain (250 @ 2 mA, 5 V). The 2N5232A is suitable for applications requiring higher voltage headroom.

High-Current, Matched Voltage Alternative:

The BC33716TA from Fairchild Semiconductor maintains the 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage while providing eight times the maximum collector current (800 mA). This part is suitable for applications requiring high current capacity at the original voltage rating.

All substitute parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and are available in TO-92-3 through-hole packaging. Selection should be based on specific application requirements for collector current, voltage rating, and frequency response.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BC547CTFR or BC550CTA directly replace BC550C,116 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. BC547CTFR and BC550CTA maintain identical electrical specifications for maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage (45 V), maximum collector current (100 mA), saturation voltage (600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA), and DC current gain (420 @ 2 mA, 5 V). Both are packaged in TO-92-3 through-hole configuration with identical pinout. Direct substitution is supported.

Q: What is the difference between BC547CTFR and BC550CTA?

A: Both parts are electrically equivalent to BC550C,116 with identical maximum ratings and DC characteristics. The primary difference is manufacturer designation: BC547CTFR is designated as BC547 series by onsemi, while BC550CTA is designated as BC550 series by onsemi. Both offer 300 MHz transition frequency compared to the original 100 MHz specification.

Q: When should I use 2N3904 series instead of BC547CTFR or BC550CTA?

A: The 2N3904 series should be used when your application requires maximum collector current exceeding 100 mA but not exceeding 200 mA, and when operation at 40 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage is acceptable. The 2N3904 series provides lower saturation voltage (300 mV @ 5 mA, 50 mA), which may be beneficial in switching applications.

Q: Can I use 2N4401 series as a direct replacement for BC550C,116?

A: The 2N4401 series is not a direct replacement due to significantly higher maximum collector current (600 mA versus 100 mA) and higher saturation voltage (750 mV @ 50 mA, 500 mA versus 600 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA). However, the 2N4401 series is suitable for applications requiring higher current capacity while maintaining the 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage rating. Circuit verification is required.

Q: What is the advantage of 2N5232A PBFREE over BC550C,116?

A: The 2N5232A PBFREE provides a higher collector-emitter breakdown voltage (50 V versus 45 V), offering additional voltage headroom. It also features significantly lower saturation voltage (125 mV @ 1 mA, 10 mA), which reduces power dissipation in saturation. The trade-off is lower DC current gain (250 @ 2 mA, 5 V versus 420 @ 2 mA, 5 V).

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The BC550C,116 is also ROHS3 compliant. All parts are suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance.

Q: What is the difference between Cut Tape (CT) and Bulk packaging?

A: Cut Tape (CT) packaging indicates the parts are supplied on continuous tape and cut to order, typically for automated assembly. Bulk packaging indicates loose components supplied in quantity. Both packaging types contain identical electronic components. Selection depends on assembly process requirements.

Q: Can I use BC33716TA for low-current applications designed for BC550C,116?

A: Yes. The BC33716TA maintains the 45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and can operate at collector currents as low as the BC550C,116. The BC33716TA is rated for maximum collector current of 800 mA, providing significant current headroom. The higher current rating does not prevent operation at lower currents. Circuit verification is recommended to confirm saturation voltage characteristics are acceptable.

Q: What is the significance of transition frequency (fT) differences between substitute parts?

A: Transition frequency indicates the frequency at which current gain drops to unity. The BC550C,116 operates at 100 MHz, while most substitute parts operate at 300 MHz. Higher transition frequency provides improved high-frequency performance and faster switching speed. For low-frequency applications, the difference is not significant. For high-frequency or fast-switching applications, higher transition frequency may provide performance benefits.

Q: Are there inventory considerations when selecting substitute parts?

A: Yes. Inventory levels vary significantly among substitute parts. BC550CTA has 13,720 pieces in stock, while 2N3904TF has only 2,200 pieces. For production continuity, parts with higher inventory levels provide greater availability assurance. However, all listed parts are active products from established manufacturers.

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