Request Quote
(Ships tomorrow)
BC556 Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The BC556 is a small-signal PNP bipolar junction transistor (BJT) manufactured by onsemi, housed in a TO-92-3 through-hole package. This device is rated for 65 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage, 100 mA maximum collector current, and 500 mW power dissipation. The BC556 operates at a transition frequency of 150 MHz with a minimum DC current gain of 110 at specified conditions.
The BC556 carries an obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent substitute parts ensures design continuity and maintains supply chain reliability for applications currently utilizing this component.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Transistor Type | PNP |
| Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max) | 65 V |
| Current - Collector (Ic) (Max) | 100 mA |
| Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic | 650 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA |
| Current - Collector Cutoff (Max) | 15 nA (ICBO) |
| DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce | 110 @ 2 mA, 5 V |
| Power - Max | 500 mW |
| Frequency - Transition | 150 MHz |
| Operating Temperature (TJ) | 150°C |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Package / Case | TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitute parts for the BC556 are identified based on electrical and mechanical parameter equivalence. The substitution criteria are strictly limited to the following parameters:
Transistor polarity (PNP), maximum collector-emitter breakdown voltage (65 V), maximum collector current (100 mA), saturation voltage characteristics (650 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA), collector cutoff current (15 nA ICBO), minimum DC current gain (110 @ 2 mA, 5 V), maximum power dissipation (500 mW), transition frequency (150 MHz), maximum operating junction temperature (150°C), through-hole mounting configuration, and TO-92-3 package specification.
Parts meeting all these electrical and mechanical parameters are classified as parametric equivalents and are suitable for direct substitution in circuit applications.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | BC556 (onsemi) | BC556ABU (Fairchild Semiconductor) |
|---|---|---|
| Transistor Type | PNP | PNP |
| Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max) | 65 V | 65 V |
| Current - Collector (Ic) (Max) | 100 mA | 100 mA |
| Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic | 650 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA | 650 mV @ 5 mA, 100 mA |
| Current - Collector Cutoff (Max) | 15 nA (ICBO) | 15 nA (ICBO) |
| DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce | 110 @ 2 mA, 5 V | 110 @ 2 mA, 5 V |
| Power - Max | 500 mW | 500 mW |
| Frequency - Transition | 150 MHz | 150 MHz |
| Operating Temperature (TJ) | 150°C | 150°C |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole | Through Hole |
| Package / Case | TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) | TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) |
| Product Status | Obsolete | Active |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
The BC556ABU manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor is a parametric equivalent to the BC556. All electrical characteristics and mechanical specifications are identical across the comparison parameters. The BC556ABU maintains active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain support.
Selection of the BC556ABU as a substitute for the obsolete BC556 provides functional equivalence without circuit redesign. The active product status of the BC556ABU supports long-term component sourcing and procurement reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the BC556ABU be used as a direct replacement for the BC556?
A: Yes. The BC556ABU meets all electrical and mechanical parameters specified for the BC556, including transistor type, voltage ratings, current ratings, gain characteristics, power dissipation, frequency response, temperature rating, and TO-92-3 package configuration.
Q: What is the primary reason for substituting the BC556?
A: The BC556 carries an obsolete product status. The BC556ABU provides an active alternative with identical electrical and mechanical specifications.
Q: Are there any package or pinout differences between the BC556 and BC556ABU?
A: No. Both devices use the TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) through-hole package with identical pinout configuration.
Q: Do the saturation voltage characteristics differ between these parts?
A: No. Both the BC556 and BC556ABU specify 650 mV maximum saturation voltage at 5 mA base current and 100 mA collector current.
Q: Is the DC current gain specification the same for both parts?
A: Yes. Both devices specify a minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 110 at 2 mA collector current and 5 V collector-emitter voltage.
Q: What is the maximum operating junction temperature for both devices?
A: Both the BC556 and BC556ABU are rated for a maximum junction temperature of 150°C.
Alternative Parts
SJ6012L2TP
Littelfuse Inc.
6 Alternative Parts
JMK107BBJ476MA-RE
Taiyo Yuden
10 Alternative Parts
GMK107BBJ475MA-T
Taiyo Yuden
5 Alternative Parts
SJ6020N2ARP
Littelfuse Inc.
3 Alternative Parts
SJ6025R2ATP
Littelfuse Inc.
4 Alternative Parts
2474-05L
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts
4590R-684K
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts
CM6560R-334
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts
CM6460-104
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts
5526-12
API Delevan Inc.
1 Alternative Parts