START499ETR Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The START499ETR is an RF transistor manufactured by STMicroelectronics, classified as an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in the SOT-343 surface mount package. This component is designed for RF applications operating at 1.9GHz with a maximum power dissipation of 600mW and collector current rating of 600mA. The START499ETR is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing design support and production continuity. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility with the SOT-343 package footprint and support RF operation within specified electrical parameters.

Key Parameters

Parameter	START499ETR Value	Unit
Transistor Type	NPN	—
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	4.5	V
Frequency - Transition	1.9	GHz
Power - Max	600	mW
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	600	mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min)	160	@ 160mA, 4V
Noise Figure (dB Typ @ f)	3.3	dB @ 1.8GHz
Gain	15	dB
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150	°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	—
Package / Case	SC-82A, SOT-343	—
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	—
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the START499ETR requires matching of critical electrical and mechanical parameters. The primary substitution criteria are:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Transistor Type: NPN
Package / Case: SC-82A, SOT-343 (physical and electrical compatibility)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount
Operating Temperature: 150°C (TJ)
RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level: 1 (Unlimited)

Electrical Parameter Compatibility:

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max): Must equal or exceed 4.5V
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max): Must equal or exceed 600mA
Power - Max: Must equal or exceed 600mW
Frequency - Transition: Must support 1.9GHz operation
DC Current Gain (hFE): Must meet or exceed 160 @ specified conditions

Substitute parts are grouped based on their ability to fulfill these requirements while maintaining form-factor compatibility and regulatory compliance. Parts with higher frequency ratings, lower noise figures, or enhanced gain characteristics are classified as upgrades. Parts with reduced current or power ratings are classified as similar alternatives for specific application constraints.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	START499ETR	BFP720ESDH6327XTSA1	2SC5488A-TL-H	BFP405FH6327XTSA1	BFP405H6740XTSA1	BFP410H6327XTSA1	BFP420H6801XTSA1	BFP450H6433XTMA1	BFP540ESDH6327XTSA1	BFP650H6327XTSA1	BFP760H6327XTSA1
Manufacturer	STMicroelectronics	Infineon Technologies	onsemi	Infineon Technologies	Infineon Technologies	Infineon Technologies	Infineon Technologies	Infineon Technologies	Infineon Technologies	Infineon Technologies	Infineon Technologies
Transistor Type	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN	NPN
Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max)	4.5V	4.7V	10V	4.5V	5V	5V	5V	5V	5V	4.5V	4V
Frequency - Transition	1.9GHz	43GHz	7GHz	25GHz	25GHz	25GHz	25GHz	24GHz	30GHz	37GHz	45GHz
Power - Max	600mW	100mW	100mW	75mW	75mW	150mW	160mW	450mW	250mW	500mW	240mW
Current - Collector (Ic) (Max)	600mA	30mA	70mA	25mA	25mA	40mA	35mA	100mA	80mA	150mA	70mA
DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min)	160 @ 160mA, 4V	160 @ 15mA, 3V	90 @ 20mA, 5V	60 @ 5mA, 4V	60 @ 5mA, 4V	60 @ 13mA, 2V	60 @ 20mA, 4V	60 @ 50mA, 4V	50 @ 20mA, 3.5V	110 @ 80mA, 3V	160 @ 35mA, 3V
Noise Figure (dB Typ @ f)	3.3dB @ 1.8GHz	0.55dB ~ 1.55dB @ 150MHz ~ 10GHz	1dB @ 1GHz	1.25dB @ 1.8GHz	1.25dB @ 1.8GHz	1.2dB @ 2GHz	1.1dB @ 1.8GHz	1.25dB @ 1.8GHz	0.9dB ~ 1.4dB @ 1.8GHz	0.8dB ~ 1.9dB @ 1.8GHz ~ 6GHz	0.5dB ~ 0.95dB @ 900MHz ~ 5.5GHz
Gain	15dB	11dB ~ 30.5dB	12dB	22.5dB	23dB	21.5dB	21dB	15.5dB	21.5dB	10.5dB ~ 21.5dB	16.5dB ~ 29dB
Operating Temperature (TJ)	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C	150°C
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Package / Case	SC-82A, SOT-343	SC-82A, SOT-343	SC-81	4-SMD, Flat Leads	SC-82A, SOT-343	SC-82A, SOT-343	SC-82A, SOT-343	SC-82A, SOT-343	SC-82A, SOT-343	SC-82A, SOT-343	SC-82A, SOT-343
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Upgrade Path - Direct SOT-343 Package Compatibility:

The BFP720ESDH6327XTSA1 (Infineon Technologies) represents the primary upgrade option. This part maintains the SOT-343 package footprint, operates at 4.7V (exceeding the 4.5V requirement), and provides significantly enhanced frequency capability at 43GHz. The BFP720ESDH6327XTSA1 is currently in active production status with ROHS3 compliance and MSL-1 rating, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. However, the maximum collector current is reduced to 30mA and power dissipation to 100mW, requiring circuit redesign for applications demanding the original 600mA/600mW specifications.

High-Current Alternative - BFP450H6433XTMA1:

For applications requiring sustained high current and power dissipation, the BFP450H6433XTMA1 (Infineon Technologies) provides 100mA collector current and 450mW power dissipation in the SOT-343 package. This part operates at 24GHz with 5V breakdown voltage and is actively produced with full ROHS3 compliance. The BFP450H6433XTMA1 approaches the original power budget while maintaining package compatibility, though it does not fully replicate the 600mA current rating.

High-Frequency Upgrade - BFP760H6327XTSA1:

The BFP760H6327XTSA1 (Infineon Technologies) offers the highest frequency capability at 45GHz with superior noise performance (0.5dB to 0.95dB). This part maintains SOT-343 package compatibility, operates at 4V, and provides 70mA collector current with 240mW power dissipation. The BFP760H6327XTSA1 is actively produced with extensive inventory availability and full regulatory compliance.

Package Compatibility Note:

The 2SC5488A-TL-H (onsemi) and BFP405FH6327XTSA1 (Infineon Technologies) are not recommended as direct substitutes due to package incompatibility. The 2SC5488A-TL-H uses SC-81 package, and the BFP405FH6327XTSA1 uses 4-SMD flat leads, both requiring PCB redesign.

Regulatory and Compliance Status:

All recommended substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and MSL-1 moisture sensitivity rating, ensuring compatibility with current manufacturing and environmental standards. All substitute parts are currently in active production status, providing long-term supply chain stability compared to the obsolete START499ETR.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BFP720ESDH6327XTSA1 directly replace the START499ETR in existing designs?

A: The BFP720ESDH6327XTSA1 maintains SOT-343 package compatibility and can be placed on existing PCBs without layout modification. However, the reduced maximum collector current (30mA versus 600mA) and power dissipation (100mW versus 600mW) require circuit analysis to confirm suitability for the intended application. Designs operating at or near the original current and power limits require redesign.

Q: What is the primary limitation of substitute parts compared to the START499ETR?

A: The START499ETR is rated for 600mA collector current and 600mW power dissipation. All identified substitute parts operate at significantly lower current and power levels. The BFP450H6433XTMA1 provides the highest power capability among SOT-343 alternatives at 450mW, but this remains 25% below the original specification. Applications requiring the full 600mA/600mW envelope require evaluation of alternative package options outside the SOT-343 form factor.

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

A: Most substitute parts are available in SOT-343 package (SC-82A), maintaining PCB footprint compatibility. The 2SC5488A-TL-H uses SC-81 package and the BFP405FH6327XTSA1 uses 4-SMD flat leads, both requiring PCB redesign. For drop-in replacement without layout modification, select parts explicitly listed as SC-82A, SOT-343 package.

Q: What is the significance of the frequency upgrade in substitute parts?

A: The START499ETR operates at 1.9GHz transition frequency. Substitute parts operate at 7GHz to 45GHz, providing substantial frequency margin for RF applications. Higher frequency capability enables operation in higher-frequency bands and provides improved performance in wideband applications. However, frequency capability alone does not determine substitutability; current and power ratings remain the limiting factors for most applications.

Q: How do noise figure specifications compare between the START499ETR and substitutes?

A: The START499ETR exhibits 3.3dB noise figure at 1.8GHz. Substitute parts demonstrate significantly improved noise performance, ranging from 0.5dB to 1.55dB across their operating frequency ranges. Lower noise figures indicate reduced signal degradation and improved receiver sensitivity in RF applications. This represents a performance enhancement across all substitute options.

Q: What is the impact of reduced DC current gain (hFE) in substitute parts?

A: The START499ETR specifies 160 hFE minimum at 160mA and 4V. Most substitute parts specify 60 hFE at lower current levels (5mA to 50mA). The BFP720ESDH6327XTSA1 and BFP760H6327XTSA1 maintain 160 hFE at their respective operating points. Lower hFE values require circuit redesign to maintain gain and impedance matching characteristics. Applications with critical gain requirements should prioritize parts with hFE specifications matching the original design.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: All identified substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL-1 moisture sensitivity rating, matching the original START499ETR specifications. This ensures compatibility with current manufacturing processes and environmental regulations without additional qualification requirements.

Q: Which substitute part provides the closest electrical match to the START499ETR?

A: The BFP450H6433XTMA1 provides the closest match in terms of power dissipation (450mW versus 600mW) and collector current (100mA versus 600mA) while maintaining SOT-343 package compatibility. However, no single substitute part fully replicates all electrical specifications of the original part. Selection must be based on the specific application requirements and circuit constraints.

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