BC546 Transistor Characteristics, Pinout and Equivalent

BC546 is a NPN BJT (bipolar junction transistor) used as a general purpose applications, which has low power, low noise and low current handling. Due to its unique features and characteristics, this transistor is using in many electronic circuits. In this article sharing Characteristics, pinout and equivalent transistor for replacement.

What is BC546 Transistor?

This is a general purpose NPN transistor and the p region is doped with semiconductor slightly so this are a is in thinner than the two other N regions. Commonly available in TO-92 packaging. A basic overview about this transistor is given below,

Type: NPN Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
Package: TO-92 (commonly used for small signal transistors)
Polarity: NPN
Material: Silicon

BC546 Pinout Diagram

Characteristics of BC546 Transistor

Collector–Emitter Voltage (Vceo): 65 V
Collector–Base Voltage (Vcbo): 80 V
Emitter–Base Voltage (Vebo): 6 V
Collector Current (Ic): 100 mA
Power Dissipation: 500 mW
Current Gain (hFE): 110 to 800
Transition Frequency (fT): 150 MHz
Noise Figure: about 2 dB
Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C

Equivalent Transistor for Replacement

BC547 – Very close equivalent (same family, slightly lower voltage rating: 45 V instead of 65 V).
BC548 – Another close equivalent, widely available and rated up to 30 V.
2N2222 – This is a Common NPN transistor with similar current and gain and higher current handling, but in a metal or plastic package.
2N3904 – Popular general-purpose NPN transistor, which has similar voltage and current ratings.
PN2222 – Plastic version of the 2N2222, same electrical behavior.
S8050 – NPN transistor with slightly higher current capability and it can replace BC546 in many circuits.