BC516 PNP Transistor Pinout Datasheet

Introduction

The BC516 is a PNP Darlington transistor designed for high current gain and low input current applications, making it ideal for signal amplification and switching operations in low-power circuits. It is part of the BC51x Darlington series, which also includes the BC517, and is known for its excellent performance in digital logic circuits, relays, and LED drivers. The BC516 provides a very high DC current gain (hFE) in the range of 30,000 to 100,000, allowing it to amplify very small base currents into significantly larger collector currents — a key advantage in sensor interfacing and low-signal amplification.

The transistor operates as a Darlington pair, which means it contains two internally connected PNP transistors. This configuration enhances its amplification factor, making the BC516 suitable for microcontroller-driven outputs, low-frequency amplifiers, and control systems where high sensitivity and minimal input drive are required. Its TO-92 package provides compactness and ease of integration into PCBs while maintaining good thermal stability for general-purpose electronic designs.

BC516 PNP Transistor

In addition to amplification, the BC516 is widely used in switching circuits, especially where low input current from logic devices must control larger loads. It is compatible with low-voltage control signals and can efficiently drive devices such as relays, solenoids, and lamps. Its low saturation voltage and reliable performance under moderate current loads make it an essential transistor for automation circuits, power controllers, and analog switching systems.

BC516 Pinout

Pin Configuration

Key Features

• PNP Darlington transistor for high current gain
• High DC current amplification (up to 100,000 hFE)
• Low input current requirement for switching
• Compact and thermally stable TO-92 package
• Designed for low and medium current switching
• Suitable for driving relays, LEDs, and low-power motors
• Excellent reliability and low saturation voltage
• Ideal for microcontroller and logic-level control circuits

Characteristics

• Transistor Type: PNP Darlington
• Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vceo): 30V
• Collector-Base Voltage (Vcbo): 30V
• Emitter-Base Voltage (Vebo): 5V
• Maximum Collector Current (Ic): 500mA
• DC Current Gain (hFE): 30,000 to 100,000 typical
• Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (Vce(sat)): 1V typical
• Transition Frequency (fT): 100MHz typical
• Power Dissipation (Ptot): 625mW
• Operating and Storage Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C
• Package Type: TO-92

Comparison of BC516 PNP, BC517 NPN

• BC516 is a PNP Darlington transistor, whereas BC517 is its NPN complementary pair designed for similar amplification characteristics but with opposite polarity.
• BC516 conducts when the base is pulled low, while BC517 conducts when the base is driven high.
• Both offer high DC gain, low input drive, and excellent switching performance, making them ideal for paired use in complementary amplifier and logic-level control circuits.
• In practical applications, BC516 is used in circuits where a negative control signal drives the transistor, and BC517 is used where a positive control signal is applied.

More Circuit Layouts

Key Applications of BC516 Transistor

• Signal and sensor amplification circuits
• Relay and solenoid drivers
• LED and display control systems
• Logic-level and microcontroller output amplifiers
• Audio preamplifier and switching stages
• Power control and automation circuits

NPN Complementary Transistor

• The BC516 PNP transistor has the BC517 as its NPN complementary transistor.
  Together, they can form push-pull amplifier stages or complementary switching circuits, ensuring high gain and efficient signal handling in paired configurations.

Equivalent of BC516 PNP Transistor

• BC517, MPSA65, 2N6426, 2N6427, BCX51, 2SA1006
  These transistors can be used as equivalents or replacements for the BC516, depending on voltage, gain, and current requirements.

Always verify the pin configuration and ratings before substitution.

Datasheet of BC516 PNP Transistor

Click the following Button to download the datasheet of BC516 Transistor :

More projects, You may like:

• Video Transmitter DIY Homemade FM Radio Transmitter
• Adjustable Power Supply DIY Battery Charger
• 12V-220V 500 Watt inverter DIY Homemade
• MPPT Solar Charge Controller DIY Homemade
• DIY LA4440 bass amplifier homemade

For more project and circuit diagrams, you can go through the Schematics in the main menu where you can find many interesting projects and circuit diagrams like audio amplifier circuits, voltage booster circuit, battery charger circuit and timer circuits etc., which are all beginner circuit projects. Feel free to check them out!

Thank you for visiting the article.