Introduction
The BC546 is a versatile and highly popular silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) known for its reliability in low-power amplification and switching applications. Its excellent specifications, combined with its low cost and widespread availability, make it a staple component for electronic students, hobbyists, and professionals. The BC546 is capable of handling a collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) of 65V and a continuous collector current (IC) of 100mA, making it a good fit for a wide range of low-power to medium-voltage circuits.
A key feature of the BC546 is its high DC current gain (hFE), which can range from 110 to 800 depending on the specific model and current. This high gain allows a very small base current to control a much larger collector current, making it highly efficient for amplification tasks. The transistor’s high transition frequency (fT) of up to 300MHz also enables it to be used in high-frequency applications, such as RF circuits and pre-amplifiers. With a total power dissipation of 500mW, it can handle a good amount of power for its size without overheating.
BC546 NPN Transistor
The BC546 is housed in a compact and easy-to-use TO-92 package, which is ideal for through-hole mounting on breadboards and printed circuit boards. Its excellent performance, combined with its affordability and accessibility, makes the BC546 a go-to component for various applications, including signal amplification, simple switching circuits, and voltage regulation. It is a workhorse component for a range of projects, from basic circuit designs to more complex systems.
BC546 Pinout
The BC546 is housed in a compact and easy-to-use TO-92 package, which is ideal for through-hole mounting on breadboards and printed circuit boards. Its excellent performance, combined with its affordability and accessibility, makes the BC546 a go-to component for various applications, including signal amplification, simple switching circuits, and voltage regulation. It is a workhorse component for a range of projects, from basic circuit designs to more complex systems.
BC546 NPN Transistor Key Features
The BC546 is a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). It is a popular and reliable component primarily used for general-purpose low-power amplification and switching. It is known for its impressive gain characteristics and ability to operate in a wide variety of circuits.
- High Voltage Rating: The BC546 has a high collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) of 65V, making it suitable for applications in higher-voltage circuits compared to similar transistors like the BC547 or BC548.
- Low Current Capability: It has a continuous collector current (IC) of up to 100mA, which is ideal for controlling low to medium-power loads such as LEDs, small relays, and signal processing circuits.
- High DC Current Gain (hFE): The transistor offers a high DC current gain, which can range from 110 to 800, allowing a very small base current to control a much larger collector current. This makes it highly efficient for amplification tasks.
- Good Power Dissipation: It has a total power dissipation (PD) of 500mW, which is sufficient for its intended applications and helps maintain stability without overheating.
- High Transition Frequency: With a transition frequency (fT) of up to 300MHz, the BC546 is capable of handling high-speed switching and can be used in RF applications and high-frequency amplifiers.
- Compact Package: The transistor is commonly available in a TO-92 package , which is a small, plastic through-hole package that is easy to integrate into various electronic designs.
BC546 Transistor Specifications/Characteristics
| Characterstics | Rating (Max) |
|---|---|
| Collector Current (IC) | 100mA |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCE) | 65V |
| Collector-Base Voltage (VCB) | 80V |
| Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO) | 6V |
| Collector Dissipation (Pc) | 500 mW |
| Transition Frequency (fT) | 150 MHz |
| DC Current Gain (hFE) | 110 – 800 |
| Storage & Operating temperature | -65 to +150 Centigrade |
More Circuit Layouts
Key Applications of BC546 NPN Transistor
- Audio Preamplifiers
- High gain Audio Amplifier Stages
- Switching Loads under 100mA
- Darlington Pairs
PNP Complimentary Transistor
PNP Complementary of BC546 Transistor is BC556.
EquivalentTransistors of BC546
BC547, BC548, BC549, 2N2222, 2N3904, BC550, C945
(Pin configuration of some transistors mentioned here may different from BC546).
Datasheet of BC546 NPN Transistor
Click the following Button below to download the datasheet of BC546 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.
