BC548 NPN Transistor Datasheet

Introduction

The BC548 is a very common and versatile general-purpose NPN transistor widely used in low-power amplification and switching applications. Its reliability, affordability, and wide availability make it a go-to component for hobbyists and professionals alike. The transistor is capable of handling a continuous collector current (IC​) of up to 100mA and has a collector-emitter voltage (VCEO​) of 30V, making it suitable for a broad range of low-voltage circuits.

A key feature of the BC548 is its high DC current gain (hFE​), which varies based on its specific part number. This variation allows designers to select the right transistor for their needs, with gain values ranging from 110 to 800. Specifically, the BC548A has a gain of 110-220, the BC548B has a gain of 200-450, and the BC548C offers the highest gain of 420-800. This high gain allows a very small base current to control a much larger collector current, making it highly efficient for both amplification and switching purposes. With a total power dissipation of 500mW, it can handle a good amount of power for its size without overheating.

BC548 NPN Transistor

The BC548 is housed in a compact and easy-to-use TO-92 package, which is the industry standard for small through-hole components. Its low-noise capabilities also make it ideal for use in sensitive pre-amplifiers and other signal conditioning stages. The combination of its power handling, gain options, and low-noise performance cements its status as a fundamental building block in electronics.

BC548 Pinout

BC548 NPN Transistor Key Features

The BC548 is a general-purpose silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT). It’s one of the most widely used transistors for low-power amplification and switching due to its high reliability, low cost, and consistent performance.

• Low Current Capability: It has a continuous collector current (IC​) of up to 100mA, which makes it suitable for controlling low-current loads like LEDs and small relays.
• Low Voltage Rating: The collector-emitter voltage (VCEO​) is 30V, which is sufficient for a broad range of low-voltage circuits.
• High DC Current Gain (hFE​): The BC548 has a high DC current gain, which typically ranges from 110 to 800. This allows a very small base current to control a much larger collector current, making it highly efficient for amplification tasks.
• Good Power Dissipation: With a total power dissipation (PD​) of 500mW, it can manage a good amount of power for its size without overheating.
• Low Noise Capabilities: The BC548 is known for its low-noise performance, making it a good choice for use in sensitive pre-amplifiers and other audio circuits.
• High Transition Frequency: It has a transition frequency (fT​) of 300MHz, which allows for high-speed switching and use in high-frequency applications.
• Compact Package: The BC548 is commonly available in a TO-92 package, a small, plastic through-hole package that is easy to use on breadboards and PCBs.

BC548 Transistor Specifications/Characteristics

More Circuit Layouts

Key Applications of BC548 NPN Transistor

• Sensor Circuits
• Audio Preamplifiers
• Audio Amplifier Stages
• Switching Loads under 500mA
• Darlington Pairs

PNP Complimentary Transistor

PNP Complementary of BC548 Transistor is BC558.

Equivalent transistors of BC548

BC547, BC549, 2N2222, 2N3904, BC550
(Pin configuration of some transistors may different from BC548).

Datasheet of BC548 Transistor

Click the following Button below to download the datasheet of BC548 Transistor :

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