The BCY71 is a high-gain PNP general-purpose transistor designed for low-level signal amplification and switching. This article provides a complete technical overview, explains operating behavior, and clearly highlights the BCY71 pinout to ensure correct and reliable circuit implementation.

Introduction
The BCY71 is a PNP bipolar junction transistor housed in a durable TO-18 metal package. It is particularly valued for its very high current gain, making it suitable for low-signal amplification where minimal base drive is required.

Pin Configuration / Pinout of BCY71 Transistor

Understanding the BCY71 Pinout Configuration
The BCY71 comes in a TO-18 metal package with three terminals:
| Pin# | Pin Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter |
| 2 | Base |
| 3 | Collector |
Correct identification of the pin configuration is critical for proper biasing and stable transistor operation in analog and switching circuits.
Note: DATASHEET DOWNLOAD button is provided end of this article.
BCY71 Key Features
- PNP general-purpose bipolar transistor
- Very high DC current gain
- Low input drive requirement
- Suitable for signal amplification
- Metal TO-18 package for robustness
- Stable thermal characteristics
BCY71 Specifications/Characteristics
- Collector-Emitter Voltage (Vceo): −45V
- Collector-Base Voltage (Vcbo): −45V
- Emitter-Base Voltage (Vebo): −5V
- Collector Current (Ic): −200mA
- Power Dissipation (PD): 350mW
- Junction Temperature (Tj): 200°C
- Storage Temperature (Tstg): −65°C to 150°C
- DC Current Gain (hFE): up to 500
- Transition Frequency (fT): 15MHz
Key Applications of BCY71 Transistor
- Low-level signal amplifiers
- Audio preamplifier stages
- Sensor signal amplification
- Switching circuits with low base drive
- Analog processing circuits
- Educational and prototype designs
BCY71 Equivalent / Alternatives
(Verify pin compatibility before using substitutions)
Equivalent Transistors: BCY70, BCY72
Alternative Devices: BC212, BC214, BC557
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Working Principle of BCY71
The BCY71 operates by allowing current to flow from emitter to collector when the base is biased negatively with respect to the emitter. Due to its very high gain, a small base current can control a much larger collector current, making it ideal for sensitive amplification stages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What makes BCY71 different from BCY70?
BCY71 offers much higher current gain but lower transition frequency.
Q2: Is BCY71 suitable for RF applications?
It is better suited for low-frequency and audio applications rather than RF.
Q3: What package is BCY71 supplied in?
The BCY71 uses a TO-18 metal package.
Q4: Can BCY71 be used as a switch?
Yes, it can be used in low-current switching applications.
Conclusion
The BCY71 is a high-gain PNP general-purpose transistor optimized for low-signal amplification. Its stable performance, compact metal package, and minimal base drive requirements make it a strong choice for analog and audio circuit designs.
Datasheet of BCY71 Transistor
Click the following Button below to download the datasheet of BCY71 :
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