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onsemi BC487BG
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- Part No.:
- BC487BG
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body
- Datasheet:
-
BC487BG.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 60V 0.5A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:9,892
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Product details
Overview
BC487BG from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose high-current transistor in a Pb-free TO-92 package, rated for 60 VCEO, 500 mA continuous collector current, and 1.5 W total dissipation at TC = 25°C. It delivers hFE of 15–260 (at IC = 10–100 mA), VCE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V at IC = 1.0 A, and fT = 200 MHz - used in linear amplification, switching power supplies, and relay drivers.
For engineers reviewing the BC487BG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 60 V breakdown rating, 1.5 W case-rated power handling, TO-92 thermal resistance (RJC = 83.3°C/W), and verified DC gain range across operating currents - critical for robust low-voltage switching and analog gain stages.
Technical Context
The BC487BG operates as a medium-power NPN bipolar junction transistor with fixed-emitter configuration and base-controlled current amplification. Its safe operating area (SOA) is defined by thermal, current, and second-breakdown limits up to 100 ms pulses, and it supports DC and pulsed operation within −55°C to +150°C junction temperature range.
Electrical behavior is characterized by voltage-dependent hFE roll-off above 100 mA, saturation voltages specified at two drive conditions (IC/IB = 10), and capacitance values (Cob = 7.0 pF, Cib = 50 pF) that constrain high-frequency switching performance in common-emitter configurations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 60 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before avalanche; sets upper rail limit in 48 V and 24 V supply switching circuits. |
| IC (continuous) | 0.5 A - Continuous collector current capability; supports load switching up to ~250 mW at 50% duty cycle without heatsinking. |
| PD @ TC = 25°C | 1.5 W - Case-referenced power dissipation; enables use with minimal copper pour in TO-92 PCB layouts for moderate-duty applications. |
| hFE (min–max) | 15–260 - DC current gain range across 10 mA–100 mA; requires bias network tolerance design for consistent switching thresholds. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.5 V @ IC = 1.0 A, IB = 100 mA - Low saturation voltage reduces conduction loss in saturated-switch mode, e.g., driving solenoids or LEDs. |
| fT | 200 MHz - Current-gain bandwidth product; supports stable operation up to ~10–20 MHz in small-signal amplifier stages with proper compensation. |
Pinout & Package
BC487BG uses the standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) plastic package with bent leads, Pb-free finish, and 5000-unit bulk box packaging. Dimensions conform to ON Semiconductor's CASE 29−11 specification (A = 4.45–5.20 mm, B = 4.32–5.33 mm, L = 6.35 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collector | Main current sink node; connects to load return path or supply rail in common-emitter switch configurations. |
| 2 | Base | Control input; requires current-limited drive (typically 1/10 of IC) to ensure saturation and avoid overdrive heating. |
| 3 | Emitter | Current source reference node; tied to ground or low-side shunt in most switching applications; defines VBE bias point. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pb-free TO-92 package | RoHS-compliant construction with no lead content; meets J-STD-609 Class 1 marking and IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 reflow profiles. |
| High fT (200 MHz) | Enables use in audio preamplifiers and RF detector stages up to 20 MHz without external compensation networks. |
| Low VCE(sat) (0.2–0.5 V) | Reduces power loss in saturated switching; improves efficiency in 5–12 V logic-level driver circuits with resistive loads. |
| Wide TJ range (−55°C to +150°C) | Supports deployment in automotive under-hood modules and industrial motor control enclosures without derating below −40°C. |
Applications
| DC Power Switching | Linear Amplifier Stage |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Controlling 12 V DC fans, solenoids, or indicator LEDs in embedded control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch operating in saturation mode with base current limiting resistor. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V ensures <100 mW conduction loss at 500 mA, minimizing thermal rise in compact enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Building low-noise preamplifier for sensor signals in industrial data acquisition systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier biased at IC = 1–10 mA for gain stability. Use Value: hFE ≥ 60 at 10 mA and fT = 200 MHz support flat 100 kHz–5 MHz gain response with minimal phase shift. |
| Relay Driver Circuit | Current Mirror Reference |
|
Use Scenario: Driving 5 V or 12 V electromagnetic relays in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current switch interfacing microcontroller GPIO to relay coil. Use Value: 60 VCEO withstands inductive kickback spikes up to 50 V, eliminating need for external clamp diodes in many designs. |
Use Scenario: Implementing matched current sources in analog front-end bias networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active component in two-transistor current mirror topology. Use Value: Tight VBE matching (±2 mV typical) and consistent hFE across production lots enable <1% current ratio error at 1 mA–100 mA. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC547C | Lower VCEO (45 V), lower IC (100 mA), higher hFE (420 min), same TO-92 package. | Not suitable for 48 V bus switching or >200 mA loads; better for low-current signal amplification only. | Select BC547C only when gain consistency at µA–mA levels is prioritized over voltage/current headroom. |
| MPSA42 | Higher VCEO (300 V), lower IC (500 mA), same PD (625 mW @ TA), TO-92 package. | Designed for high-voltage, low-current applications (e.g., CRT flyback drivers); unsuitable for high-current saturation. | Choose MPSA42 only when >100 V breakdown is required and average current stays below 100 mA. |
Compared with BC547C and MPSA42, BC487BG uniquely balances 60 V standoff, 500 mA drive, and 1.5 W case power - making it optimal for mid-power industrial switching where both voltage margin and thermal capacity matter.
Availability
BC487BG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC power switching, relay driving, linear amplification, and current mirroring applications requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial control, and test equipment programs.
Supply support for BC487BG includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The BC487BG belongs to onsemi's legacy high-current general-purpose transistor family, designed for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained applications requiring reliable DC switching and analog gain in through-hole assembly environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC487BG?
The BC487BG is rated for 0.5 A continuous collector current (IC) at ambient temperature (TA = 25°C). At higher temperatures or with limited PCB copper, derating applies per its 5.0 mW/°C ambient thermal coefficient. For sustained 500 mA operation, mounting on ≥1 in² 2-oz copper with thermal vias is recommended to maintain junction temperature within −55°C to +150°C limits.
Does BC487BG have Pb-free construction?
Yes, BC487BG is explicitly marked as Pb-free in the ON Semiconductor datasheet (BC487/D Rev. 2, November 2011) and shipped in TO-92 packages compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The "G" suffix denotes Pb-free plating, and the device carries the microdot marking "BC487G" on the package body per ordering information.
What is the DC current gain (hFE) range of BC487BG at different operating points?
The BC487BG exhibits hFE = 15–260 depending on collector current: minimum 15 at IC = 1.0 A, 60–160 at IC = 10–100 mA, and up to 260 at IC = 10 mA. This wide spread requires bias network design to accommodate gain variation - especially critical in precision current mirrors or linear amplifiers using BC487BG.
Can BC487BG be used in switching power supply applications?
Yes, BC487BG is suitable for low-frequency (<100 kHz) switching power supply stages such as auxiliary bias windings, gate drivers, or feedback optocoupler interfaces. Its 60 VCEO, 0.5 A IC, and 0.5 V VCE(sat) support reliable operation in flyback and buck converter auxiliary circuits - but not primary-side high-speed switching due to fT-limited turn-off behavior.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to case (RJC) for BC487BG?
The BC487BG has a specified thermal resistance of RJC = 83.3°C/W, measured from junction to case surface. This value enables accurate junction temperature estimation when mounted to a heatsink or copper plane: TJ = TC + (PD × 83.3). For example, at 1.0 W dissipation and 50°C case temperature, TJ ≈ 133°C - within its +150°C absolute maximum rating.
BC487BG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 500 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 300mV @ 100mA, 1A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 160 @ 100mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 200MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92 (TO-226)
BC487BG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC487BG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC487BG on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BC487BG reliable?
The price and inventory of BC487BG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC487BG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC487BG?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC487BG transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC487BG?
BC487BG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC487BG order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BC487BG?
For technical support, including BC487BG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC487BG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC487BG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC487BG products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BC487BG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC487BG?
All BC487BG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC487BG, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BC487BG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC487BG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC487BG Tags
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