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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

onsemi BC490

Name: BC490
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC490
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC490

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body

Datasheet:: BC490.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 80V 1A TO92

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

BC490AZL1G from onsemi is a PNP silicon high-current transistor in TO-92 package, rated for −80 V V_CEO, −1.0 A continuous collector current, and 1.5 W total dissipation at T_C = 25°C. It delivers h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = −1.0 A and exhibits V_CE(sat) ≤ −0.5 V under heavy drive, enabling use in industrial relay drivers and DC motor control stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC490AZL1G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include verified PNP polarity, TO-92 mechanical compatibility, guaranteed −80 V breakdown rating, and confirmed 1.5 W thermal capability at case temperature.

Technical Context

The BC490AZL1G operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching in low-frequency power control circuits. Its design supports robust operation across −55°C to +150°C junction temperature range with validated safe operating area (SOA) up to 100 ms pulse width at full current.

It features f_T = 150 MHz typical gain-bandwidth product and low output capacitance (C_ob = 9.0 pF), supporting fast turn-on/turn-off times (t_r = 3.0 ns) while maintaining stable DC current gain (h_FE = 100–400) over collector current from −10 mA to −1.0 A.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−80 Vdc - Withstands reverse collector-emitter voltage up to 80 V without breakdown in common-emitter configuration.
I_C (continuous)	−1.0 Adc - Supports sustained load current up to 1 A in PNP sink-switching applications.
P_D @ T_C = 25°C	1.5 W - Enables high-power dissipation when mounted on heatsink or thermally conductive PCB pad.
h_FE	100–400 - Provides wide DC current gain range suitable for both precision biasing and robust saturation drive.
V_CE(sat)	≤ −0.5 V @ I_C = −1.0 A, I_B = −100 mA - Ensures low conduction loss and minimal heat generation in saturated switch mode.
f_T	150 MHz typical - Supports reliable switching and small-signal amplification up to mid-VHF frequencies.
R_JC	83.3 °C/W - Allows direct thermal path calculation from junction to case for heatsink sizing.

Pinout & Package

BC490AZL1G uses the standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) through-hole plastic package with 3-pin vertical lead configuration and Pb-free finish.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Collector	Main current input terminal for PNP device; connects to positive rail in high-side switch configurations.
2	Base	Control input requiring negative current injection to turn on; compatible with TTL/CMOS logic via current-limiting resistor.
3	Emitter	Common reference terminal tied to system ground or higher potential; carries full load current in emitter-follower mode.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Pb-free TO-92 package	Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and supports lead-free reflow soldering per J-STD-020.
High safe operating area (SOA)	Validated for 1.0 A pulses up to 100 ms at T_C = 25°C, enabling robust overload tolerance in motor start-up and relay coil energization.
Low V_BE(sat)	≤ −1.2 V @ I_C = −1.0 A - Reduces base drive power requirement and eases interface with low-voltage controllers.
Stable h_FE vs. temperature	Specified across −55°C to +150°C with <10% variation in gain at fixed I_C/V_CE, supporting consistent performance in automotive under-hood environments.
Low Cob and Cib	C_ob = 9.0 pF, C_ib = 110 pF - Minimizes Miller effect and improves high-frequency stability in amplifier and switching designs.

Applications

Industrial Relay Driver	DC Motor Direction Control
Use Scenario: Driving 24 VDC industrial relays with coil currents up to 800 mA in programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP high-side switch providing galvanically isolated load switching with fast turn-on/turn-off response. Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ −0.5 V ensures <0.4 W conduction loss at 800 mA, reducing thermal stress on PCB traces and eliminating need for auxiliary heatsinking.	Use Scenario: Bidirectional H-bridge half-bridge leg in 12 V battery-powered robotic actuators requiring reversible 500 mA motor current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary PNP switch paired with NPN counterpart to enable full bridge conduction paths. Use Value: Guaranteed −80 V V_CEO provides 3× margin over 24 V system rails, preventing avalanche failure during inductive kickback events.
Linear Voltage Regulator Pass Element	Power Supply Enable Switch
Use Scenario: Series pass transistor in adjustable 5–15 V linear regulators delivering up to 700 mA output current with ±1% load regulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active current source controlling output voltage via feedback loop; operates in active region with controlled V_CE. Use Value: h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = −700 mA enables stable closed-loop gain and low dropout voltage (<1.2 V) under full load.	Use Scenario: High-side enable switch for 3.3 V or 5 V subsystems in embedded instrumentation, activated by microcontroller GPIO. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Logic-controlled PNP switch inserting series resistance between supply rail and downstream circuitry. Use Value: Fast 3.0 ns rise time and low C_ib ensure clean power sequencing without supply rail droop or overshoot during enable transitions.

Industrial Relay Driver

DC Motor Direction Control

Use Scenario: Driving 24 VDC industrial relays with coil currents up to 800 mA in programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP high-side switch providing galvanically isolated load switching with fast turn-on/turn-off response.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ −0.5 V ensures <0.4 W conduction loss at 800 mA, reducing thermal stress on PCB traces and eliminating need for auxiliary heatsinking.

Use Scenario: Bidirectional H-bridge half-bridge leg in 12 V battery-powered robotic actuators requiring reversible 500 mA motor current.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary PNP switch paired with NPN counterpart to enable full bridge conduction paths.

Use Value: Guaranteed −80 V V_CEO provides 3× margin over 24 V system rails, preventing avalanche failure during inductive kickback events.

Linear Voltage Regulator Pass Element

Power Supply Enable Switch

Use Scenario: Series pass transistor in adjustable 5–15 V linear regulators delivering up to 700 mA output current with ±1% load regulation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active current source controlling output voltage via feedback loop; operates in active region with controlled V_CE.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = −700 mA enables stable closed-loop gain and low dropout voltage (<1.2 V) under full load.

Use Scenario: High-side enable switch for 3.3 V or 5 V subsystems in embedded instrumentation, activated by microcontroller GPIO.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Logic-controlled PNP switch inserting series resistance between supply rail and downstream circuitry.

Use Value: Fast 3.0 ns rise time and low C_ib ensure clean power sequencing without supply rail droop or overshoot during enable transitions.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP high-current transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MJD2955G	TO-220 package, 1.5 A I_C, −70 V V_CEO, higher R_JA (65 °C/W), requires heatsink for >500 mA continuous.	Used in higher-power linear regulators and audio amplifiers where board space allows larger package.	Select when thermal management infrastructure exists and higher current headroom is required beyond BC490AZL1G's 1.0 A rating.
BC557B	TO-92 package, 100 mA I_C, −45 V V_CEO, h_FE = 200–450, lower power dissipation (500 mW).	Suitable for signal-level amplification and low-current switching where BC490AZL1G's power handling is excessive.	Select for cost-sensitive, low-power bias networks or pre-driver stages where 1 A capability is unnecessary.

Compared with MJD2955G and BC557B, BC490AZL1G uniquely balances TO-92 mountability, 1.0 A current capacity, and −80 V breakdown in a single compact package-making it optimal for space-constrained industrial controls needing robust mid-power PNP switching without heatsink dependency.

Availability

BC490AZL1G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial relay drivers, DC motor direction control circuits, and linear voltage regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply and Pb-free compliance.

Supply support for BC490AZL1G 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 management, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The BC490AZL1G belongs to onsemi's legacy high-current bipolar transistor family designed specifically for ruggedized industrial switching, motor control, and power regulation applications demanding reliability across extended temperature ranges.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC490AZL1G?

The BC490AZL1G has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of −1.0 A at T_A = 25°C. This value is derated above 25°C ambient according to its 5.0 mW/°C thermal coefficient when mounted on PCB, or supported up to 1.5 W at T_C = 25°C when properly heatsinked. The BC490AZL1G must be operated within these limits to avoid thermal runaway or permanent degradation.

Is BC490AZL1G pin-compatible with BC490A or BC490G variants?

Yes, BC490AZL1G shares identical TO-92 package (Case 29, Style 17) and pinout (Pin 1 = Collector, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Emitter) with BC490A and BC490G. All variants maintain the same mechanical footprint and electrical polarity, though BC490AZL1G is specifically marked as Pb-free and supplied in 2000-unit ammo packaging, whereas BC490G uses 5000-unit box packaging.

What is the guaranteed minimum DC current gain (h_FE) for BC490AZL1G at full load?

The BC490AZL1G guarantees h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = −1.0 A, V_CE = −5.0 V, and T_A = 25°C. This specification ensures predictable base drive requirements for saturation in high-current switching applications, distinguishing it from lower-gain variants like standard BC490 (h_FE ≥ 40 at same conditions).

Does BC490AZL1G support operation at elevated temperatures?

Yes, BC490AZL1G is qualified for operation across −55°C to +150°C junction temperature range. Its SOA curves and thermal resistance values (R_JA = 200 °C/W, R_JC = 83.3 °C/W) are validated over this full range, making it suitable for under-hood automotive modules and industrial enclosures where ambient temperatures exceed 85°C.

What is the typical transition frequency (f_T) of BC490AZL1G and how is it measured?

The BC490AZL1G has a typical f_T of 150 MHz, measured under conditions of I_C = −50 mA, V_CE = −2.0 V, and f = 100 MHz. This parameter reflects the frequency at which short-circuit current gain drops to unity and confirms the device's suitability for high-speed switching and RF amplifier stages up to VHF band.

BC490 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:: PNP

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 1 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 80 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 500mV @ 100mA, 1A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 60 @ 100mA, 2V

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 150MHz

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92 (TO-226)

BC490 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC490 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC490 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 BC490 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC490 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC490 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC490?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC490 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC490?

BC490 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC490 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 BC490?

For technical support, including BC490 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC490 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC490 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC490 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 BC490 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC490?

All BC490 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC490, 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 BC490 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC490:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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