onsemi BC517_J35Z
- Part No.:
- BC517_J35Z
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
BC517_J35Z.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN DARL 30V 1.2A TO-92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,063
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Product details
Overview
BC517_J35Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN Darlington transistor optimized for high-current-switching applications with DC current gain (hFE) up to 30,000 at IC = 20 mA, VCE = 2.0 V, and collector-emitter saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) of 1.0 V at IC = 100 mA / IB = 0.1 mA. It supports continuous collector current up to 1.2 A and operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range, commonly used in relay drivers and low-frequency power switching circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC517_J35Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its Darlington configuration enabling ultra-high gain at low base drive, TO-92 package thermal limits (RθJA = 200°C/W), and breakdown voltage ratings (VCEO = 30 V, VCBO = 40 V) suitable for industrial control interface stages.
Technical Context
The BC517_J35Z integrates two cascaded NPN transistors in a monolithic Darlington pair, delivering hFE ≥ 30,000 at 20 mA - significantly higher than standard NPNs - while maintaining VCE(sat) ≤ 1.0 V under rated switching conditions. Its internal structure eliminates need for external base resistors in many driver configurations.
Designed for linear and switching operation up to 1.2 A DC, it features guaranteed breakdown voltages (V(BR)CEO = 30 V, V(BR)CBO = 40 V) and low leakage (ICBO ≤ 100 nA at VCB = 30 V), supporting robust performance in noisy industrial environments without additional protection circuitry.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 30 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in open-base condition |
| IC (Continuous) | 1.2 A - maximum sustained collector current without thermal derating beyond 25°C |
| hFE | 30,000 - DC current gain enabling microampere-level base drive for 100 mA load switching |
| VCE(sat) | 1.0 V - low saturation voltage reduces power loss (≤100 mW at 100 mA) in on-state switching |
| TJ Range | –55°C to +150°C - wide operating junction temperature range supports under-hood and industrial enclosure use |
| RθJA | 200°C/W - thermal resistance from junction to ambient in standard TO-92 mounting, limiting max power dissipation to 625 mW at 25°C |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 - through-hole plastic package with 3.60 mm lead spacing, 14.47 mm overall length, and standardized mechanical footprint for manual or wave solder assembly.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Collector) | Main current output terminal | Connected to load return path; handles full switched current up to 1.2 A |
| 2 (Base) | Control input node | Receives low-current drive signal; Darlington topology reduces required base current by ~100× vs. single NPN |
| 3 (Emitter) | Current source reference | Common emitter connection; tied to ground or low-side return in most switching topologies |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-high DC current gain | hFE ≥ 30,000 enables direct microcontroller GPIO driving without external base resistor networks |
| Darlington architecture | Monolithic dual-NPN integration ensures matched thermal behavior and eliminates inter-device timing skew |
| Low VCE(sat) | 1.0 V saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in 5–12 V relay and solenoid driver stages |
| Robust breakdown margins | VCEO = 30 V and VCBO = 40 V support reliable operation in 24 V industrial control rails with transient margin |
Applications
| Relay Driver Stage | DC Motor On/Off Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V, 100 mA coil relays from 3.3 V or 5 V logic outputs in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain current amplifier translating logic-level signals into full coil activation current. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete base-resistor networks or level-shifting buffers due to hFE ≥ 30,000 and VBE(on) = 1.4 V. | Use Scenario: Controlling small brushed DC motors (e.g., fan actuators, valve positioners) in HVAC control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-frequency unidirectional switch handling intermittent 500 mA loads. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 1.0 V limits power dissipation to <500 mW during on-state, avoiding heatsink requirements. |
| Solenoid Interface Circuit | Industrial Sensor Output Buffer |
Use Scenario: Activating 24 V, 800 mA pneumatic solenoids in factory automation sequencers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current switching element interfacing between microcontroller and inductive load. Use Value: IC = 1.2 A rating and TJ range (–55°C to +150°C) ensure reliability across extended duty cycles in non-ventilated enclosures. | Use Scenario: Amplifying analog sensor output (e.g., thermistor-based temperature monitor) to drive 10 mA indicator LEDs or optocouplers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode current booster extending output drive capability beyond op-amp limits. Use Value: Low ICBO (≤100 nA) preserves accuracy in high-impedance feedback paths; V(BR)EBO = 10 V prevents base-emitter reverse breakdown. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN Darlington transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC516 | VCEO = 30 V, hFE = 20,000 min (vs. 30,000), same TO-92 package and pinout | Lower gain requires higher base drive current; suitable where 100 µA base current is acceptable | Select BC516 when gain margin is relaxed and cost sensitivity outweighs base-drive optimization |
| MPSD01 | VCEO = 40 V, IC = 1.5 A, hFE = 25,000 min, TO-92 package but different pinout (C-B-E vs. C-B-E confirmed) | Higher voltage rating supports 36 V systems; pinout identical per datasheet - true pin-compatible replacement | Choose MPSD01 for designs requiring >30 V breakdown headroom without PCB redesign |
Compared with BC517_J35Z, BC516 offers lower gain at identical voltage/current ratings, while MPSD01 provides higher VCEO and matching pinout - making it a verified drop-in upgrade for 36 V industrial rails without layout change.
Availability
BC517_J35Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver stages, solenoid interfaces, DC motor on/off control, and industrial sensor output buffering requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for BC517_J35Z 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
Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, analog, and discrete devices before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.
The BC517_J35Z belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for high-gain, low-speed switching in industrial control, automation, and electro-mechanical interface applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC517_J35Z?
The BC517_J35Z has a maximum continuous collector current (IC) rating of 1.2 A at Ta = 25°C. This value assumes proper thermal management; derating is required above 25°C at 5.0 mW/°C. At elevated ambient temperatures or in enclosed environments, actual usable current must be reduced to maintain junction temperature ≤150°C, as specified in the BC517_J35Z datasheet.
Is BC517_J35Z pin-compatible with BC547 or other general-purpose NPN transistors?
No, BC517_J35Z is not pin-compatible with BC547. While both use TO-92 packages, BC517_J35Z is a Darlington device with significantly higher hFE and VCE(sat), and its pinout (Collector-Base-Emitter) differs electrically from BC547's standard NPN configuration. Substituting BC517_J35Z for BC547 without circuit revalidation may cause excessive base current draw or unintended saturation behavior in BC517_J35Z.
What is the typical VCE(sat) of BC517_J35Z under standard switching conditions?
The typical VCE(sat) of BC517_J35Z is 1.0 V when tested at IC = 100 mA and IB = 0.1 mA. This low saturation voltage enables efficient power switching in 5–12 V systems, reducing conduction losses compared to standard NPN transistors. The BC517_J35Z maintains this specification across its qualified operating temperature range, supporting consistent performance in industrial environments.
Does BC517_J35Z require an external base resistor when driven by a microcontroller GPIO?
BC517_J35Z can often operate without an external base resistor when driven by 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller GPIOs, thanks to its Darlington structure and hFE ≥ 30,000. However, a small series resistor (e.g., 1–10 kΩ) is recommended to limit peak base current during turn-on and improve noise immunity. Final validation of BC517_J35Z base drive must consider GPIO current limits and switching speed requirements.
What is the storage temperature range for BC517_J35Z?
The BC517_J35Z has a storage temperature range (TSTG) of –55°C to +150°C, matching its operating junction temperature range. This allows long-term storage in uncontrolled industrial or outdoor environments without degradation, provided humidity and contamination are managed per standard TO-92 handling guidelines. The BC517_J35Z datasheet confirms this range applies to both storage and operational conditions.
BC517_J35Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN - Darlington
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 1.2 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 30 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1V @ 100µA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 30000 @ 20mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
BC517_J35Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC517_J35Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC517_J35Z 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 BC517_J35Z reliable?
The price and inventory of BC517_J35Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC517_J35Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC517_J35Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC517_J35Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC517_J35Z?
BC517_J35Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC517_J35Z 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 BC517_J35Z?
For technical support, including BC517_J35Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC517_J35Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC517_J35Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC517_J35Z 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 BC517_J35Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC517_J35Z?
All BC517_J35Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC517_J35Z, 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 BC517_J35Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC517_J35Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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