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onsemi BC546TA
- Part No.:
- BC546TA
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
BC546TA.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A TO-92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:6,800
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Product details
Overview
BC546TA from ON Semiconductor is a general-purpose NPN epitaxial silicon transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 65 V VCEO, 100 mA IC, and 500 mW PC, commonly used in low-power switching and linear amplification circuits such as signal buffering, relay drivers, and audio preamplifiers.
For engineers reviewing the BC546TA datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain classification (A-grade hFE = 110–220), VCE(sat) ≤ 250 mV at IC = 10 mA / IB = 0.5 mA, noise figure ≤ 10 dB, fT = 300 MHz, and TO-92 mechanical compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.
Technical Context
The BC546TA belongs to the BC546–BC550 family of discrete NPN transistors optimized for cost-sensitive, medium-speed analog and digital applications. It features epitaxial base construction for stable hFE and low leakage (ICBO ≤ 15 nA), with guaranteed VCBO = 80 V and junction temperature rating up to 150 °C.
Its performance is specified under standardized test conditions: VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA for hFE; VCB = 30 V, IE = 0 for ICBO; and f = 100 MHz for fT. The device exhibits typical Cob = 4.5 pF and Cib = 9 pF, supporting stable operation in RF-coupled amplifier stages up to ~100 MHz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 65 V - Supports switching loads up to 65 V DC without breakdown; suitable for 24 V/48 V industrial control rails. |
| IC (DC) | 100 mA - Enables driving small relays, LEDs, or logic-level interfaces without external current boosting. |
| hFE (A grade) | 110–220 - Provides predictable current amplification for biasing and gain stages in Class-A amplifiers. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 250 mV @ IC = 10 mA / IB = 0.5 mA - Ensures low conduction loss in saturated switch mode, minimizing power dissipation. |
| fT | 300 MHz - Allows use in HF oscillator and broadband amplifier designs up to VHF band edge. |
| NF | ≤ 10 dB @ 1 kHz - Meets low-noise requirements for microphone preamps and sensor signal conditioning. |
| PC | 500 mW - Permits continuous operation at ambient temperatures ≤ 75 °C without heatsinking in PCB-mounted applications. |
Pinout & Package
BC546TA is housed in a standard JEDEC TO-92 3-lead plastic package with straight leads (ammo pack configuration). Pin identification follows the conventional emitter-base-collector (E-B-C) layout when viewing the flat side with leads downward.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Left) | Collector | Main current output terminal; connects to load or supply rail in common-emitter configurations. |
| 2 (Center) | Base | Control input; requires current-limited drive (e.g., via 10 kΩ resistor) to achieve saturation or linear operation. |
| 3 (Right) | Emitter | Current return path; typically grounded or tied to reference potential in most amplifier/switch topologies. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-voltage capability | VCBO = 80 V enables robust operation in 48 V telecom and industrial bus interfaces without derating. |
| Low collector leakage | ICBO ≤ 15 nA ensures stable biasing in high-impedance amplifier inputs and precision timing circuits. |
| Standardized hFE grading | A-class hFE binning (110–220) allows predictable gain matching across production batches for analog feedback loops. |
| TO-92 mechanical compatibility | Identical footprint and lead spacing to BC547/BC548 series supports drop-in replacement in existing through-hole layouts. |
| Wide temperature range | Specified from –65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature supports deployment in automotive under-hood and industrial outdoor enclosures. |
Applications
| Audio Signal Amplification | Relay Driver Circuit |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Low-noise preamplifier stage for electret condenser microphones in voice-enabled IoT devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN transistor configured in common-emitter topology to provide voltage gain and impedance transformation. Use Value: BC546TA's ≤10 dB noise figure and 110–220 hFE ensure clean signal amplification with minimal added distortion at 200 μA operating current. |
Use Scenario: Solid-state replacement for mechanical switches controlling 12 V DC relays in HVAC control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch providing low-resistance path between relay coil and ground. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 250 mV at IC = 10 mA minimizes power loss and self-heating during continuous duty cycling. |
| LED Current Switching | Signal Level Translation |
|
Use Scenario: Driving indicator LEDs in battery-powered instrumentation with 3.3 V or 5 V logic supplies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital switch turning LED on/off based on microcontroller GPIO output. Use Value: 100 mA IC rating supports multiplexed LED arrays; TO-92 package allows manual soldering and field repairability. |
Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V logic signals to 5 V TTL-compatible levels in mixed-voltage microcontroller systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter level shifter with pull-up resistor on collector. Use Value: 300 MHz fT and fast VBE(on) = 660 mV enable reliable switching at >1 MHz data rates without propagation delay penalties. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC547BTA | Lower VCEO = 45 V; same TO-92 package and A/B/C hFE grading; identical pinout. | Not suitable for 60 V+ supply rails; otherwise interchangeable in 5–24 V logic and signal paths. | Select BC547BTA only if system maximum VCE remains below 45 V and higher voltage margin is unnecessary. |
| PN2222A | Higher IC = 800 mA; VCEO = 40 V; TO-92 package; hFE = 100–300 (ungraded); higher PC = 1 W. | Better for high-current switching but less optimal for low-noise amplification due to higher NF (~15 dB). | Choose PN2222A when driving heavier loads (>100 mA) is required, accepting trade-offs in noise and voltage headroom. |
Compared with BC547BTA and PN2222A, BC546TA uniquely balances 65 V voltage tolerance, low-noise performance, and tight hFE binning-making it preferred for 48 V industrial signal conditioning where reliability and parameter consistency outweigh raw current capacity.
Availability
BC546TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplification, relay driving, LED switching, and logic-level translation requiring stable component supply across prototyping, pilot production, and long-life industrial deployments.
Supply support for BC546TA 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
ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensors, and discrete components for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and consumer applications.
The BC546TA belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy general-purpose transistor product line, originally developed by Fairchild and maintained for backward compatibility in cost-sensitive, high-volume through-hole designs.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC546TA?
The BC546TA has a guaranteed VCEO rating of 65 V, meaning it can safely sustain up to 65 V between collector and emitter terminals under DC or pulsed conditions without breakdown. This makes BC546TA suitable for use in 48 V industrial control systems where margin above nominal rail voltage is required. Exceeding this rating risks permanent device failure.
Is BC546TA pin-compatible with BC547 or BC548 variants?
Yes, BC546TA shares identical TO-92 package dimensions, lead spacing, and pinout (E-B-C) with BC547 and BC548 series transistors. However, BC546TA differs in absolute maximum ratings-specifically VCEO = 65 V versus 45 V for BC547 and 30 V for BC548-so electrical substitution requires verification of voltage stress in the target circuit before implementation.
What hFE range does the 'A' suffix indicate for BC546TA?
The 'A' suffix in BC546TA denotes the lowest DC current gain bin, with hFE guaranteed between 110 and 220 when measured at VCE = 5 V and IC = 2 mA. This graded binning allows designers to select BC546TA for applications requiring predictable, moderate gain-such as stable bias networks-without overdesigning for worst-case hFE spread.
Can BC546TA be used in low-noise audio amplifier stages?
Yes, BC546TA is specified with a noise figure of ≤10 dB at 1 kHz, VCE = 5 V, IC = 200 μA, and RG = 2 kΩ-making it appropriate for low-level audio preamplification. Its epitaxial structure and low ICBO contribute to stable bias and minimal added noise, especially when operated near its optimal IC range of 0.1–2 mA.
What packaging format does BC546TA ship in?
BC546TA ships in ammo pack (tape-and-reel compatible carrier tape) format, designed for automated through-hole insertion equipment. Each reel contains standard quantities per industry practice, and the straight-lead TO-92 configuration ensures compatibility with both wave soldering and hand-soldering processes used in low-to-mid volume manufacturing.
BC546TA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 100 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 65 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 600mV @ 5mA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 15nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 110 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 300MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
BC546TA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC546TA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC546TA 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 BC546TA reliable?
The price and inventory of BC546TA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC546TA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC546TA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC546TA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC546TA?
BC546TA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC546TA 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 BC546TA?
For technical support, including BC546TA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC546TA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC546TA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC546TA 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 BC546TA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC546TA?
All BC546TA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC546TA, 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 BC546TA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC546TA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC546TA Tags
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