onsemi BC547C
- Part No.:
- BC547C
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body
- Datasheet:
-
BC547C.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.1A TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,120
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Product details
Overview
BC547C from ON Semiconductor is an NPN epitaxial silicon transistor designed for general-purpose switching and low-noise amplification, with hFE of 420–800 at IC = 2 mA, VCE = 5 V, VCEO = 45 V, and fT = 300 MHz - commonly used in audio preamplifiers, sensor interface stages, and discrete logic-level translators.
For engineers reviewing the BC547C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified package mapping (TO-92), validated DC gain classification (Class C), saturation voltage behavior (VCE(sat) ≤ 250 mV @ IC = 10 mA, IB = 0.5 mA), noise figure (2.0–10.0 dB), and real-world substitution guidance aligned with ON Semiconductor's official BC547 family documentation.
Technical Context
The BC547C operates as a discrete bipolar junction transistor with fixed emitter-base and collector-base junction geometry optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its hFE range (420–800) enables stable biasing in Class-A amplifier stages and predictable current gain in Darlington driver configurations.
It features low output capacitance (Cob = 3.5–6.0 pF @ VCB = 10 V), enabling use in RF-coupled preamp inputs up to ~100 MHz, and exhibits VBE(on) = 580–700 mV at IC = 2 mA, supporting reliable turn-on with standard TTL/CMOS logic drive levels.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - supports operation in 24 V industrial control rails with ≥2× safety margin against transients |
| hFE | 420–800 @ VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA - ensures consistent small-signal gain across production lots without recalibration |
| fT | 300 MHz - enables stable amplification up to VHF band (e.g., FM receiver IF stages, ultrasonic sensor front-ends) |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 250 mV @ IC = 10 mA, IB = 0.5 mA - minimizes power loss in low-side switch applications driving LEDs or relays |
| NF | 2.0–10.0 dB @ f = 1 kHz, RG = 2 kΩ - suitable for microphone preamps where SNR > 60 dB is required |
| Cob | 3.5–6.0 pF @ VCB = 10 V - limits Miller effect in high-gain common-emitter stages above 10 MHz |
Pinout & Package
BC547C is housed in a JEDEC TO-92 3-lead molded plastic package with straight leads (bulk/ammo/tape-and-reel variants). Pin 1 is Collector, Pin 2 is Base, Pin 3 is Emitter - confirmed per Fairchild/ON Semiconductor physical dimensions diagrams (Rev. 1.1.1, Figures 7–8).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Collector) | Current sink node under active/saturation mode | Connected to load supply rail or pull-up resistor; must handle ≤100 mA DC and dissipate ≤500 mW total |
| 2 (Base) | Control input for minority-carrier injection | Driven by current-limited source (e.g., 10 kΩ resistor from 5 V); requires ≥0.59 V to initiate conduction |
| 3 (Emitter) | Current source node referenced to ground or bias network | Typically tied to GND in common-emitter config; provides stable reference for emitter-degeneration biasing |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Class-C hFE binning | Guaranteed 420–800 gain range eliminates need for manual transistor matching in differential pairs |
| Low VCE(sat) | Enables <100 mW dissipation when switching 10 mA loads - critical for thermally constrained PCB layouts |
| TO-92 mechanical standardization | Ensures compatibility with legacy socket footprints, wave-solder pallets, and automated optical inspection (AOI) templates |
| Specified noise figure | Validated 2.0–10.0 dB performance allows direct substitution into low-noise analog signal chains without redesign |
Applications
| Audio Preamp Stage | Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from electret microphones or piezoelectric vibration sensors before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN transistor configured in common-emitter topology with emitter degeneration for stable DC bias and AC gain. Use Value: Delivers ≥40 dB voltage gain with <10 dB noise figure at 1 kHz, preserving SNR in battery-powered voice recorders. | Use Scenario: Converting low-level analog outputs from temperature or light sensors into logic-compatible voltage levels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Switching or linear amplifier stage interfacing analog sensors to microcontroller GPIO or comparator inputs. Use Value: Enables accurate 12-bit sensor readings by providing gain stability over −40°C to +85°C with minimal drift. |
| Discrete Logic Level Translation | Low-Power Load Switching |
Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V MCU outputs to drive 5 V or 12 V peripheral logic inputs in mixed-voltage systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch operating in cutoff/active region to invert or buffer digital signals between voltage domains. Use Value: Achieves <100 ns propagation delay with rail-to-rail output swing, avoiding timing skew in synchronous control buses. | Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling LED indicators, buzzer drivers, or small solenoids in portable instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlled by microcontroller GPIO with base current limiting. Use Value: Supports 100 mA continuous load current with <250 mV saturation drop, minimizing heat generation on compact PCBs. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC547B | Lower hFE range (200–450) and same VCEO/fT specs | Less suitable for high-gain preamp stages requiring tight gain tolerance | Select BC547B only when gain variability <±20% is acceptable and cost optimization is prioritized |
| 2N3904 | Higher VCEO (40 V vs. 45 V), identical TO-92 package, but hFE min = 100 (no Class-C binning) | Not guaranteed for low-noise audio use due to unspecified NF and wider hFE spread | Choose 2N3904 for non-critical switching where standardized cross-manufacturer availability outweighs gain consistency |
Compared with BC547B and 2N3904, the BC547C offers the highest guaranteed hFE floor (420) and documented noise performance - making it preferred for precision analog gain blocks and low-noise sensor interfaces where design margin and repeatability are essential.
Availability
BC547C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, sensor signal conditioning circuits, and discrete logic level translation requiring stable component supply across prototyping, pilot production, and long-life industrial deployments.
Supply support for BC547C 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 (formerly Fairchild Semiconductor) is a global supplier of energy-efficient semiconductor solutions, specializing in power management, analog, and discrete devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC547C belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for reliability and consistency in cost-sensitive, high-volume analog and switching applications across diverse end equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum collector current rating for BC547C?
The BC547C has a maximum continuous collector current (IC) rating of 100 mA, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This value assumes proper thermal management - derating is required above 25°C ambient, and power dissipation must remain within the 500 mW limit. The BC547C is not intended for sustained high-current switching beyond this threshold.
Does BC547C have a specified noise figure, and how does it compare to BC549C?
Yes, BC547C has a documented noise figure of 2.0–10.0 dB at 1 kHz, RG = 2 kΩ, which is higher than BC549C's 1.4–4.0 dB rating. The BC547C is classified for general-purpose amplification, while BC549C is explicitly optimized for low-noise applications - so BC547C remains suitable for moderate-SNR audio paths but not ultra-low-noise microphone front-ends.
Is BC547C pin-compatible with BC547B and BC547A?
Yes, BC547C is fully pin-compatible with BC547A and BC547B - all share identical TO-92 package pinout (Collector–Base–Emitter, pins 1–2–3) and mechanical footprint. The only functional difference lies in hFE binning: BC547A (110–220), BC547B (200–450), BC547C (420–800). No PCB layout changes are needed when substituting between these variants.
What is the typical VBE(on) of BC547C at IC = 2 mA?
The BC547C exhibits a typical base-emitter on voltage (VBE(on)) of 660 mV at VCE = 5 V and IC = 2 mA, with a guaranteed range of 580–700 mV. This enables reliable turn-on using standard 3.3 V or 5 V logic outputs with appropriate base resistors, and supports stable biasing in emitter-follower configurations.
Can BC547C be used in RF applications up to 100 MHz?
Yes, BC547C has a current gain–bandwidth product (fT) of 300 MHz and low output capacitance (Cob = 3.5–6.0 pF), supporting stable small-signal amplification up to ~100 MHz. It is commonly deployed in FM receiver IF stages and ultrasonic transducer drivers - though for >150 MHz operation, dedicated RF transistors with higher fT and optimized packaging are recommended.
BC547C 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):
- 100 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 250mV @ 500µA, 10mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 15nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 420 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 300MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92 (TO-226)
BC547C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC547C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC547C 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 BC547C reliable?
The price and inventory of BC547C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC547C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC547C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC547C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC547C?
BC547C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC547C 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 BC547C?
For technical support, including BC547C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC547C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC547C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC547C 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 BC547C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC547C?
All BC547C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC547C, 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 BC547C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC547C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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