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

onsemi BC548BRL1

Name: BC548BRL1
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC548BRL1
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC548BRL1

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: BC548BRL1.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 30V 0.1A TO92

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

BC548BRL1 from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for V_CEO = 30 V, I_C = 100 mA, and h_FE = 110–290 (at I_C = 2 mA, V_CE = 5 V), commonly used in low-power linear amplification and switching circuits in consumer electronics and industrial signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the BC548BRL1 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, TO-92 terminal mapping, real-world use cases, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and parametric differences.

Technical Context

The BC548BRL1 operates as a discrete bipolar junction transistor optimized for small-signal amplification and medium-speed switching. Its f_T = 150–300 MHz supports audio and low-frequency RF applications, while its V_BE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V and V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V at I_C/I_B = 10 enable efficient saturation-mode operation in digital logic interfaces and driver stages.

Thermal design is supported by R_JA = 200 °C/W (free-air) and R_JC = 83.3 °C/W, with guaranteed operation from −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. The device exhibits C_obo = 1.7–4.5 pF and C_ibo ≈ 10 pF, limiting high-frequency gain roll-off but ensuring stability in feedback amplifier configurations.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	30 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines safe operating range in common-emitter amplifier and switch topologies.
I_C (continuous)	100 mA - Continuous collector current limit; sets upper bound for load-driving capability in relay drivers and LED switches.
h_FE (min–max)	110–290 @ I_C = 2 mA, V_CE = 5 V - DC current gain spread impacts bias stability and stage gain predictability in multi-transistor amplifiers.
f_T	150–300 MHz - Transition frequency determines usable bandwidth for small-signal amplification up to ~50 MHz with gain margin.
V_CE(sat)	≤ 0.3 V @ I_C = 10 mA, I_B = 0.5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and heating in switching applications.
R_JA	200 °C/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; requires PCB copper area or heatsinking for sustained >100 mW dissipation at room ambient.

Pinout & Package

BC548BRL1 is housed in a standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) plastic package with 3 leads, designed for through-hole mounting and manual or automated insertion. Pin 1 is Collector, Pin 2 is Base, Pin 3 is Emitter - confirmed per marking diagram and ordering information on page 1 and 5 of the BC546/D datasheet.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Collector)	Main output current path	Carries amplified or switched load current; connects to supply rail or pull-up resistor in common-emitter configurations.
2 (Base)	Control input node	Receives bias current to modulate collector current; requires current-limiting resistor to prevent overdrive and thermal runaway.
3 (Emitter)	Reference terminal / current return	Typically grounded or connected to emitter resistor for stable biasing; forms the common node in common-emitter and common-collector topologies.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Pb-free option available	BC548BRL1G variant meets RoHS compliance without sacrificing electrical performance or reliability.
Wide operating temperature range	−55 °C to +150 °C junction rating enables deployment in automotive under-hood modules and industrial control enclosures.
Low noise figure	NF = 2.0 dB @ I_C = 0.2 mA, f = 1 kHz - supports high-fidelity preamplifier stages in audio and sensor signal chains.
Controlled h_FE binning	B-grade devices (e.g., BC548B) are binned to 110–220 h_FE, improving consistency in production-biased amplifier designs.
Standard tape-and-reel packaging	2000 units/reel (BC548BRL1) facilitates SMT-compatible through-hole assembly and automated pick-and-place handling.

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage	Microcontroller GPIO Driver
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from electret microphones or piezoelectric sensors before ADC sampling in portable audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Small-signal NPN amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration for linearity and gain stability. Use Value: 2.0 dB noise figure and h_FE ≥ 110 ensure sufficient SNR and gain margin at I_C = 0.2–2 mA bias points.	Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current boosting for 3.3 V microcontroller outputs driving 5 V relays, LEDs, or optocouplers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-speed saturated switch with <100 ns turn-on/turn-off times and V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V. Use Value: 100 mA I_C rating and low V_CE(sat) minimize power loss and heat generation during continuous ON-state operation.
Industrial Sensor Interface	Legacy Logic-Level Translation
Use Scenario: Conditioning analog outputs from RTDs, thermistors, or pressure transducers in PLC analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier in emitter-follower or differential pair configuration for impedance buffering and offset trimming. Use Value: Stable h_FE across −40 °C to +85 °C and low V_BE drift support accurate DC-coupled signal scaling over temperature.	Use Scenario: Interfacing 5 V TTL logic families (e.g., 74LS) with modern 3.3 V MCU inputs where level-shifter ICs are overkill. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Simple open-collector or saturated switch acting as unidirectional voltage translator with pull-up. Use Value: V_CEO = 30 V and I_C = 100 mA allow robust operation with 5 V supplies and moderate fan-out requirements.

Audio Preamp Stage

Microcontroller GPIO Driver

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from electret microphones or piezoelectric sensors before ADC sampling in portable audio devices.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Small-signal NPN amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration for linearity and gain stability.

Use Value: 2.0 dB noise figure and h_FE ≥ 110 ensure sufficient SNR and gain margin at I_C = 0.2–2 mA bias points.

Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current boosting for 3.3 V microcontroller outputs driving 5 V relays, LEDs, or optocouplers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-speed saturated switch with <100 ns turn-on/turn-off times and V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V.

Use Value: 100 mA I_C rating and low V_CE(sat) minimize power loss and heat generation during continuous ON-state operation.

Industrial Sensor Interface

Legacy Logic-Level Translation

Use Scenario: Conditioning analog outputs from RTDs, thermistors, or pressure transducers in PLC analog input modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier in emitter-follower or differential pair configuration for impedance buffering and offset trimming.

Use Value: Stable h_FE across −40 °C to +85 °C and low V_BE drift support accurate DC-coupled signal scaling over temperature.

Use Scenario: Interfacing 5 V TTL logic families (e.g., 74LS) with modern 3.3 V MCU inputs where level-shifter ICs are overkill.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Simple open-collector or saturated switch acting as unidirectional voltage translator with pull-up.

Use Value: V_CEO = 30 V and I_C = 100 mA allow robust operation with 5 V supplies and moderate fan-out requirements.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN small-signal amplifier applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC547BRL1	V_CEO = 45 V, V_CBO = 50 V, h_FE = 110–220 - higher voltage ratings but identical package and pinout.	Better suited for 24 V industrial control rails where 30 V margin is insufficient; same bias network design applies.	Select BC547BRL1 when system supply exceeds 30 V or transient immunity above 30 V is required.
2N3904RLRPG	V_CEO = 40 V, h_FE = 100–300 @ I_C = 10 mA, f_T = 300 MHz - wider h_FE spread and higher f_T, TO-92 package.	Preferred for higher-speed switching (>100 kHz) and wider dynamic range amplification; slightly higher V_BE(on).	Choose 2N3904RLRPG when bandwidth >200 MHz or tighter V_CE(sat) tolerance (<0.2 V) is critical.

Compared with BC548BRL1, BC547BRL1 offers higher voltage headroom without layout changes, while 2N3904RLRPG delivers greater bandwidth and gain consistency at the cost of marginally higher base drive requirements.

Availability

BC548BRL1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, microcontroller GPIO drivers, industrial sensor interfaces, and legacy logic-level translation requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BC548BRL1 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 BC548BRL1 belongs to onsemi's legacy BC546–BC548 family of general-purpose NPN transistors, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-volume linear amplification and switching applications where reliability, consistency, and wide temperature operation are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC548BRL1?

The BC548BRL1 has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of 30 V DC. This value is specified under test conditions of I_C = 1.0 mA and I_B = 0, and represents the absolute maximum voltage that can be applied between collector and emitter before breakdown occurs. Exceeding this rating risks permanent device damage.

Does BC548BRL1 have a Pb-free version?

Yes, the Pb-free variant of BC548BRL1 is designated BC548BRL1G and is fully RoHS-compliant. It shares identical electrical specifications, TO-92 packaging, and thermal characteristics with the standard BC548BRL1, differing only in lead finish composition per onsemi's Pb-free strategy documentation.

What is the h_FE range for BC548BRL1 at typical operating conditions?

The BC548BRL1 is binned to the "B" gain group, with h_FE ranging from 110 to 220 when measured at I_C = 2.0 mA and V_CE = 5.0 V. At I_C = 100 mA, h_FE drops to 110–290, reflecting the device's gain compression behavior under higher current loads.

Can BC548BRL1 be used in switching applications?

Yes, BC548BRL1 is routinely used in medium-speed switching applications such as LED drivers and relay controls. With V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.3 V at I_C/I_B = 10 and turn-on/turn-off times under 100 ns, it supports clean transitions up to ~100 kHz. Ensure base drive current is sized to achieve full saturation without exceeding I_B limits.

What package type and pin configuration does BC548BRL1 use?

BC548BRL1 uses the TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) through-hole package with three leads arranged as Collector (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), and Emitter (Pin 3) - confirmed by the official marking diagram and ordering table in the BC546/D datasheet. This pinout is consistent across all BC546–BC548 variants.

BC548BRL1 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 Long Body, Formed Leads

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 100 mA

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 30 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 250mV @ 500µA, 10mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 15nA

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 200 @ 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)

BC548BRL1 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC548BRL1 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC548BRL1 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 BC548BRL1 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC548BRL1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC548BRL1 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC548BRL1?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC548BRL1 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC548BRL1?

BC548BRL1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC548BRL1 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 BC548BRL1?

For technical support, including BC548BRL1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC548BRL1 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC548BRL1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC548BRL1 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 BC548BRL1 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC548BRL1?

All BC548BRL1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC548BRL1, 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 BC548BRL1 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC548BRL1:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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