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

onsemi BC548C

Name: BC548C
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC548C
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC548C

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: BC548C.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 30V 0.1A TO92

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

BC548C from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for 30 V_CEO, 100 mA continuous collector current, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 110–520 at I_C = 10 mA / V_CE = 5 V - widely used in low-power linear amplification and switching circuits in consumer electronics and industrial control interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the BC548C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior, TO-92 terminal mapping, real-world use cases, and two validated alternative transistors with documented performance differences.

Technical Context

The BC548C operates as a discrete bipolar junction transistor optimized for medium-gain, low-noise amplification and saturated switching. Its h_FE range (110–520) supports bias stability across production lots, while f_T = 150–300 MHz enables audio-frequency and low-speed digital signal handling.

Thermal resistance R_JA = 200 °C/W and R_JC = 83.3 °C/W define its power dissipation limits under ambient and case-cooled conditions. The device meets JEDEC TO-92 mechanical standards (Case 29, Style 17), with collector-base breakdown voltage V_(BR)CBO = 30 V and emitter-base breakdown V_(BR)EBO = 6.0 V.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	30 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before avalanche breakdown; sets upper rail limit in common-emitter amplifier stages.
I_C (continuous)	100 mA - maximum DC collector current without thermal runaway; defines load-driving capability in relay drivers or LED switches.
h_FE @ I_C=10 mA	110–520 - wide DC current gain band enabling flexible bias design; higher end supports low-base-drive applications.
f_T	150–300 MHz - unity-gain frequency confirming suitability for audio preamps and <10 MHz digital signal conditioning.
V_CE(sat) @ I_C/I_B=10	0.09–0.6 V - low saturation voltage ensures <5% power loss in switching mode; critical for efficient low-voltage logic interfacing.
R_JA	200 °C/W - thermal resistance limiting power handling to ~312 mW at 25°C ambient; requires heatsinking above 150 mW continuous operation.

Pinout & Package

BC548C uses the standard TO-92 (Case 29, Style 17) plastic package with 3 leads: Collector (pin 1), Base (pin 2), Emitter (pin 3), as marked on the device body and confirmed in ON Semiconductor's BC546/D datasheet Figure 1 and page 6.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Collector	Main current output terminal; connects to load or supply rail in common-emitter configuration; handles full I_C and V_CEO stress.
2	Base	Control input; requires precise current limiting (e.g., via series resistor) to achieve target h_FE-dependent I_C and avoid thermal runaway.
3	Emitter	Current return path; often tied to ground or negative rail; provides reference for V_BE(on) ≈ 0.55–0.77 V at operating points.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Pb-free TO-92 packaging	Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; compatible with lead-free reflow profiles per J-STD-020.
Low noise figure	NF = 2.0 dB @ I_C = 0.2 mA, enabling high-SNR preamplifier stages in sensor signal chains.
Wide h_FE distribution	Guaranteed 110–520 range allows binning for precision analog designs or relaxed tolerance in digital switching.
High V_(BR)EBO	6.0 V rating protects base-emitter junction during reverse-biased transient events in level-shifting circuits.

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage	Microcontroller GPIO Driver
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from electret microphones or piezoelectric sensors before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration for linearity. Use Value: h_FE ≥ 110 and NF = 2.0 dB ensure >60 dB SNR at 1 kHz; V_CEO = 30 V accommodates 5–12 V supply rails.	Use Scenario: Driving LEDs, small relays, or MOSFET gates from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch with base current controlled by MCU GPIO pin through current-limiting resistor. Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C/I_B = 10 minimizes power loss; I_C = 100 mA supports typical indicator loads.
DC Power Supply Error Amplifier	Industrial Sensor Interface
Use Scenario: Implementing error correction in linear voltage regulators or current-source feedback loops. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transistor in Darlington or emitter-follower configuration to boost loop gain and drive compensation networks. Use Value: f_T ≥ 150 MHz ensures phase margin >45° up to 100 kHz; R_JC = 83.3 °C/W allows stable operation under 500 mW dissipation with heatsink.	Use Scenario: Conditioning analog outputs from temperature, pressure, or proximity sensors before transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise buffer stage isolating sensor element from cable capacitance and load variations. Use Value: C_ibo = 10 pF and C_obo = 1.7–4.5 pF minimize high-frequency loading; V_(BR)EBO = 6.0 V withstands ESD transients per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 2.

Audio Preamp Stage

Microcontroller GPIO Driver

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

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration for linearity.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 110 and NF = 2.0 dB ensure >60 dB SNR at 1 kHz; V_CEO = 30 V accommodates 5–12 V supply rails.

Use Scenario: Driving LEDs, small relays, or MOSFET gates from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch with base current controlled by MCU GPIO pin through current-limiting resistor.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at I_C/I_B = 10 minimizes power loss; I_C = 100 mA supports typical indicator loads.

DC Power Supply Error Amplifier

Industrial Sensor Interface

Use Scenario: Implementing error correction in linear voltage regulators or current-source feedback loops.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transistor in Darlington or emitter-follower configuration to boost loop gain and drive compensation networks.

Use Value: f_T ≥ 150 MHz ensures phase margin >45° up to 100 kHz; R_JC = 83.3 °C/W allows stable operation under 500 mW dissipation with heatsink.

Use Scenario: Conditioning analog outputs from temperature, pressure, or proximity sensors before transmission.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise buffer stage isolating sensor element from cable capacitance and load variations.

Use Value: C_ibo = 10 pF and C_obo = 1.7–4.5 pF minimize high-frequency loading; V_(BR)EBO = 6.0 V withstands ESD transients per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 2.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose amplifier applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC547C	V_CEO = 45 V (vs. 30 V); h_FE = 110–800 at same test conditions; identical TO-92 package and pinout.	Supports higher-supply circuits (e.g., 24 V industrial IO) but may exhibit higher leakage at elevated temperatures.	Select BC547C when V_CEO margin >15 V is required; verify thermal derating at T_A > 85°C due to identical R_JA.
2N3904	V_CEO = 40 V; h_FE = 100–300 @ I_C = 10 mA; f_T = 300 MHz; same TO-92 footprint but different internal doping profile.	Better high-frequency response but narrower h_FE range; lower V_(BR)EBO = 6.0 V (same) but higher C_obo = 4.5 pF.	Choose 2N3904 for RF-coupled preamps >10 MHz; avoid in high-gain DC-coupled sensors where BC548C's wider h_FE improves offset stability.

Compared with BC547C and 2N3904, the BC548C offers the lowest V_CEO but widest h_FE range (110–520), making it optimal for cost-sensitive, low-voltage (<12 V) linear amplification where gain consistency across temperature matters more than raw bandwidth.

Availability

BC548C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio signal conditioning, microcontroller peripheral driving, and industrial sensor interface applications requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for BC548C 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 manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, and discrete devices for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The BC548C belongs to onsemi's legacy BC546–BC548 family of general-purpose NPN transistors, designed for broad adoption in cost-sensitive, high-volume linear and switching applications where reliability and parametric consistency are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC548C?

The BC548C has a guaranteed V_CEO rating of 30 Vdc, meaning it can safely sustain up to 30 volts between collector and emitter with base open. Exceeding this value risks avalanche breakdown and permanent damage. This rating is confirmed in the "Maximum Ratings" table on page 1 of the BC546/D datasheet, and applies specifically to the BC548C variant.

Does BC548C have a Pb-free option, and how is it identified?

Yes, BC548C is available in Pb-free packaging, designated by the suffix "G" (e.g., BC548CG or BC548CZL1G). Per the "Device Ordering Information" table on page 5 of the BC546/D datasheet, all "G"-suffixed variants comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and use matte tin lead finishes compatible with lead-free soldering processes.

What is the DC current gain (h_FE) range for BC548C at I_C = 10 mA and V_CE = 5 V?

The BC548C exhibits h_FE = 110 to 520 under those conditions, as specified in the "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table on page 2 of the BC546/D datasheet. This wide range reflects manufacturing binning - BC548C is the highest-gain grade among BC548 variants, distinct from BC548B (h_FE = 110–270).

Can BC548C be used in switching applications, and what is its typical V_CE(sat)?

Yes, BC548C is commonly used in saturated switching. Its V_CE(sat) is 0.09 V (max) at I_C = 10 mA and I_B = 0.5 mA, and 0.6 V (max) at I_C = 100 mA and I_B = 5.0 mA, per the "ON CHARACTERISTICS" section on page 2. These values confirm low conduction loss in digital output stages.

Is BC548C pin-compatible with BC547C and BC546B?

Yes - BC548C shares identical TO-92 package dimensions, pin numbering (Collector–Base–Emitter, pins 1–2–3), and mechanical layout with BC547C and BC546B, as shown in the "MARKING DIAGRAM" and "PACKAGE DIMENSIONS" sections (pages 1 and 6) of the BC546/D datasheet. Electrical differences (V_CEO, h_FE) require circuit validation, but PCB layout remains unchanged.

BC548C 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):: 30 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)

BC548C FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC548C through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC548C 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 BC548C reliable?

The price and inventory of BC548C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC548C is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC548C?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC548C transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC548C?

BC548C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC548C 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 BC548C?

For technical support, including BC548C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC548C requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC548C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC548C 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 BC548C meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC548C?

All BC548C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC548C, 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 BC548C part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC548C:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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