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

NXP Semiconductors BC550C,116

Name: BC550C,116
Brand: NXP Semiconductors
SKU: BC550C,116
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC550C,116

Manufacturer:: NXP Semiconductors

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Datasheet:: BC550C,116.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 45V 0.1A TO-92-3

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Product details

Overview

BC550C,116 from NXP Semiconductors is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in TO-92 (SOT54) package, rated for V_CEO = 45 V, I_C = 100 mA, and h_FE = 420–800 at I_C = 2 mA. It delivers low-noise amplification in audio preamplifier stages and serves as a linear switch in low-power signal conditioning circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC550C,116 datasheet, BC550C,116 pinout, BC550C,116 application, or BC550C,116 equivalent, key selection criteria include DC current gain consistency across bias points, low V_CEsat at 10 mA/0.5 mA drive, thermal resistance of 250 K/W on FR4, and verified noise figure ≤4 dB in 10 Hz–15.7 kHz bandwidth with 2 kΩ source impedance.

Technical Context

The BC550C,116 operates as a silicon NPN BJT with epitaxial planar technology, optimized for low-noise analog amplification rather than high-speed switching. Its h_FE variation is tightly controlled across I_C = 10 μA to 100 mA, and V_BE exhibits predictable temperature coefficient (−2 mV/K).

It features low collector capacitance (C_c = 1.5 pF) and emitter capacitance (C_e = 11 pF), supporting stable small-signal gain up to f_T = 100 MHz. The device is not rated for automotive or industrial temperature extremes beyond T_j = 150 °C and requires derating above T_amb = 25 °C per R_th(j-a) = 250 K/W.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines usable supply headroom in linear amplifier designs.
I_C (DC)	100 mA - Continuous collector current limit; sets upper bound for quiescent bias and output swing capability.
h_FE	420–800 @ I_C = 2 mA - High and consistent DC current gain enables stable biasing with minimal base drive sensitivity.
V_CEsat	90–250 mV @ I_C = 10 mA, I_B = 0.5 mA - Low saturation voltage ensures minimal power loss and voltage drop in switching applications.
F (Noise Figure)	≤4 dB @ 200 μA, 2 kΩ, 10 Hz–15.7 kHz - Confirmed low-noise performance suitable for microphone preamps and audio line drivers.
f_T	100 MHz - Transition frequency supports stable small-signal amplification well into HF band without unintended oscillation.
R_th(j-a)	250 K/W - Thermal resistance on FR4 PCB; determines required heatsinking or ambient derating for continuous operation.

Pinout & Package

BC550C,116 is housed in a plastic single-ended leaded (through-hole) TO-92 package, also designated SOT54 or SC-43A, with 3 leads and standard 2.54 mm lead pitch.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Emitter	Current sink terminal; connects to ground or low-impedance return path in common-emitter configurations.
2	Base	Control input; requires current-limited drive (e.g., via series resistor) to avoid exceeding I_BM = 200 mA peak.
3	Collector	Current source terminal; connects to load and supply rail; must remain within V_CEO = 45 V and P_tot = 500 mW limits.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-noise amplification	Verified noise figure ≤4 dB in audio band with 2 kΩ source, enabling clean signal gain in sensitive front-end stages.
High h_FE consistency	Typical h_FE range 420–800 at I_C = 2 mA ensures predictable bias point stability across production lots.
Low V_CEsat	90–250 mV at I_C = 10 mA / I_B = 0.5 mA reduces conduction loss and improves efficiency in linear switching roles.
Controlled capacitance profile	C_c = 1.5 pF and C_e = 11 pF minimize Miller effect and support stable high-frequency small-signal response.

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage	Signal Level Shifter
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from electret microphones or magnetic pickups before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN BJT configured in common-emitter topology for voltage gain with low added noise. Use Value: ≤4 dB noise figure and h_FE ≥420 ensure high SNR and stable gain without external feedback complexity.	Use Scenario: Translating logic-level signals between 3.3 V and 5 V domains in mixed-voltage analog-digital interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete level translator using saturated switching mode with defined V_CEsat and fast turn-off. Use Value: V_CEsat ≤250 mV at 10 mA ensures reliable low-state voltage margin below 0.4 V for TTL/CMOS compatibility.
Low-Power Oscillator Core	Current Mirror Reference
Use Scenario: Building RC-based relaxation oscillators or phase-shift networks in timing generators under 100 kHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active gain element in feedback loop with predictable f_T = 100 MHz and low parasitic capacitance. Use Value: C_c = 1.5 pF and C_e = 11 pF reduce frequency drift and improve waveform purity vs. higher-capacitance transistors.	Use Scenario: Implementing matched current sources in analog sensor conditioning ICs or precision reference circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired NPN transistor in current mirror configuration leveraging tight h_FE distribution. Use Value: h_FE min/max spread (420–800) allows accurate 1:1 mirroring when devices are thermally coupled and from same batch.

Audio Preamp Stage

Signal Level Shifter

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from electret microphones or magnetic pickups before ADC sampling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN BJT configured in common-emitter topology for voltage gain with low added noise.

Use Value: ≤4 dB noise figure and h_FE ≥420 ensure high SNR and stable gain without external feedback complexity.

Use Scenario: Translating logic-level signals between 3.3 V and 5 V domains in mixed-voltage analog-digital interfaces.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete level translator using saturated switching mode with defined V_CEsat and fast turn-off.

Use Value: V_CEsat ≤250 mV at 10 mA ensures reliable low-state voltage margin below 0.4 V for TTL/CMOS compatibility.

Low-Power Oscillator Core

Current Mirror Reference

Use Scenario: Building RC-based relaxation oscillators or phase-shift networks in timing generators under 100 kHz.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active gain element in feedback loop with predictable f_T = 100 MHz and low parasitic capacitance.

Use Value: C_c = 1.5 pF and C_e = 11 pF reduce frequency drift and improve waveform purity vs. higher-capacitance transistors.

Use Scenario: Implementing matched current sources in analog sensor conditioning ICs or precision reference circuits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Paired NPN transistor in current mirror configuration leveraging tight h_FE distribution.

Use Value: h_FE min/max spread (420–800) allows accurate 1:1 mirroring when devices are thermally coupled and from same batch.

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
BC549C,116	V_CEO = 30 V (vs. 45 V); identical h_FE, V_CEsat, and noise performance.	Not suitable where supply rails exceed 30 V; otherwise interchangeable in low-voltage audio and switching roles.	Select BC549C,116 only if V_CEO margin is sufficient and cost is prioritized over voltage headroom.
2N3904,116	V_CEO = 40 V; h_FE = 100–300 @ I_C = 10 mA; higher V_CEsat (300 mV typical) and noise figure (5 dB).	Acceptable for non-critical switching but less optimal for low-noise audio due to wider h_FE spread and higher F.	Choose 2N3904,116 only when legacy design compatibility or broad distributor availability outweighs gain consistency and noise requirements.

Compared with BC549C,116 and 2N3904,116, the BC550C,116 provides superior voltage margin (45 V), tighter h_FE distribution, and lower noise-making it the preferred choice for 30–45 V audio preamps and precision current mirrors where parameter stability is critical.

Availability

BC550C,116 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, discrete level shifters, low-power oscillator cores, and current mirror references requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BC550C,116 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions, automotive radar, and high-reliability analog components.

The BC550C,116 belongs to NXP's legacy general-purpose transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-noise analog signal conditioning in consumer audio, instrumentation, and industrial control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC550C,116?

The BC550C,116 has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of 45 V with the base open. This value is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the official NXP product data sheet dated 2004 Oct 11. Exceeding this voltage risks permanent breakdown, and design margins should account for transients and ripple. The BC550C,116 is not rated for repetitive avalanche or breakdown operation.

Does BC550C,116 support low-noise audio applications?

Yes, BC550C,116 is explicitly characterized for low-noise audio use: its noise figure is ≤4 dB at 200 μA, 2 kΩ source, and 10 Hz–15.7 kHz bandwidth. This specification appears in the Characteristics section of the NXP datasheet. The BC550C,116 achieves this performance through optimized epitaxial base design and low 1/f noise contribution, making it suitable for microphone preamplifiers and line-level buffers where SNR is critical.

What package type is used for BC550C,116?

The BC550C,116 is supplied in a TO-92 plastic package, also designated SOT54 or SC-43A. This is a through-hole, single-ended leaded package with three leads spaced at 2.54 mm pitch. The mechanical dimensions-including body height (L ≈ 14.5 mm), lead length (L1 ≤ 2.5 mm), and lead thickness (b ≈ 0.48 mm)-are fully documented in the NXP package outline drawing (issue date 2004-11-16). No surface-mount variant exists for BC550C,116.

How does the DC current gain (h_FE) of BC550C,116 vary with collector current?

The BC550C,116 exhibits h_FE = 420–800 at I_C = 2 mA and h_FE = 270 (minimum) at I_C = 10 μA, per the NXP datasheet Characteristics table. Gain decreases at very low currents (<100 μA) and begins rolling off above 10 mA. Fig.2 confirms this trend across 10 μA–100 mA. Designers should select bias points within the 2–10 mA range to maintain predictable h_FE for stable amplifier or switch operation.

Is BC550C,116 pin-compatible with BC549C,116?

Yes, BC550C,116 and BC549C,116 share identical TO-92 (SOT54) packaging, pin assignment (emitter-base-collector on pins 1–2–3), and mechanical footprint. Both comply with the same pinning diagram (Fig.1) and package outline (SC-43A). However, they differ electrically: BC550C,116 has V_CEO = 45 V versus 30 V for BC549C,116. So while PCB layout is identical, system voltage requirements determine interchangeability.

BC550C,116 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: NXP Semiconductors

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN

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

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 45 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 600mV @ 5mA, 100mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 15nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 420 @ 2mA, 5V

Power - Max:: 500 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 100MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

BC550C,116 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC550C,116 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC550C,116 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 BC550C,116 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC550C,116 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC550C,116 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC550C,116?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC550C,116 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC550C,116?

BC550C,116 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC550C,116 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 BC550C,116?

For technical support, including BC550C,116 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC550C,116 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC550C,116 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC550C,116 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 BC550C,116 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC550C,116?

All BC550C,116 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC550C,116, 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 BC550C,116 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC550C,116:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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