onsemi BC558CRL1

Overview

BC558CRL1 from onsemi is a PNP silicon small-signal amplifier transistor in TO-92 package, rated for V_CEO = –30 V, I_C = –100 mA continuous, and h_FE = 170–500 at I_C = –2 mA, used in low-power linear amplification and switching stages of discrete analog circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC558CRL1 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its guaranteed DC current gain range (C-grade), thermal resistance (R_θJA = 200°C/W), saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) ≤ –0.65 V at I_C = –100 mA), and compatibility with standard through-hole PCB layouts using TO-92 footprint Style 17.

Technical Context

The BC558CRL1 operates as a general-purpose PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching in ambient temperatures from –55°C to +150°C. Its design supports stable h_FE performance across collector currents from –10 µA to –100 mA, with V_BE(on) = –0.55 to –0.82 V and f_T = 360 MHz at I_C = –10 mA.

It features low noise figure (NF = 2.0 dB at I_C = –0.2 mA), output capacitance C_ob = 3.0–6.0 pF, and thermal limits defined by R_θJC = 83.3°C/W and R_θJA = 200°C/W - enabling use in compact, non-heatsinked analog signal paths where junction temperature rise must remain within 150°C under pulsed or continuous bias.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC558CRL1 uses the TO-92 package (Case 29, Style 17), a standard 3-lead through-hole plastic package with 2.54 mm lead pitch, compatible with manual soldering and wave soldering processes. Dimensions conform to ANSI Y14.5M–1982, with body height ~4.5 mm and lead length ≥6.35 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP small-signal transistor applications.

Compared with BC558BRL1, BC558CRL1 delivers higher and more consistent current gain for precision biasing; compared with BC557CRL1, it trades off 15 V of collector-emitter rating for lower capacitance and optimized f_T, making it preferable in compact, medium-voltage audio and interface circuits.

Availability

BC558CRL1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, discrete logic level translators, and LED driver circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for BC558CRL1 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 sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The BC558CRL1 belongs to the BC556–BC558 family of general-purpose PNP transistors designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability discrete analog signal conditioning and switching in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC558CRL1?

The BC558CRL1 has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of –30 V DC. This value is specified under test conditions of I_C = –2.0 mA and I_B = 0, and represents the highest reverse-biased voltage the transistor can withstand in common-emitter configuration without breakdown. Exceeding this rating risks permanent device failure.

Does BC558CRL1 have a guaranteed DC current gain range, and what does "C-grade" mean?

Yes, BC558CRL1 is binned as a C-grade device with a guaranteed h_FE range of 170–500 at I_C = –2.0 mA and V_CE = –5.0 V. "C-grade" denotes the highest gain bin within the BC558 series, ensuring tighter distribution than A- or B-grade variants - critical for stable biasing in amplifier designs where gain variability affects operating point.

What is the thermal resistance of BC558CRL1, and how does it affect power handling?

The BC558CRL1 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 200°C/W. At ambient temperature (T_A = 25°C), this limits continuous power dissipation to 625 mW before reaching the maximum junction temperature of +150°C. In practice, derating is required above 25°C at 5.0 mW/°C, meaning usable power drops to ~425 mW at 65°C ambient.

Can BC558CRL1 be used in high-frequency amplifier circuits?

Yes, BC558CRL1 has a current-gain–bandwidth product (f_T) of 360 MHz at I_C = –10 mA and V_CE = –5.0 V, confirming usability in audio-frequency amplifiers and narrowband RF preamplifiers up to ~10–20 MHz. Its output capacitance (C_ob = 3.0–6.0 pF) and low noise figure (2.0 dB) further support stable, low-distortion gain in these applications.

Is BC558CRL1 pin-compatible with other BC55x series transistors in TO-92 packages?

Yes, BC558CRL1 uses TO-92 package Style 17 with standardized pinout: Pin 1 = Collector, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Emitter. This matches all BC556/557/558 variants (e.g., BC557CRL1, BC558BRL1), enabling direct substitution in existing layouts - provided voltage, current, and gain requirements are verified per variant datasheet specifications.