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

onsemi BC560

Name: BC560
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC560
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC560

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: BC560.pdf

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

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:3,049

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Product details

Overview

BC560 from onsemi is a PNP epitaxial silicon transistor optimized for low-noise audio and signal amplification applications, with V_CEO = −45 V, h_FE up to 800 (Class C), f_T = 150 MHz, and NF = 1.2–2.0 dB at 1 kHz. It operates as a general-purpose amplifier or switching device in bias-stable, low-distortion analog stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC560 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its low-noise performance at IC = −200 µA, TO-92 package thermal resistance (R_JA = 250 °C/W), complementary pairing with BC546–BC550 NPN series, and RoHS-compliant Pb-free construction.

Technical Context

The BC560 is a discrete PNP bipolar junction transistor designed for linear amplification and low-noise small-signal operation. Its electrical behavior is defined by h_FE classification (A/B/C), V_CE(sat) ≤ −300 mV at IC = −10 mA/IB = −0.5 mA, and Cob = 6 pF at V_CB = −10 V.

No internal protection diodes or integrated bias networks are present; it requires external base current limiting and emitter degeneration for stable DC biasing. Thermal derating is 4.0 mW/°C above 25°C, consistent with its 500 mW maximum power dissipation in TO-92 packages.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−45 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; sets safe operating range for audio preamp rails up to ±22 V.
h_FE (Typ)	800 (Class C) - High DC current gain enables high-input-impedance common-emitter stages with minimal base drive current.
f_T	150 MHz - Unity-gain bandwidth supports wideband amplification up to ~10 MHz with stable gain margin.
NF	1.2–2.0 dB @ 1 kHz - Low noise figure critical for microphone preamps and sensor front-ends where SNR preservation is essential.
P_D	500 mW - Total device dissipation limits continuous output power in Class-A stages; requires heatsinking above ~150 mW ambient.
C_ob	6 pF - Output capacitance affects high-frequency roll-off and stability in tuned circuits; impacts Miller effect in CE configurations.

Pinout & Package

BC560 is housed in a TO-92-3 plastic package (Case 135AR or 135AN), with standardized leadform: Collector (lead 1), Base (lead 2), Emitter (lead 3). Pinout is identical across BC556–BC560 family variants.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Collector)	Current sink node	Connected to negative supply rail in PNP common-emitter amplifiers; carries full load current and defines voltage headroom.
2 (Base)	Control input	Receives reverse-biased current to turn on device; requires current-limiting resistor to prevent overdrive and thermal runaway.
3 (Emitter)	Current source node	Typically tied to ground or positive rail; provides reference point for bias network and determines emitter degeneration stability.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-noise operation	NF = 1.2–2.0 dB at 1 kHz enables high-fidelity audio preamplification without added noise floor degradation.
High h_FE classification	Class C (h_FE = 420–800) reduces required base drive and improves input impedance in voltage-amplifier topologies.
Complementary NPN pairing	Designed as direct complement to BC546–BC550 series, enabling matched push-pull or differential pair implementation.
Pb-free & RoHS compliant	Meets global environmental regulations; eliminates lead contamination risk in reflow soldering and end-of-life recycling.

Applications

Microphone Preamp Stage	Instrumentation Signal Conditioning
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak AC-coupled signals from electret condenser microphones in portable recorders. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP small-signal amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration. Use Value: 1.2 dB noise figure preserves SNR of sub-10 mV signals; −45 V V_CEO accommodates dual-rail ±12 V supplies.	Use Scenario: Buffering and gain-setting for thermocouple or strain gauge outputs in industrial data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift DC-coupled amplifier stage with precision bias network. Use Value: h_FE ≥ 420 ensures stable quiescent current under temperature variation; TO-92 package allows dense layout in compact sensor modules.
Audio Tone Control Circuit	Discrete Op-Amp Input Pair
Use Scenario: Implementing active bass/treble equalization in analog mixer channel strips. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gain-setting transistor in feedback-controlled Baxandall topology. Use Value: f_T = 150 MHz ensures flat response through 20 kHz; low Cob minimizes phase shift in frequency-selective networks.	Use Scenario: Building discrete-input differential pairs for custom op-amps in high-reliability test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Matched PNP input transistor in long-tailed pair configuration. Use Value: Complementarity with BC546–BC550 enables matched V_BE and h_FE tracking across temperature for <10 µV offset drift.

Microphone Preamp Stage

Instrumentation Signal Conditioning

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak AC-coupled signals from electret condenser microphones in portable recorders.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP small-signal amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration.

Use Value: 1.2 dB noise figure preserves SNR of sub-10 mV signals; −45 V V_CEO accommodates dual-rail ±12 V supplies.

Use Scenario: Buffering and gain-setting for thermocouple or strain gauge outputs in industrial data loggers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift DC-coupled amplifier stage with precision bias network.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 420 ensures stable quiescent current under temperature variation; TO-92 package allows dense layout in compact sensor modules.

Audio Tone Control Circuit

Discrete Op-Amp Input Pair

Use Scenario: Implementing active bass/treble equalization in analog mixer channel strips.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gain-setting transistor in feedback-controlled Baxandall topology.

Use Value: f_T = 150 MHz ensures flat response through 20 kHz; low Cob minimizes phase shift in frequency-selective networks.

Use Scenario: Building discrete-input differential pairs for custom op-amps in high-reliability test equipment.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Matched PNP input transistor in long-tailed pair configuration.

Use Value: Complementarity with BC546–BC550 enables matched V_BE and h_FE tracking across temperature for <10 µV offset drift.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP low-noise amplification applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC559C	Same V_CEO (−45 V), identical NF (1.2–4.0 dB), but h_FE max = 450 vs. BC560's 800; lower f_T not specified.	Suitable for medium-gain preamps where bandwidth >10 MHz is not required; less suitable for wideband instrumentation.	Select BC559C when cost sensitivity outweighs need for highest h_FE or guaranteed f_T.
2N3906	V_CEO = −40 V (5 V lower), h_FE = 100–300 (lower range), NF = 5 dB (higher noise), Cob = 4.5 pF.	Better for general-purpose switching; marginal for low-noise audio due to higher noise and reduced voltage margin.	Choose 2N3906 only if legacy design compatibility or wider distributor availability is prioritized over noise and gain.

Compared with BC559C and 2N3906, the BC560 delivers superior noise performance and highest h_FE, making it optimal for high-fidelity analog signal chains where gain stability and SNR are critical-without requiring PCB redesign or footprint change.

Availability

BC560 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, sensor signal conditioning, discrete op-amp designs, and industrial instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BC560 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 management, analog, and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The BC560 belongs to onsemi's legacy BC5xx PNP/NPN transistor family, engineered for reliability and consistency in analog signal path applications where discrete transistor performance remains critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC560?

The BC560 has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of −45 V. This value is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the official onsemi datasheet (Rev. 3, June 2024). Exceeding this voltage risks avalanche breakdown and permanent damage to the BC560. Designers should maintain at least 20% derating margin for reliability in variable-temperature environments.

Is BC560 suitable for low-noise audio amplification?

Yes, the BC560 is explicitly designated as a low-noise transistor in the onsemi datasheet, with a noise figure (NF) of 1.2–2.0 dB at 1 kHz, IC = −200 µA, and RG = 2 kΩ. This makes the BC560 well-suited for microphone preamplifiers, phono stages, and other sensitive analog front-ends where preserving signal-to-noise ratio is essential. Its performance is validated under standard test conditions documented for the BC560 specifically.

What package type does BC560 use, and are there lead-form variants?

The BC560 is offered exclusively in the TO-92-3 plastic package, available in two mechanical variants: Case 135AR (lead-formed) and Case 135AN (straight-lead). Both share identical pinout (Collector–Base–Emitter on leads 1–2–3) and thermal characteristics (R_JA = 250 °C/W). The BC560CTA ordering code corresponds to the Case 135AR variant in fan-fold packaging.

How does BC560 compare to BC559 in terms of DC current gain?

The BC560 offers higher DC current gain than the BC559: BC560 Class C specifies h_FE = 420–800, while BC559 Class C is limited to h_FE = 420–450. This difference is documented in the h_FE Classification table of the onsemi datasheet. For designs requiring maximum gain stability or minimal base drive, the BC560 provides measurable advantage over BC559 without changing circuit topology or layout.

Does BC560 have RoHS and halogen-free compliance?

Yes, the BC560 is Pb-free, halogen-free/BFR-free, and fully RoHS compliant, as stated in the Features section of the official onsemi datasheet. This compliance applies to all currently shipped BC560 variants (e.g., BC560CTA), ensuring adherence to EU Directive 2011/65/EU and related environmental standards for commercial and industrial electronics manufacturing.

BC560 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

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

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: PNP

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

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

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 650mV @ 5mA, 100mA

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

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 110 @ 2mA, 5V

Power - Max:: 500 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 150MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

BC560 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC560 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC560 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 BC560 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC560 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC560 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC560?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC560 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC560?

BC560 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC560 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 BC560?

For technical support, including BC560 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC560 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC560 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC560 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 BC560 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC560?

All BC560 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC560, 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 BC560 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC560:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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