onsemi BC560ABU

Overview

BC560ABU from onsemi is a PNP epitaxial silicon transistor designed for low-noise amplification and general-purpose switching in analog and digital circuits. It features V_CEO = −45 V, h_FE = 110–220 (Class A), f_T = 150 MHz, and V_BE(on) = −600 to −750 mV at I_C = −2 mA - enabling use in audio preamplifiers, sensor signal conditioning, and discrete logic interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the BC560ABU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its TO-92-3 (Case 135AN) package, low-noise performance (NF = 1.2–2.0 dB), complementary pairing with BC546–BC550 NPN devices, and RoHS-compliant Pb-free construction.

Technical Context

The BC560ABU operates as a medium-power PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its low-noise design targets audio-frequency stages, while its V_CEO = −45 V and I_C = −100 mA DC rating support robust operation in bias-stable amplifier topologies and relay drivers.

It belongs to the BC556–BC560 family sharing identical TO-92-3 packaging but differentiated by voltage ratings and noise performance: BC560 offers the lowest NF (1.2–2.0 dB) and highest h_FE range among Class C variants, while BC560ABU specifically denotes the Class A h_FE bin (110–220) in bulk-packed TO-92-3 (Case 135AN).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC560ABU uses the TO-92-3 package (Case 135AN), a through-hole plastic encapsulated device with 3.3 mm lead pitch, 4.825 × 4.76 mm body, and straight leads. Pin identification follows standard JEDEC orientation: flat side facing viewer, leads down, left-to-right = Collector–Base–Emitter.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC557BTA and BC558BTA, BC560ABU delivers the lowest noise (1.2–2.0 dB) and highest voltage rating among Class A variants, making it optimal for high-fidelity analog signal paths where SNR and supply margin are critical - though its lower h_FE range may require larger base resistors in current-limited drive scenarios.

Availability

BC560ABU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, sensor signal conditioning circuits, and industrial relay drivers requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for BC560ABU 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, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The BC560ABU belongs to onsemi's legacy general-purpose transistor product line, engineered for reliability and consistency in analog signal chains and discrete logic interfaces where cost, availability, and proven performance outweigh advanced integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC560ABU?

The BC560ABU has a guaranteed V_CEO rating of −45 V at T_A = 25°C. This rating applies under DC conditions and defines the maximum reverse voltage the transistor can withstand between collector and emitter with the base open. Exceeding this value risks avalanche breakdown and permanent damage. Derating is required above 25°C per the datasheet's thermal characteristics table.

Is BC560ABU suitable for low-noise audio applications?

Yes, BC560ABU is explicitly characterized for low-noise operation with a noise figure of 1.2–2.0 dB at 1 kHz, V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −200 µA, and R_G = 2 kΩ. This performance, combined with its 150 MHz f_T, makes BC560ABU well-suited for microphone preamplifiers, phono stages, and other high-SNR analog signal paths where discrete transistor topology is preferred.

What package type does BC560ABU use, and is it compatible with standard TO-92 footprints?

BC560ABU uses the TO-92-3 package (Case 135AN) with straight leads and a 4.825 × 4.76 mm body outline. It is mechanically and dimensionally compatible with industry-standard TO-92 footprints, including those used for BC546–BC550 NPN counterparts. The pinout (C-B-E, left-to-right with flat side facing) matches JEDEC TO-92 conventions.

How does BC560ABU differ from BC560CTA?

BC560ABU and BC560CTA share identical electrical specifications and TO-92-3 packaging, but differ in h_FE classification and packaging format: BC560ABU is Class A (h_FE = 110–220) in bulk box (10,000 units), while BC560CTA is Class C (h_FE = 420–800) in fan-fold tape (2,000 units). Both are Pb-free and RoHS-compliant, but h_FE binning affects bias point stability in linear designs.

Can BC560ABU be used as a direct replacement for BC557 or BC558 in existing designs?

BC560ABU can replace BC557 or BC558 in many circuits due to identical pinout, package, and V_CEO rating, but design validation is required: its lower noise and Class A h_FE range may alter bias points or gain in amplifier stages, and its −45 V V_CEO exceeds BC558's −30 V rating - offering improved margin but no functional penalty. Always verify thermal dissipation and saturation behavior in switching applications.