onsemi BC560CTAR

Overview

BC560CTAR from ON Semiconductor is a PNP epitaxial silicon transistor optimized for low-noise amplification and general-purpose switching in analog signal paths. It delivers h_FE = 420–800 at I_C = −2 mA, V_CE = −5 V; V_CEO = −45 V; V_BE(on) = −600 to −750 mV; f_T = 150 MHz; and NF = 1.2–2.0 dB (f = 1 kHz, R_G = 2 kΩ), making it suitable for audio preamplifiers and sensor interface stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC560CTAR datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified package mapping (TO-92), validated terminal roles, confirmed low-noise performance data, and two field-validated alternative parts with documented parameter divergence.

Technical Context

The BC560CTAR operates as a discrete PNP bipolar junction transistor with epitaxial base construction, enabling high current gain linearity and low 1/f noise. Its design targets linear amplification in low-current bias conditions (I_C = −200 μA to −10 mA) and stable DC switching up to −100 mA.

It belongs to the BC556–BC560 family, where the "C" suffix denotes the highest h_FE bin (420–800), and "TAR" indicates TO-92 packaging in tape-and-reel format. The device is complementary to BC546–BC550 NPN types and shares identical thermal characteristics (R_θJA = 250 °C/W) and absolute maximum ratings across the series.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC560CTAR is housed in a JEDEC TO-92 plastic package with straight leads and standard 3-terminal configuration: Collector (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Emitter (Pin 3). The package supports manual soldering and automated pick-and-place assembly with industry-standard land patterns.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC559CTA and MMBT3906LT1G, BC560CTAR uniquely combines −45 V breakdown, 1.2 dB noise figure, and TO-92 compatibility-making it irreplaceable in legacy audio designs requiring both headroom and fidelity.

Availability

BC560CTAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, sensor signal conditioners, and DC power switches requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for BC560CTAR 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in energy-efficient power and signal management solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud computing, and consumer electronics.

The BC560CTAR belongs to ON Semiconductor's legacy discrete transistor portfolio, designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability analog signal conditioning and switching in commercial-grade equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC560CTAR?

The BC560CTAR has a guaranteed V_CEO rating of −45 V at T_A = 25°C. This rating applies under DC conditions and must be derated linearly above 25°C ambient per the datasheet's thermal resistance curve. Exceeding −45 V risks irreversible junction breakdown, especially during transient events. Always verify operating margin against worst-case supply rails in BC560CTAR-based designs.

Does BC560CTAR support low-noise audio applications?

Yes, BC560CTAR 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, R_G = 2 kΩ). This performance is confirmed in the Fairchild/ON Semiconductor datasheet Rev. 1.7 and distinguishes BC560CTAR from earlier variants like BC557. For optimal results, use emitter degeneration and avoid high-impedance base bias networks in BC560CTAR audio stages.

What is the h_FE range for BC560CTAR, and how is it binned?

The BC560CTAR is the "C" grade variant, with h_FE guaranteed between 420 and 800 at V_CE = −5 V and I_C = −2 mA. This binning is verified per unit during final test and marked as "BC560C" on the device body. Unlike BC560A (110–220) or BC560B (200–450), the C grade ensures high-gain consistency critical for precision amplifier feedback loops using BC560CTAR.

Can BC560CTAR replace BC559CTA in an existing design?

BC560CTAR can replace BC559CTA only if the circuit operates below −30 V collector-emitter stress, since BC559CTA is rated for −30 V versus BC560CTAR's −45 V. Both share identical TO-92 packaging and pinout, but BC560CTAR offers superior noise performance (1.2–2.0 dB vs. 1.2–4.0 dB) and higher V_CEO. Verify thermal dissipation and bias stability when substituting BC560CTAR into BC559CTA layouts.

What packaging format does BC560CTAR use, and is it RoHS-compliant?

BC560CTAR uses TO-92 packaging in tape-and-reel format ("TAR"), with straight leads and JEDEC-compliant dimensions. Per ON Semiconductor's product change notices and material declarations, BC560CTAR is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, meeting EU Directive 2011/65/EU. The device carries no exemptions and is suitable for environmentally regulated commercial applications without additional compliance review for BC560CTAR itself.