onsemi BC63916

Overview

BC63916 from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN epitaxial silicon transistor designed for medium-power switching and linear amplification, with V_CEO = 80 V, I_C = 1 A, P_C = 1 W, and f_T = 100 MHz. It operates across –55 °C to +150 °C and is commonly used in relay drivers, power supply control stages, and audio preamplifier circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC63916 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its TO-92 package, three-terminal configuration (Emitter–Collector–Base), DC current gain range (25–250), saturation voltage at 500 mA/50 mA drive, and safe operating area defined by V_CER = 100 V and thermal limits.

Technical Context

The BC63916 employs a planar epitaxial base structure optimized for fast switching and stable DC gain across collector currents from 5 mA to 500 mA. Its breakdown ratings-BVCBO = 100 V, BVCEO = 80 V, BVEBO = 5.0 V-define robust voltage isolation between terminals under open-base and open-emitter conditions.

With hFE groups spanning 25–250 depending on bias point and IC level, the BC63916 supports both low-current signal amplification and higher-current switching without external gain stabilization. Its fT = 100 MHz at 5 V VCE and 10 mA IC confirms usable RF capability up to ~30 MHz in common-emitter configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC63916 is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with straight leads (package code 97/98), lead-formed for through-hole mounting. Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Base - verified per Fairchild Rev. A datasheet diagram and mechanical drawing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC337-40 and MPSA42, the BC63916 uniquely balances 80 V blocking, 1 A current, and 100 MHz fT in TO-92 - making it optimal for mid-range industrial switching where both voltage headroom and power handling matter.

Availability

BC63916 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver circuits, DC-DC converter control stages, audio preamplifiers, and industrial 4–20 mA interface modules requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BC63916 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of analog and discrete semiconductors, acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016. Known for rugged, cost-effective bipolar and MOSFET products.

The BC63916 belongs to Fairchild's general-purpose NPN transistor family, engineered for reliability in industrial control, power management, and signal conditioning applications where TO-92 form factor and balanced voltage/current specs are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC63916?

The BC63916 has a maximum collector-emitter voltage rating of V_CEO = 80 V with base open, and V_CER = 100 V when R_BE = 1 kΩ is applied. These values define safe off-state voltage limits in switching applications and must be respected to avoid avalanche breakdown or permanent damage to the BC63916.

Does BC63916 have a specified current gain (hFE) range, and how does it vary?

Yes, the BC63916 specifies three hFE groups: min 25 at IC = 5 mA, min 100 at IC = 150 mA, and min 25 at IC = 500 mA - all tested at V_CE = 2 V. This variation reflects typical bipolar transistor behavior and means designers must verify gain at their actual operating point rather than assuming a fixed value across the BC63916's full current range.

What is the saturation voltage of BC63916, and under what conditions is it measured?

The BC63916 exhibits V_CE(sat) = 0.5 V maximum when operated at IC = 500 mA and IB = 50 mA, per the January 2003 Fairchild datasheet. This low saturation voltage reduces power loss during conduction and confirms suitability for medium-current switching applications where efficiency matters - a key characteristic distinguishing the BC63916 from lower-performance general-purpose transistors.

Is BC63916 suitable for RF amplification, and what is its frequency limit?

The BC63916 has a current-gain bandwidth product (f_T) of 100 MHz, measured at V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 10 mA, and f = 50 MHz. While not optimized for VHF/UHF, this f_T supports stable small-signal amplification up to ~30 MHz in properly biased common-emitter configurations - making the BC63916 viable for IF stages, low-speed data line drivers, and harmonically rich switching edge shaping, but not for FM broadcast or cellular front-ends.

What package type and pin configuration does BC63916 use?

The BC63916 uses a TO-92 plastic package with standardized lead formation (package codes 97 or 98). Its pinout is fixed: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Base - confirmed in the official Fairchild Rev. A datasheet mechanical drawing and widely adopted in PCB footprints for BC-series transistors. No alternate pinouts or package variants exist for the BC63916.