STMicroelectronics BCY59IX
- Part No.:
- BCY59IX
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-206AA, TO-18-3 Metal Can
- Datasheet:
-
BCY59IX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.2A TO-18
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,423
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Product details
Overview
BCY59IX from STMicroelectronics is a silicon planar epitaxial NPN small-signal transistor in TO-18 metal package, designed for low-noise audio input stages, driver stages, and preamplifier circuits. It features VCEO = 45 V, IC = 200 mA, hFE up to 630 (Gr. X, IC = 100 mA), fT = 200 MHz, and NF = 2–6 dB at 1 kHz.
For engineers reviewing the BCY59IX datasheet, BCY59IX pinout, BCY59IX application, or BCY59IX equivalent, key selection criteria include low-noise performance at 0.2 mA, high fT for RF/audio amplification, TO-18 thermal robustness (Rthj-case = 150 °C/W), and verified complementary pairing with BCY79IX for push-pull designs.
Technical Context
The BCY59IX operates as a general-purpose NPN amplifier with DC current gain graded across three groups (VIII–X) to support precision biasing in low-noise analog signal chains. Its fT of 200 MHz enables stable operation up to VHF band, while low CCBO (3.5–6 pF) and CEBO (11–15 pF) minimize parasitic coupling in high-impedance nodes.
Thermal design is enabled by its metal TO-18 case: Rthj-case = 150 °C/W and Rthj-amb = 384.6 °C/W allow reliable 390 mW dissipation at Tamb ≤ 25 °C. Junction temperature rating of 175 °C supports industrial ambient operation when mounted on heatsinks or chassis.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines headroom for audio stage supply rails. |
| IC | 200 mA - Continuous collector current limit; supports medium-drive line-level and preamp output stages. |
| fT | 200 MHz - Transition frequency at IC = 10 mA, VCE = 5 V; enables wideband audio and low-VHF amplification. |
| NF | 2–6 dB @ 1 kHz, 0.2 mA - Noise figure range across gain grades; critical for microphone preamp and phono input sensitivity. |
| hFE | 260–630 - DC current gain at IC = 100 mA, VCE = 1 V; determines bias stability and emitter degeneration requirements. |
| Rthj-case | 150 °C/W - Junction-to-case thermal resistance; enables direct mounting to metal chassis for passive cooling. |
| VCE(sat) | 0.12–0.7 V - Saturation voltage at IC = 10–100 mA; impacts power loss and voltage headroom in switching/driver roles. |
Pinout & Package
BCY59IX uses the standard TO-18 metal can package with three terminals: emitter (case), base (center lead), and collector (outer lead). The metal case serves as the emitter terminal and provides mechanical rigidity and thermal conduction path.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Case (Metal Can) | Emitter | Electrically connected to emitter; must be isolated from PCB ground unless circuit topology requires common-emitter chassis reference. |
| Center Lead | Base | Control electrode; requires current-limited drive due to hFE-dependent base current (e.g., ~0.16 mA at IC = 10 mA, hFE = 63). |
| Outer Lead | Collector | Output node; carries full load current and dissipates majority of power; routed away from sensitive analog traces to avoid coupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-noise operation | NF = 2 dB min at 1 kHz enables high-fidelity microphone preamplifiers without added noise floor degradation. |
| High fT bandwidth | 200 MHz transition frequency supports stable gain up to 30 MHz with proper neutralization, suitable for IF amplifiers. |
| TO-18 metal package | Provides EMI shielding, superior thermal conduction vs. plastic packages, and mechanical durability in vibration-prone environments. |
| Gain grading (Gr. VIII–X) | Three hFE bins enable matched-pair selection for differential stages and consistent bias point setting across production batches. |
| Complementary PNP pair | BCY79IX offers matched VCEO, IC, and thermal specs for Class-A/B push-pull output stages with minimal crossover distortion. |
Applications
| Audio Preamp Input Stage | RF Driver Amplifier |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Low-level signal amplification from dynamic microphones or magnetic phono cartridges requiring minimal added noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN transconductance amplifier with emitter degeneration for linear gain control and DC bias stability. Use Value: 2 dB NF at 0.2 mA ensures >90 dB SNR in 50 kΩ source impedance applications, preserving signal integrity before op-amp stages. | Use Scenario: Final gain stage in 27–50 MHz CB radio transmitter modules driving 50 Ω antenna loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Class-C tuned RF amplifier with parallel LC collector tank and base bias network. Use Value: 200 MHz fT and low CCBO (≤6 pF) enable >15 dB gain at 40 MHz with <1% harmonic distortion at 100 mW output. |
| Instrumentation Signal Buffer | Industrial Sensor Interface |
Use Scenario: High-input-impedance unity-gain buffer between piezoelectric vibration sensors and ADC front-ends in condition monitoring systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-collector (emitter-follower) configured for low output impedance and wide bandwidth. Use Value: hFE ≥ 260 ensures <50 Ω output Zout at 100 kHz, reducing settling time errors in 1 MSPS sampling systems. | Use Scenario: Current-source driver for 4–20 mA loop-powered temperature transmitters operating in -40°C to +85°C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink with thermal compensation via on-chip junction sensing. Use Value: Tj rating of 175°C and Rthj-case = 150 °C/W allow continuous 200 mA operation at 85°C ambient when mounted to metal enclosure. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN small-signal transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC549C | Plastic TO-92 package; hFE = 420–800 (min); fT = 300 MHz; no metal shielding; Rthj-amb = 200 °C/W. | Better high-frequency gain but higher noise (NF ≈ 10 dB) and no EMI shielding; unsuitable for ultra-low-noise mic preamps. | Select for cost-sensitive, non-critical RF gain where chassis mounting and shielding are not required. |
| 2N5088 | TO-92; hFE = 300–600; fT = 50 MHz; NF = 1.5 dB @ 1 kHz; lower VCEO = 30 V. | Lower noise floor than BCY59IX but limited voltage headroom; inadequate for 45 V audio rails or RF tank swing. | Select only for battery-powered, low-voltage (<30 V) instrumentation where ultimate noise performance outweighs voltage margin. |
Compared with BC549C and 2N5088, BCY59IX uniquely balances low noise, high voltage rating, metal-can EMI immunity, and industrial thermal capability-making it preferred for mission-critical audio and RF driver stages where reliability and signal fidelity are co-constrained.
Availability
BCY59IX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, RF driver stages, and industrial sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence resilience, and traceable lot-controlled sourcing.
Supply support for BCY59IX 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, specializing in analog, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The BCY59IX belongs to ST's legacy bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for high-fidelity analog signal conditioning and robust RF amplification in harsh thermal and electromagnetic environments.
FAQ
Is BCY59IX pin-compatible with BCY79IX?
No-BCY59IX is NPN and BCY79IX is PNP; they share identical TO-18 mechanical footprint and thermal specs but opposite polarity. Their pinouts differ: BCY59IX uses case-as-emitter, while BCY79IX uses case-as-collector. Direct substitution is unsafe without circuit rework.
What is the maximum safe continuous power dissipation for BCY59IX at 70°C ambient?
At Tamb = 70°C, derated power is calculated as Ptot = (Tjmax − Tamb) / Rthj-amb = (175 − 70) / 384.6 ≈ 0.27 W. This assumes no heatsink; mounting to a metal chassis reduces Rthj-amb and increases allowable dissipation.
Does BCY59IX require external emitter degeneration for stable DC bias?
Yes-due to hFE variation across grades (20–630), emitter degeneration (e.g., 10–100 Ω) is strongly recommended to stabilize Q-point against temperature drift and process spread, especially in Class-A audio stages operating above 5 mA IC.
Can BCY59IX be used in switching applications?
Yes-but with limitations: ton = 55–150 ns and toff = 480–800 ns restrict use to ≤200 kHz PWM or digital logic interfacing. For faster switching, consider dedicated switching transistors like BC847B with lower storage time and optimized saturation characteristics.
BCY59IX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-206AA, TO-18-3 Metal Can
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 200 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 700mV @ 2.5mA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 10nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 180 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 390 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 200MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-18
BCY59IX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCY59IX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCY59IX 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 BCY59IX reliable?
The price and inventory of BCY59IX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCY59IX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCY59IX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCY59IX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCY59IX?
BCY59IX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCY59IX 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 BCY59IX?
For technical support, including BCY59IX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCY59IX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCY59IX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCY59IX 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 BCY59IX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCY59IX?
All BCY59IX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCY59IX, 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 BCY59IX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCY59IX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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