STMicroelectronics BCY59X
- Part No.:
- BCY59X
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-206AA, TO-18-3 Metal Can
- Datasheet:
-
BCY59X.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.2A TO-18
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BCY59 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, fT = 200 MHz, hFE up to 630 (Gr. X), and NF = 2–6 dB at 1 kHz.
For engineers reviewing the BCY59 datasheet, BCY59 pinout, BCY59 application, or BCY59 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 complementary pairing with BCY79 for push-pull designs.
Technical Context
The BCY59 operates as a general-purpose NPN amplifier with optimized noise figure and transition frequency for analog signal conditioning. Its planar epitaxial structure ensures stable hFE across temperature, and pulsed test conditions (300 µs, ≤1% duty) validate switching performance under transient loads.
Designed for discrete low-noise front-end use, it supports DC-coupled gain stages with VBE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V at 10 mA/0.25 mA and VCE(sat) ≤ 0.35 V - enabling efficient biasing in battery-powered audio preamps and sensor interface circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - supports rail voltages up to ±22 V in dual-supply audio stages without breakdown |
| IC | 200 mA - sufficient for line-driver and medium-current preamp output stages |
| fT | 200 MHz - enables stable gain up to VHF band in RF buffer or wideband amplifier applications |
| NF | 2–6 dB @ 1 kHz - meets low-noise requirements for microphone preamplifiers and sensor signal chains |
| hFE | 260–630 (Gr. VIII–X) - allows precise DC bias design with predictable current gain across production lots |
| Rthj-case | 150 °C/W - enables reliable operation at Tj ≤ 175 °C with minimal heatsinking in TO-18 metal can |
Pinout & Package
TO-18 metal package with hermetically sealed construction, 3-pin configuration (Emitter, Base, Collector), diameter 5.3 mm, height 12.7 mm, axial lead form. Designed for through-hole mounting and high-reliability thermal conduction to chassis or heatsink.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink terminal | Connected to ground or negative rail in common-emitter amplifiers; defines reference for VBE bias |
| 2 (Base) | Control input | Accepts low-current drive (≤50 mA max) to modulate collector current; requires series resistor for stable biasing |
| 3 (Collector) | Current source terminal | Delivers amplified output current; mounted to metal case for thermal path in high-power analog stages |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-noise operation | NF = 2 dB min @ 1 kHz enables clean signal amplification in microphone and piezoelectric sensor interfaces |
| High fT | 200 MHz transition frequency supports broadband gain up to 30 MHz with stable phase margin |
| TO-18 metal can | Hermetic sealing and direct case-to-collector connection provide EMI immunity and 150 °C/W thermal resistance |
| Graded hFE bins | Three gain groups (VIII–X) allow matched-pair selection for differential amplifiers and push-pull drivers |
Applications
| Microphone Preamplifier | Audio Line Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak signals from condenser microphones with minimal added noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise NPN transconductance stage with emitter degeneration for stable gain and bandwidth. Use Value: 2 dB NF at 0.2 mA enables >70 dB SNR in portable recording systems without active cooling. | Use Scenario: Driving 600 Ω balanced audio lines over distances up to 10 m. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Class-A common-emitter output buffer with low VCE(sat) and high hFE. Use Value: 0.35 V saturation voltage at 100 mA reduces power loss and distortion in line-level output stages. |
| RF Signal Buffer | Sensor Interface Amplifier |
Use Scenario: Isolating VHF oscillator outputs from variable load impedance in test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter broadband amplifier with 200 MHz fT and low CCB (3.5 pF). Use Value: 3.5 pF collector-base capacitance minimizes feedback instability in 50 Ω source-terminated configurations. | Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level thermocouple or strain gauge outputs in industrial data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: DC-coupled NPN gain stage with low ICES (0.1 nA) and stable hFE over temperature. Use Value: 0.1 nA collector cutoff current prevents offset drift in high-impedance sensor bridges at ambient temperatures. |
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, Rthj-amb = 200 °C/W, fT = 300 MHz, NF = 4–10 dB | Limited thermal dissipation and higher noise floor; unsuitable for chassis-grounded low-noise designs | Prefer when cost-sensitive PCB space is constrained and thermal load < 150 mW |
| 2N5088 | TO-92, hFE ≥ 300 (min), NF = 1.5 dB @ 1 kHz, but VCEO = 30 V | Lower breakdown voltage restricts use in ±15 V audio rails; no metal-can EMI shielding | Select only for single-supply ≤24 V systems where ultra-low noise dominates over ruggedness |
Compared with BC549C and 2N5088, the BCY59 uniquely combines TO-18 metal-can EMI immunity, 45 V breakdown, and sub-3 dB noise - making it irreplaceable in high-fidelity, chassis-grounded, or thermally demanding analog front-ends.
Availability
BCY59 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microphone preamplifiers, audio line drivers, and RF signal buffers requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable military-grade packaging.
Supply support for BCY59 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, designing and manufacturing analog, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The BCY59 belongs to ST's legacy bipolar transistor family targeting high-reliability analog signal conditioning - emphasizing low noise, thermal stability, and hermetic packaging for mission-critical audio and instrumentation applications.
FAQ
Is BCY59 suitable for surface-mount assembly?
No. The BCY59 uses a TO-18 metal can with axial leads intended for through-hole mounting. It lacks SMD-compatible terminations or thermal pad design. For SMT alternatives, consider ST's SMBT series or consult Aetrix for qualified drop-in replacements with matching electrical specs and thermal profiles.
What is the maximum continuous collector current at 100°C case temperature?
At TC = 100°C, derating applies per Rthj-case = 150 °C/W. With Tj(max) = 175°C, allowable ΔT = 75°C → Ptot = 75 / 150 = 0.5 W. Since Ptot = VCE × IC, and typical VCE ≥ 1 V in linear operation, max IC ≈ 500 mA - but absolute rating remains 200 mA per datasheet limits to ensure reliability and SOA compliance.
Can BCY59 be used in complementary symmetry amplifier stages?
Yes - the BCY79 is its designated PNP complement, sharing identical TO-18 package, voltage ratings (VCEO = 45 V), and thermal characteristics. Both devices are binned for matched hFE and VBE, enabling balanced push-pull output stages in Class-AB audio amplifiers without thermal runaway risk.
Does BCY59 require external base resistors in common-emitter configuration?
Yes. The BCY59 has no internal base resistors. External base biasing (e.g., voltage divider or emitter degeneration) is mandatory to set IC and stabilize Q-point against β variation and temperature drift. Typical designs use RB1/RB2 networks or constant-current sources for precision DC operating point control.
BCY59X 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
BCY59X FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCY59X through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCY59X 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 BCY59X reliable?
The price and inventory of BCY59X are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCY59X is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCY59X?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCY59X transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCY59X?
BCY59X orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCY59X 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 BCY59X?
For technical support, including BCY59X datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCY59X requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCY59X is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCY59X 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 BCY59X meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCY59X?
All BCY59X units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCY59X, 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 BCY59X part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCY59X:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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