onsemi SS9012GBU
- Part No.:
- SS9012GBU
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
SS9012GBU.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 20V 0.5A TO-92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:40,000
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Product details
Overview
SS9012GBU from Fairchild Semiconductor is a PNP epitaxial silicon transistor in TO-92 package, rated for −20 V VCEO, −500 mA IC, and 625 mW PC, used as output stage amplifier in portable radio Class B push-pull circuits.
For engineers reviewing the SS9012GBU datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include guaranteed hFE range (112–166 at IC = −50 mA), low VCE(sat) (−0.18 V typ. at IC = −500 mA / IB = −50 mA), and complementary pairing with SS9013 for push-pull designs.
Technical Context
This PNP bipolar junction transistor operates in linear and saturation regions, with DC current gain specified across two test conditions: hFE1 (IC = −50 mA) and hFE2 (IC = −500 mA), supporting both small-signal amplification and switching functions.
Its absolute maximum ratings define safe operating limits: −40 V VCBO, −5 V VEBO, and 150 °C TJ; leakage currents are tightly controlled (ICBO ≤ −100 nA at VCB = −25 V), enabling stable biasing in battery-powered audio stages.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −20 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; sets rail limit for Class B audio output stage |
| IC | −500 mA - Continuous collector current capacity; supports 0.5 W output drive in portable radios |
| PC | 625 mW - Total power dissipation at TA = 25 °C; defines thermal derating curve for PCB layout |
| hFE (G grade) | 112–166 - Guaranteed DC current gain at VCE = −1 V, IC = −50 mA; ensures consistent bias stability |
| VCE(sat) | −0.18 V (typ.) - Low saturation voltage at IC = −500 mA / IB = −50 mA; minimizes conduction loss in switching mode |
| VBE(sat) | −0.95 V (typ.) - Base-emitter saturation voltage under same condition; determines required base drive level |
Pinout & Package
SS9012GBU is housed in a standard TO-92 plastic package with 3 leads: Emitter (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Collector (Pin 3), oriented with flat side facing viewer and leads downward.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Emitter) | Current sink terminal | Connected to ground or low-impedance return path in common-emitter amplifier configurations |
| 2 (Base) | Control input | Receives forward-biased current to regulate collector current; requires series resistor for bias stability |
| 3 (Collector) | Output current source | Drives load (e.g., speaker transformer or next-stage input) with inverted signal polarity in PNP topology |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Complementary pairing | Matched performance with NPN SS9013 for symmetrical push-pull audio output stages |
| High hFE linearity | Consistent gain across IC range (64–202) enables low-distortion amplification in Class A/B operation |
| Low saturation voltages | VCE(sat) ≤ −0.6 V and VBE(sat) ≤ −1.2 V ensure efficient switching in driver applications |
| TO-92 mechanical standardization | Industry-standard footprint enables drop-in replacement and compatibility with automated through-hole assembly |
Applications
| Portable Radio Output Stage | DC Motor Driver (Low-Side) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Final amplification stage in battery-powered AM/FM portable radios using Class B push-pull topology. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP transistor providing inverted, current-amplified audio signal to output transformer or speaker. Use Value: High hFE (112–166) and low VCE(sat) (−0.18 V typ.) minimize crossover distortion and conduction loss at 3–6 V supply rails. | Use Scenario: Low-side switch controlling direction and speed of small brushed DC motors in toys and handheld tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch sinking motor current when base is pulled low relative to emitter. Use Value: −500 mA IC rating and 625 mW PC support continuous 0.3–0.5 W motor loads without heatsinking. |
| LED Current Sink | Level-Shifting Interface |
Use Scenario: Constant-current sink for indicator LEDs or LED arrays in 5 V logic systems with grounded cathodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP transistor biased in active region to regulate LED current via emitter resistor. Use Value: Tight hFE tolerance (G grade) and low ICBO (≤ −100 nA) ensure stable current over temperature and supply variation. | Use Scenario: Bidirectional logic-level translation between 3.3 V microcontroller outputs and 5 V peripheral inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP configured as open-emitter inverter to shift high/low states across voltage domains. Use Value: −20 V VCEO and −5 V VEBO provide margin against transient overshoot during fast edge transitions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP general-purpose transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC557B | Lower IC (−100 mA), higher hFE min (200), TO-92 package | Suitable for low-power signal amplification only; not rated for 500 mA switching | Select BC557B where gain stability > current drive; avoid in output stage replacements |
| MPSA92 | Higher VCEO (−300 V), lower hFE (25–200), TO-92 package | Designed for high-voltage switching (e.g., flyback drivers); excessive voltage rating adds cost and capacitance | Select MPSA92 only when >−100 V breakdown is required; otherwise over-spec'd for portable audio |
Compared with BC557B and MPSA92, SS9012GBU uniquely balances −500 mA current capability, −20 V breakdown, and G-grade hFE (112–166) for cost-sensitive, medium-power PNP roles-making it optimal for portable audio output and motor control where both drive strength and gain linearity matter.
Availability
SS9012GBU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable radio design, low-power motor control, LED current regulation, and level-shifting interface applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for SS9012GBU 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 semiconductor company specializing in analog, discrete, and power management ICs before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.
The SS9012GBU belongs to Fairchild's legacy general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered specifically for cost-effective, reliable amplification and switching in consumer audio and battery-powered electronics.
FAQ
What is the pin configuration of SS9012GBU?
The SS9012GBU uses a standard TO-92 package with Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Collector, viewed with flat side facing outward and leads pointing down. This configuration is confirmed in Fairchild's Rev. A4 datasheet and matches industry-standard PNP orientation for through-hole assembly.
Is SS9012GBU RoHS compliant?
SS9012GBU was manufactured prior to RoHS enforcement deadlines and predates formal RoHS certification. It contains leaded solder in the TO-92 package and is not RoHS-compliant; modern alternatives like MMBT9012 (SOT-23) should be considered for new RoHS-constrained designs.
What does the 'G' suffix in SS9012GBU indicate?
The 'G' in SS9012GBU denotes the hFE classification grade, specifying a DC current gain range of 112–166 at VCE = −1 V and IC = −50 mA. This grade ensures tighter gain consistency than lower grades (D–F) and supports predictable biasing in production audio circuits.
Can SS9012GBU replace SS9012 without modification?
Yes, SS9012GBU is a direct form-fit-function replacement for SS9012, sharing identical TO-92 package, pinout, absolute maximum ratings, and electrical characteristics. The 'BU' suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging; device performance and marking remain unchanged from the base SS9012.
What is the maximum safe operating temperature for SS9012GBU?
The SS9012GBU has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of 150 °C and storage temperature range of −55 °C to +150 °C. Derating begins above 25 °C ambient: power dissipation must decrease linearly to zero at 150 °C case temperature, per the 625 mW rating at TA = 25 °C.
SS9012GBU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 500 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 20 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 600mV @ 50mA, 500mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 64 @ 50mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 625 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
SS9012GBU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SS9012GBU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SS9012GBU 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 SS9012GBU reliable?
The price and inventory of SS9012GBU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SS9012GBU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SS9012GBU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SS9012GBU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SS9012GBU?
SS9012GBU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SS9012GBU 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 SS9012GBU?
For technical support, including SS9012GBU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SS9012GBU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SS9012GBU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SS9012GBU 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 SS9012GBU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SS9012GBU?
All SS9012GBU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SS9012GBU, 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 SS9012GBU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SS9012GBU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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