BC547 Transistor: Pinout, Datasheet, and Equivalents
The BC547 is a widely used NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) for general-purpose amplification and switching applications. This guide covers the BC547 pinout configuration, essential datasheet specifications, compatible replacement transistors, and practical circuit examples.
Quick Navigation
BC547 Pinout Diagram
The BC547 uses a TO-92 package with three pins. When viewing the transistor from the flat side, pins are numbered 1-2-3 from left to right.
BC547 Pinout: NPN BJT transistor, TO-92 package, 3-pin through-hole mount
| Pin No | Pin Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collector (C) | Current In |
| 2 | Base (B) | Control / Bias |
| 3 | Emitter (E) | Current Out (Ground) |
BC547 Datasheet and Technical Specifications
Key electrical characteristics and maximum ratings for the BC547 transistor at 25°C ambient temperature.
View BC547 Datasheet| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VCEO | 45V | Max Collector-Emitter Voltage |
| VCBO | 50V | Max Collector-Base Voltage |
| VEBO | 6V | Max Emitter-Base Voltage |
| IC | 100mA | Max Collector Current |
| Pd | 500mW | Max Power Dissipation |
| hFE | 110-800 | DC Current Gain (varies by variant) |
| fT | 300MHz | Transition Frequency |
| VCE(sat) | 250mV | Saturation Voltage |
| Temp Range | -55°C to +150°C | Operating Temperature |
Most Popular Replacement: The 2N2222A is the most common direct substitute for the BC547, offering higher current handling (600mA vs 100mA) with similar voltage ratings.
BC547 Equivalent and Replacement Transistors
Common NPN transistors that can substitute for the BC547 in general-purpose circuits. When selecting an equivalent, verify that VCEO and IC ratings meet or exceed your application requirements.
| Part Number | Manufacturer | VCEO | IC (Max) | Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2SD1616A(RANGE:200-400) | JSCJ | 60V | 1A | TO-92 |
| ZTX455 | DIODES | 140V | 1A | TO-92 |
| ZTX694B | DIODES | 120V | 500mA | TO-92 |
| ZTX450 | DIODES | 45V | 1A | TO-92 |
| KSP8099TF-HXY | HXY MOSFET | 160V | 600mA | TO-92 |
| NTE297-HXY | HXY MOSFET | 160V | 600mA | TO-92 |
| 2N6517-TA | JSCJ | 350V | 500mA | TO-92 |
| ZTX853 | DIODES | 100V | 4A | TO-92 |
BC547 Variants: A, B, and C
The BC547 is available in three gain-grouped variants, designated by the suffix letter. This classification helps designers select transistors with predictable amplification characteristics.
| Variant | Manufacturer | VCEO | IC (Max) | hFE Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC547 | JSCJ | 45V | 100mA | 800 |
| BC547CBK | DIOTEC | 45V | 100mA | 420 |
| BC547BTA | onsemi | 45V | 100mA | 800 |
| BC547B | LGE | 45V | 100mA | 200 |
| BC547CTA | onsemi | 45V | 100mA | 110 |
| BC547CBU | onsemi | 45V | 100mA | 110 |
BC547 vs 2N2222: Which to Choose?
Both are popular NPN transistors, but they serve different purposes. The key difference lies in current handling capability.
| Specification | BC547 | 2N2222A |
|---|---|---|
| Max Collector Current | 100mA | 600mA |
| Max Voltage (VCEO) | 45V | 40V |
| Package | TO-92 | TO-92 |
| Best For | Low-power signals, Audio | Switching, LED drivers |
Recommendation: Use BC547 for audio preamps and sensor interfaces. Use 2N2222 for relay drivers and motor control circuits.
View the detailed specifications of the 2N2222A .
Common BC547 Applications
The BC547's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of circuits:
- Audio Amplification: Preamp stages, microphone circuits
- Signal Switching: LED drivers, relay control (up to 100mA)
- Oscillators: RC and LC oscillator circuits
- Logic Level Conversion: Interfacing 5V and 3.3V systems
- Darlington Pairs: High-gain amplifier configurations
Related Transistor Guides
Explore more transistor pinout and datasheet guides for popular components: