BC557 Transistor
BC557 Is the very famous small power general purpose PNP bipolar junction (BJT) transistor. Max output current across the emitter to collector is 100ma. Bc557 is widely available and uses in electronics circuits for the switching, amplifying and For making a Darlington pair. This is available in very small package like To-92. It has low noise and high current gain. It is mainly applicable where low power Audio frequency signal amplification or small load switching required.
Small audio amplifier like headphone amplifier, signal processing and also be used for voltage regulator circuit.
Main characteristics and features of BC557, BC558 transistor
Transistor Type : PNP Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
- Maximum Collector-Base Voltage (-Vcbo) : 50V
- Maximum Collector-Emitter Voltage (-Vceo): 45V
- Continuous Collector Current (-Ic) : Typically around 100mA
- DC Current Gain (hfe) : Typically ranges from 110 to 800
- Maximum Emitter-Base Voltage (-Vebo) : 5V
- Power Dissipation (Pd) : Typically around 625mW
- Operating Frequency : Suitable for low to moderate frequency applications
- Operating Temperature : Typically rated for a range between -55°C to 150°C.
PNP Silicon Epitaxial Planar Transistors for switching and AF amplifier applications. These transistors are subdivided into three groups A, B and C according to their current gain. The type BC556 is available in groups A and B, however, the types BC557 and BC558 can be supplied in all three groups. The BC559 is a low-noise type available in all three groups. As complementary types, the NPN transistors BC546 … BC549 are recommended.
Uses of BC557 transistor
- Switching:
- Used as an electronic switch to control the flow of current in a circuit. It can turn on and off electronic devices or other components.
- Amplification:
- Used in amplifier circuits to increase the strength of weak signals. Commonly used in audio amplifiers, signal processing circuits, and other low-power amplification needs.
- Oscillator Circuits:
- Used in oscillator circuits to generate periodic signals, such as in clock generators and tone generators.
- Regulator Circuits:
- Employed in voltage regulator circuits to maintain a constant output voltage despite variations in input voltage or load conditions.
- Darlington Pair:
- LED Drivers:
- Used to drive LEDs in various applications, ensuring the proper current is supplied to the LEDs.
- Analog Circuits:
- Used in analog signal processing circuits, such as in sensors and transducers, to process and condition signals.
- Relay Drivers:
- Used to drive relays, allowing low-power control signals to switch high-power loads.
- Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Controllers:
- Used in PWM controllers for controlling motor speed, light dimming, and other applications requiring variable control.
The BC557 transistor is valued for its low cost, availability, and ease of use, making it a staple component in both hobbyist and professional electronic projects.
Package Type: Available in TO-92, SOT-23, and other surface-mount packages.
BC557 Transistor Equivalent– 2N3406(Pin EBC), BD140(ECB), BC157, BC558(CBE), BC559(CBE)
In case of equivalent transistor placement Must check the Pinout configuration of each.
Collector – Emitter Voltage (-VCEO)
BC556 : 65V
BC557: 45V
BC558 : 30V
Collector – Base Voltage (-VCBO)
BC556 : 80
BC557 : 50
BC558 : 30
Emitter – Base Voltage (-VEBO) = 5.0 Vdc
Collector Current − Continuous (-IC) = 100ma
Collector Current – Peak (-ICM) = 200ma
Download datasheet of BC557 pdf
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BC557 datasheet download (ON semiconductor)-Download
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BC556 datasheet (General semiconductor) –Download