BC538 Transistor Pinout, Features, Applications, Equivalent and Other Important Info

Today we are presenting another interesting NPN transistor BC538. This post explains BC538 transistor pinout, features, applications, equivalent and other important information.

 

Absolute Maximum Ratings:

• Package Type: TO-92
• Transistor Type: NPN
• Max Collector Current(I_C): 1A
• Max Collector-Emitter Voltage (V_CE): 80V
• Max Collector-Base Voltage (V_CB): 80V
• Max Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 6V
• Max Collector Dissipation (Pc): 625 miliWatt
• Max Transition Frequency (fT): 100 MHz
• Minimum & Maximum DC Current Gain (h_FE): 40 – 400
• Max Storage & Operating temperature Should Be: -55 to +150 Centigrade

 

PNP Complementary:

PNP Complementary of BC538 is BC527

 

Replacement & Equivalent

BC537, NTE382, MPS651, 2SC4145, ECG192, ECG382, 2SD2213, 2SC4145, NTE382.

 

BC538 Transistor Explained / Description:

BC538 is another very interesting transistor available in TO-92 package. The transistor contains some of very good features such as high collector-emitter voltage, good collector current, transition frequency of up to 100MHz, DC current gain of up to 400 and availability of its PNP transistor.

The absolute maximum ratings are as follows: the collector current is 1A, the collector-emitter voltage is 60V, collector-base voltage is 60V, emitter-base voltage is 6V, power dissipation is 625mW and storage and operating temperature is from 40 – 100.

The transistor has 4 different variations / versions according to its DC current gain. The DC current gain of the transistor can easily identified with help of the codes written after its part number. Here are the codes with their hFE values:

Code No.6           =       hFE Value 40 to 100

Code No.10         =       hFE Value 63 to 160

Code No.16         =       hFE Value 100 to 250

Code No.25         =        hFE Value 4160 to 100

 

The transistor is designed to be used in audio frequency applications and other general purpose applications.

 

How to Use This Transistor:

To use the transistor connect the emitter pin with the negative rail of the circuit, apply signal to the base pin and take the output from the collector pin. But it is not that easy and you also have to use some discrete components to make the circuit work properly.

 

Applications:

Audio Amplifiers

Signal Amplification

Sensor Circuits

Darlington Pairs

RF Circuits

Audio Preamplifiers

Switching loads under 1A

And more…

 

Safe Operating Guidelines:

To safely operate the transistor, it is important to not use it to its absolute maximum ratings and always stay at least 20% to 30% below them. Check its pin layout before using the transistor in your circuit or circuit design, and always make sure you use or store the transistor at temperatures above -55°C and below 150°C.

 

Datasheet:

To download the datasheet just copy and paste the below link in your browser.

https://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/75205/MICRO-ELECTRONICS/BC538.html