Are there direct replacements for BC549 and BC559?

[Tony D.]

I've searched the Forums here and Google but no luck. Would anyone who knows please post the info?

Thanks.

 

[SSassen]

BC550 and BC560, they’re low noise equivalents.

 

[JonSnell Electronic]

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/bjt-bipolar-transistors/1844689/
BC559CTA | ON Semi BC559CTA PNP Transistor, 100 mA, 30 V, 3-Pin TO-92 | RS Components


They are still in production and extremely inexpensive.

 

[JMFahey]

Still available but google:
ELEKTOR -TUP TUN DUG DUS
for the "universal" answer.

 

[mchambin]

Octopart points to many sources for BC549 and BC559.
Datasheets, Electronic Parts, Components, Search - Octopart

 

[davidsrsb]

Onsemi parts available from official distributors like RS, so whats the problem?

 

[Tony D.]

Thanks all. My confusion came about because all I could find were BC549CTA and BC559BTA etc. and I was not sure that these parts were a direct substitute for the regular old BC549 and BC559...but problem solved.

 

[timpert]

Just look at how the type number is composed. "BC549" is the basic type number, "C" is the current gain classification, "TA" stands for the way they are packaged (taped or bulk, "T" probably stands for taped, "A" for ammo pack) and possibly if the part has straight or kinked leads. But usually, bulk parts have straight leads (they cannot be taped) and taped parts have kinked leads to bring the leads in a straight line at 100 mil spacing.

If the schematic doesn't specify the current gain classification (it just says "BC549") than most probably anything will work. If you have a specific PCB, check the footprint. If the pads are in a triangle, go for the straight lead variant, if they are in a line, the kinked variant fits best.