Hi folks
A FAQ about complementary transistors is: Are are they really complementary or just close enough for some tasks? Mullti-sourcing of small-signal types makes it difficult to compare datasheets since they can vary in data format and depth. I'm sure there are experienced professionals and amateurs who have a clearer understanding of what is fact and not in silicon matters.
The economical NPN series BC546,7,8,9,50 and PNP BC556,7,8.9, 60 have long been cited as complementary. eg BC546 + BC556 or BC549 +BC559.
Are they really? When Philips, Siemens and only a few other Europeans produced them they certainly were not considered so. One recommended audio complement for BC549 in a Wien oscillator circuit was actually 2N or PN4250!
Are the later BC550/560 indeed considered complementary? Reading ON Semi data sheets might lead you to agree, since some graphs appear to be just copies! Not all manufacturer specs are actually like that and I wish to stay with this series as it is...(ahem)..was..widely available.
Do you have any thoughts or an opinion on whether to trust these TO92 types as compllementary for use in audio preamps or buffers for example?
A FAQ about complementary transistors is: Are are they really complementary or just close enough for some tasks? Mullti-sourcing of small-signal types makes it difficult to compare datasheets since they can vary in data format and depth. I'm sure there are experienced professionals and amateurs who have a clearer understanding of what is fact and not in silicon matters.
The economical NPN series BC546,7,8,9,50 and PNP BC556,7,8.9, 60 have long been cited as complementary. eg BC546 + BC556 or BC549 +BC559.
Are they really? When Philips, Siemens and only a few other Europeans produced them they certainly were not considered so. One recommended audio complement for BC549 in a Wien oscillator circuit was actually 2N or PN4250!
Are the later BC550/560 indeed considered complementary? Reading ON Semi data sheets might lead you to agree, since some graphs appear to be just copies! Not all manufacturer specs are actually like that and I wish to stay with this series as it is...(ahem)..was..widely available.
Do you have any thoughts or an opinion on whether to trust these TO92 types as compllementary for use in audio preamps or buffers for example?