BC161 STMicroelectronics Transistor BJT PNP (Other) In Stock
The BC161 is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor rated at 60 V collector-emitter voltage and 1 A collector current with a minimum DC current gain of 40, suitable for switching and amplifier circuits. Available from stock worldwide with fast shipping.
- Manufacturer
- STMicroelectronics
- Package
- Other
- Pin Count
- 3
- Lifecycle
- OBSOLETE
- Datasheet
- BC161 Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Transistor BJT PNP
- Temp Range
- ?°C to 175.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
What are the key features of BC161?
- PNP bipolar transistor with 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage for robust switching reliability
- 1 A continuous collector current capability supporting medium-power load driving
- Minimum DC current gain (hFE) of 40 enabling efficient base-drive circuits
- Low collector-base capacitance of 30 pF for improved high-frequency switching response
- Single-element TO-39 metal-can package providing excellent thermal dissipation
- Complementary general-purpose device suitable for class-AB audio and linear amplifier stages
What is BC161 used for?
The BC161 PNP transistor is commonly used in general-purpose switching circuits, audio amplifier output stages, and relay driver applications where up to 1 A of load current must be controlled from a low-power signal source. Its 60 V rating and metal TO-39 package make it suitable for automotive-adjacent and industrial control boards requiring rugged discrete transistor solutions. It is also a practical choice for complementary push-pull output stages paired with NPN counterparts in analog circuit designs.
What are the specifications of BC161?
| YTEOL | 0 |
| Collector Current-Max (IC) | 1A |
| Collector-Base Capacitance-Max | 30pF |
| Collector-Emitter Voltage-Max | 60V |
| Configuration | SINGLE |
| DC Current Gain-Min (hFE) | 40 |
| JEDEC-95 Code | TO-39 |
| JESD-30 Code | O-MBCY-W3 |
| JESD-609 Code | e0 |
| Number of Elements | 1 |
| Package Body Material | METAL |
| Package Shape | ROUND |
| Package Style | CYLINDRICAL |
| Polarity/Channel Type | PNP |
| Power Dissipation Ambient-Max | 3.7W |
| Power Dissipation-Max (Abs) | 3.7W |
| Qualification Status | Not Qualified |
| Surface Mount | NO |
| Terminal Finish | Tin/Lead (Sn/Pb) |
| Terminal Form | WIRE |
| Terminal Position | BOTTOM |
| Transistor Application | SWITCHING |
| Transistor Element Material | SILICON |
| Transition Frequency-Nom (fT) | 50MHz |
| Turn-off Time-Max (toff) | 600ns |
| Turn-on Time-Max (ton) | 500ns |
| VCEsat-Max | 1V |
| Package | Other |
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
| HTS Code | 8541.29.00.75 |
Where can I find the BC161 datasheet?
BC161 Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from STMicroelectronics
What are equivalent replacements for BC161?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum collector current and voltage rating of the BC161?
The BC161 handles up to 1 A of continuous collector current and supports a collector-emitter voltage of 60 V, making it suitable for medium-power PNP switching tasks such as driving relays, small motors, or LED banks from a microcontroller output without requiring a separate power transistor stage.
How does the BC161's collector-base capacitance affect its use in high-speed switching designs?
With a maximum collector-base capacitance of 30 pF, the BC161 is adequate for audio-frequency and low-frequency switching up to tens of kilohertz, but designers targeting faster signals above 100 kHz should consider lower-capacitance alternatives. The 30 pF value introduces Miller effect that limits bandwidth in high-gain amplifier configurations.
Which package does the BC161 use and what thermal benefits does it offer?
The BC161 is housed in the TO-39 metal-can package, a 3-lead through-hole format with a metal case that transfers heat efficiently to the PCB or a clip-on heatsink. This robust package handles continuous power dissipation better than small plastic SOT-23 devices, making it preferred in applications where junction temperature management at 1 A loads is critical.
When is the BC161 a practical alternative to surface-mount PNP transistors for prototype builds?
The BC161's through-hole TO-39 footprint is easier to hand-solder during prototyping than 0402 or SOT-523 SMD devices, and its 60 V, 1 A, 40 hFE ratings match many general-purpose PNP requirements without needing high-current drivers. It is especially useful in lab bench setups, educational circuits, or small production runs where manual assembly is common.
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About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications. ST's products are found in a wide range of applications including automotive, industrial, personal electronics, and communications.
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