Overview
Meet the BC517 Darlington Transistor — your reliable partner for high-current switching applications. This PNP Darlington pair combines two transistors in one package, delivering an exceptionally high current gain (hFE up to 30,000). That means you can control significant loads with just a tiny input current, making it perfect for driving relays, motors, solenoids, and high-brightness LEDs from microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi.
Key Features
- High Current Gain (hFE up to 30,000): Amplify tiny signals to drive large loads without additional driver stages.
- PNP Darlington Configuration: Ideal for high-side switching applications, simplifying your circuit design.
- Collector Current up to 1A: Handles substantial current for a wide range of components.
- Collector-Emitter Voltage up to 30V: Suitable for common 5V, 9V, and 12V systems.
- Low Saturation Voltage: Ensures efficient operation with minimal power loss.
- TO-92 Package: Compact, through-hole design – perfect for breadboards and PCBs.
Technical Specifications
- Type: PNP Darlington
- Collector-Emitter Voltage (VCEO): 30V
- Collector-Base Voltage (VCBO): 40V
- Emitter-Base Voltage (VEBO): 10V
- Collector Current (IC): 1A
- DC Current Gain (hFE): 1000 to 30,000 (at IC = 100mA, VCE = 5V)
- Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage (VCE(sat)): 1.2V max (at IC = 1A, IB = 1mA)
- Transition Frequency (fT): 220MHz
- Package: TO-92
Applications & Use Cases
- Driving Relays and Solenoids: Control high-power relays with low-current microcontroller pins.
- Motor Control: Switch small DC motors and fans.
- LED Strips and High-Power LEDs: Drive high-current LED arrays.
- Power Switching: Use as a high-side switch in various electronic projects.
- Sensor Interfacing: Amplify weak sensor signals to trigger outputs.
- Audio Amplification: Use in pre-amplifier stages.
What's Included
- 1x BC517 Darlington Transistor (TO-92 package)
Compatibility
- Works with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and any microcontroller with digital output pins.
- Compatible with standard breadboards and perfboards.
- Can be used as a drop-in replacement for other PNP Darlington transistors in many circuits.
MOKWN Recommendation
The BC517 is a versatile component that every electronics enthusiast should have in their toolkit. Whether you're a student learning about transistor amplification or a professional prototyping a power control system, this Darlington transistor offers the simplicity and reliability you need. With its high gain, it simplifies circuit design and reduces component count. Stock up at MOKWN and bring your high-current projects to life!
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