STMicroelectronics BC141-16
- Part No.:
- BC141-16
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-205AD, TO-39-3 Metal Can
- Datasheet:
-
BC141-16.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 60V 1A TO-39
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,649
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Product details
Overview
BC141-16 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon planar epitaxial NPN bipolar junction transistor in TO-39 metal package, rated for 100 V collector-base voltage, 60 V collector-emitter voltage, and 1 A continuous collector current. It is engineered for audio amplifier stages and medium-power switching applications up to 1 A, with DC current gain (hFE) of 90–250 at IC = 100 mA and fT = 50 MHz.
For engineers reviewing the BC141-16 datasheet, BC141-16 pinout, BC141-16 application, or BC141-16 equivalent, key selection criteria include VCEO rating, saturation voltage at 1 A, thermal resistance (Rthj-case = 35 °C/W), transition frequency, and complementary PNP pairing with BC161-16.
Technical Context
This NPN BJT operates as a linear amplifying or saturated-switching device with defined breakdown limits: V(BR)CEO = 60 V at IC = 30 mA and V(BR)CBO = 100 V at IC = 100 µA. Its low VCE(sat) of 0.6 V at IC = 1 A / IB = 100 mA enables efficient switching in discrete power stages.
Thermal design is constrained by Rthj-case = 35 °C/W and Rthj-amb = 200 °C/W, requiring heatsinking for sustained >500 mA operation. The TO-39 metal case supports direct mounting to heat sinks and provides robust mechanical stability in industrial audio and control modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCBO | 100 V - maximum reverse bias before collector-base junction breakdown |
| VCEO | 60 V - safe operating collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition |
| IC (max) | 1 A - continuous DC collector current capability without derating at TC ≤ 25 °C |
| VCE(sat) | 0.6 V at IC = 1 A / IB = 100 mA - low on-state loss in switching applications |
| hFE | 90–250 - DC current gain range supporting stable biasing across production lots |
| fT | 50 MHz - usable bandwidth for audio-frequency amplification and fast switching |
| Rthj-case | 35 °C/W - thermal resistance enabling direct heatsink mounting for power dissipation |
Pinout & Package
TO-39 metal can package with hermetically sealed construction, designed for high-reliability audio and industrial environments. Dimensions per JEDEC standard: diameter 6.6 mm, height 12.7 mm, lead spacing 9.4 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Emitter (E) | Current sink terminal | Connected to ground or low-side return path; lowest impedance terminal during conduction |
| Base (B) | Control input | Receives forward bias current to drive transistor into active or saturation region |
| Collector (C) | Current source terminal | Connected to load or supply rail; carries full collector current in switching mode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High VCEO rating | 60 V enables use in 48 V industrial power rails and Class AB audio output stages |
| Low VCE(sat) | 0.6 V at 1 A reduces conduction loss and self-heating in switching regulators |
| Robust thermal performance | Rthj-case = 35 °C/W allows direct heatsink attachment without insulating pads |
| Complementary pairing | Matched gain and voltage specs with BC161-16 for push-pull amplifier designs |
| Hermetic TO-39 package | Metal-can construction ensures long-term reliability in humid or thermally cycling environments |
Applications
| Audio Power Amplifier Stage | DC Motor Driver Switch |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Output stage in 5–10 W Class AB audio amplifiers driving 4–8 Ω speakers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switching/linear amplifying transistor delivering peak currents up to 1 A with low distortion. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V minimizes power loss and thermal stress during high-current transients. | Use Scenario: Low-side switch controlling brushed DC motors in industrial actuators (24–48 V, <1 A). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated BJT switch turning motor current on/off via base drive from microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: hFE ≥ 90 ensures reliable saturation with ≤100 mA base current, reducing driver complexity. |
| Relay Driver Circuit | Linear Voltage Regulator Pass Element |
Use Scenario: Driving 12–24 V relay coils requiring 50–100 mA holding current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-current switch interfacing logic-level signals to inductive loads. Use Value: V(BR)CEO = 60 V withstands flyback spikes up to 50 V with standard snubber networks. | Use Scenario: Series pass transistor in adjustable linear regulators supplying 1–1.5 A at 5–12 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linearly biased current source regulating output voltage under variable load. Use Value: Rthj-case = 35 °C/W permits heatsink-limited operation at 1 A with <30 °C rise above ambient. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC337-40 | TO-92 plastic package; lower VCEO (45 V); hFE = 250–630; Rthj-amb = 200 °C/W | Not suitable for >45 V rails or high-temperature ambient; limited power dissipation without heatsink | Select when board space is constrained and voltage/current demands are lower |
| 2N2222A | TO-18 metal can; VCEO = 40 V; IC = 800 mA; fT = 300 MHz; Rthj-case = 83.3 °C/W | Higher fT but lower voltage/current ratings; less thermally efficient than BC141-16 | Prefer for RF or high-speed switching below 40 V; avoid in 48 V audio or motor control |
Compared with BC337-40 and 2N2222A, BC141-16 offers superior voltage margin (60 V), higher current capacity (1 A), and better thermal coupling (35 °C/W) - making it uniquely suited for industrial audio output stages and 48 V relay/motor drivers where reliability under thermal stress is critical.
Availability
BC141-16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio power amplifiers, DC motor drivers, relay interface circuits, and linear regulator pass elements requiring stable component supply and proven high-temperature operation.
Supply support for BC141-16 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs and discrete devices for automotive, industrial, and power applications.
The BC141-16 belongs to ST's legacy bipolar transistor family, developed specifically for robust, high-reliability linear and switching functions in industrial audio, control, and power conversion systems.
FAQ
Is BC141-16 RoHS compliant?
Yes, BC141-16 meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements. STMicroelectronics confirms lead-free termination and halogen-free packaging for all current production lots, with full compliance documentation available upon request.
What is the maximum safe operating temperature for BC141-16?
The BC141-16 has a maximum junction temperature (Tj) of 175 °C and storage temperature range of –55 to +175 °C. For continuous operation at 1 A, case temperature must be maintained ≤125 °C using appropriate heatsinking per Rthj-case = 35 °C/W.
Can BC141-16 replace BC107 in existing designs?
No - BC107 has VCEO = 45 V and IC = 100 mA, while BC141-16 is rated for 60 V and 1 A. Substitution requires verification of voltage headroom, thermal design, and base drive capability; BC141-16 is not a drop-in replacement due to higher power handling and different gain profile.
Does BC141-16 require a base resistor in switching applications?
Yes - a series base resistor is mandatory to limit IB and ensure saturation. At IC = 1 A and minimum hFE = 90, IB ≥ 11.1 mA is required; typical design uses 100–470 Ω with 5 V drive to deliver ~10–50 mA base current depending on VBE(on) and safety margin.
BC141-16 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-205AD, TO-39-3 Metal Can
- Packaging:
- Bag
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 1 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 1V @ 100mA, 1A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 100 @ 100mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 650 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 50MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-39
BC141-16 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC141-16 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC141-16 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for BC141-16 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC141-16 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC141-16 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC141-16?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC141-16 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC141-16?
BC141-16 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC141-16 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BC141-16?
For technical support, including BC141-16 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC141-16 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC141-16 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC141-16 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BC141-16 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC141-16?
All BC141-16 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC141-16, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The BC141-16 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC141-16:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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