NXP Semiconductors BC368,112

Overview

BC368,112 from NXP Semiconductors is an NPN medium power transistor rated for 20 V V_CEO, 1 A continuous collector current, and 0.83 W total power dissipation at 25 °C ambient. It features DC current gain (h_FE) of 85–375 at V_CE = 1 V and I_C = 500 mA, and is commonly used in linear voltage regulators and low-side switching circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC368,112 datasheet, BC368,112 pinout, BC368,112 application, or BC368,112 equivalent, key selection considerations include its TO-92-compatible SC-43A (SOT54) through-hole package, 32 V V_CBO, 5 V V_EBO, 40–170 MHz f_T, and suitability for MOSFET driver and audio pre-amplifier stages requiring stable medium-current gain.

Technical Context

The BC368,112 operates as a general-purpose NPN bipolar junction transistor with fixed-emitter configuration and base-controlled current amplification. Its design supports linear operation up to 1 A DC and pulsed peaks of 2 A, with saturation voltage ≤500 mV at I_C = 1 A and I_B = 100 mA.

Thermal performance is defined by R_th(j-a) = 150 K/W under standard FR4 PCB mounting (single-sided copper, tin-plated footprint), and junction temperature limited to 150 °C. Cut-off leakage currents are specified at ≤100 nA (I_CBO, 25 °C) and ≤10 μA (I_CBO, 150 °C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

BC368,112 is housed in a plastic single-ended through-hole package designated SC-43A (JEDEC TO-92 equivalent), also known as SOT54. The package has three leads, with standardized mechanical dimensions including body length 14.5 mm, lead pitch 2.54 mm, and lead spacing per JEDEC TO-92 outline.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN medium power transistor applications.

Compared with BC368,112, BC337-40,112 offers higher minimum gain but reduced power handling, while BC547B,112 is strictly a small-signal device-neither provides full functional equivalence for 1 A linear or switching roles, making BC368,112 uniquely suited for medium-power applications demanding both current and gain.

Availability

BC368,112 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear voltage regulators, low-side switching, and MOSFET driver circuits requiring stable component supply across industrial control, power management, and audio subsystem designs.

Supply support for BC368,112 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The BC368,112 belongs to NXP's legacy discrete transistor family designed for cost-sensitive, medium-power analog and switching functions in industrial power supplies, audio equipment, and embedded system interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC368,112?

The BC368,112 is rated for a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) of 1 A at T_amb ≤ 25 °C with proper PCB thermal management. This rating assumes standard mounting on FR4 with single-sided copper. At elevated ambient temperatures or reduced copper area, derating per the 150 K/W thermal resistance must be applied to avoid exceeding the 150 °C junction limit.

Does BC368,112 support switching applications requiring fast turn-on?

Yes, BC368,112 supports moderate-speed switching with a transition frequency (f_T) of 40–170 MHz and typical V_CE(sat) ≤ 500 mV at I_C = 1 A. Its gain-bandwidth product enables reliable operation in audio-range switching (up to ~10 MHz), though it is not optimized for RF or ultra-high-speed digital switching where f_T > 500 MHz devices would be preferred.

What package type is used for BC368,112 and is it compatible with TO-92 sockets?

BC368,112 uses the SC-43A package (also labeled SOT54), which is dimensionally identical to JEDEC TO-92. It features 3 leads in straight-line configuration with 2.54 mm pitch and meets TO-92 mechanical outlines, enabling direct compatibility with standard TO-92 sockets and automated through-hole assembly tooling.

What is the DC current gain (h_FE) range for BC368,112 under typical operating conditions?

The BC368,112 exhibits a DC current gain (h_FE) range of 85 to 375 when measured at V_CE = 1 V and I_C = 500 mA. Gain varies with collector current and voltage-e.g., h_FE ≥ 50 at I_C = 5 mA-and must be verified at actual operating points using the h_FE vs. I_C curve (Figure 5 in the datasheet) for precise bias design.

Can BC368,112 be used in linear regulator pass transistor applications?

Yes, BC368,112 is explicitly recommended for linear voltage regulators in its official applications list. Its 1 A I_C rating, low V_CE(sat), and stable h_FE allow it to serve as a robust pass element in adjustable 3-terminal regulators. Thermal design must account for R_th(j-a) = 150 K/W to maintain T_j < 150 °C under worst-case dropout and load conditions.