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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

onsemi BC516-D27Z

Name: BC516-D27Z
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC516-D27Z
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC516-D27Z

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Datasheet:: BC516-D27Z.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP DARL 30V 1A TO-92-3

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Product details

Overview

BC516-D27Z from onsemi is a PNP Darlington transistor optimized for high-current-switching applications requiring extreme DC current gain (h_FE ≥ 30,000 at I_C = −20 mA) with V_CEO = −30 V, I_C = −1 A continuous, and TO-92-3 package. It serves as a high-gain output stage in low-frequency power control circuits such as relay drivers and lamp dimmers.

For engineers reviewing the BC516-D27Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include guaranteed h_FE > 30k at low base drive, V_CE(sat) ≤ −1 V at I_C = −100 mA/I_B = −0.1 mA, thermal resistance R_θJA = 200 °C/W, and Pb-free TO-92-3 packaging compliance.

Technical Context

The BC516-D27Z implements a monolithic PNP Darlington pair structure, delivering ultra-high current amplification without external bias network complexity. Its design targets low-base-drive switching where I_B as low as −0.1 mA enables full I_C = −100 mA conduction with V_CE(sat) ≤ −1 V.

It operates within −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range and supports DC and low-frequency (<200 MHz f_T) linear/switching modes. Absolute maximum ratings are defined per JEDEC TO-92 thermal test board conditions (FR-4, 76 mm × 114 mm).

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−30 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base condition; defines usable supply rail headroom.
h_FE	≥30,000 at I_C = −20 mA, V_CE = −2 V - Enables microamp-level base drive for milliamp-to-amp load control.
V_CE(sat)	≤ −1 V at I_C = −100 mA, I_B = −0.1 mA - Ensures low conduction loss and minimal self-heating in saturated switch mode.
P_D	625 mW at T_A = 25 °C - Limits continuous power dissipation without heatsink; derates linearly above 25 °C ambient.
f_T	200 MHz - Bandwidth limit for small-signal AC amplification; not intended for RF switching.
R_θJA	200 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient on standard FR-4 PCB; dictates max allowable power at given ambient temp.

Pinout & Package

BC516-D27Z is housed in a Pb-free TO-92-3 plastic package (Case 135AR), lead-formed, with 4.83 mm × 4.76 mm footprint and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 = Collector, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Emitter - verified per onsemi mechanical drawing 98AON13879G and marking diagram.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Collector	High-current output terminal; connects to negative supply or load return path in PNP configuration.
2	Base	Low-current input control node; requires ~−0.1 mA to saturate 100 mA collector current.
3	Emitter	Common reference terminal; tied to positive supply rail in typical high-side switch topology.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Ultra-high DC current gain	h_FE ≥ 30,000 ensures reliable switching with minimal base drive circuitry and reduced MCU GPIO loading.
Pb-free TO-92-3 package	Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) requirements.
Low saturation voltage	V_CE(sat) ≤ −1 V at rated I_C/I_B minimizes power loss and thermal stress in sustained on-state operation.
Wide operating temperature	Junction range −55 °C to +150 °C supports deployment in automotive under-hood and industrial control environments.

Applications

Relay Driver Circuit	Lamp Dimmer Control
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/500 mA electromagnetic relay coil from microcontroller GPIO with limited sink capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain PNP Darlington switch providing current amplification between logic-level signal and inductive load. Use Value: Enables direct interface without external base resistor network; V_CE(sat) ≤ −1 V ensures coil energization with <100 mW transistor loss.	Use Scenario: Phase-angle dimming of 24 V incandescent lamps in building automation panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-frequency switching element controlling average lamp current via TRIAC gate triggering. Use Value: h_FE ≥ 30,000 allows single-stage drive from PWM output; TO-92 thermal performance sustains 50% duty cycle at 25 °C ambient.
Motor Start Assist	Industrial Sensor Interface
Use Scenario: Momentary high-current pulse delivery to starter solenoid in 24 V diesel engine control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Short-duration (≤500 ms) saturated switch handling peak I_C up to −1 A. Use Value: Absolute max I_C = −1 A and T_J rating to +150 °C support intermittent overload without derating.	Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current boosting for analog sensor outputs feeding PLC analog inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier stage converting µA-range sensor current to robust mA-range output. Use Value: Guaranteed h_FE > 30k ensures stable transconductance across −20 mA to −100 mA operating range.

Relay Driver Circuit

Lamp Dimmer Control

Use Scenario: Driving 12 V/500 mA electromagnetic relay coil from microcontroller GPIO with limited sink capability.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain PNP Darlington switch providing current amplification between logic-level signal and inductive load.

Use Value: Enables direct interface without external base resistor network; V_CE(sat) ≤ −1 V ensures coil energization with <100 mW transistor loss.

Use Scenario: Phase-angle dimming of 24 V incandescent lamps in building automation panels.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-frequency switching element controlling average lamp current via TRIAC gate triggering.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 30,000 allows single-stage drive from PWM output; TO-92 thermal performance sustains 50% duty cycle at 25 °C ambient.

Motor Start Assist

Industrial Sensor Interface

Use Scenario: Momentary high-current pulse delivery to starter solenoid in 24 V diesel engine control modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Short-duration (≤500 ms) saturated switch handling peak I_C up to −1 A.

Use Value: Absolute max I_C = −1 A and T_J rating to +150 °C support intermittent overload without derating.

Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current boosting for analog sensor outputs feeding PLC analog inputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier stage converting µA-range sensor current to robust mA-range output.

Use Value: Guaranteed h_FE > 30k ensures stable transconductance across −20 mA to −100 mA operating range.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP Darlington transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC517-D27Z	Same package and pinout; h_FE ≥ 50,000 (higher gain), V_CEO = −30 V, I_C = −1 A - optimized for even lower base drive.	Preferred where base current must be <50 µA; identical thermal and voltage specs enable drop-in use in most BC516-D27Z designs.	Select BC517-D27Z when higher gain is required without layout change; verify V_BE(on) = −1.4 V remains compatible with driver logic.
MPSA14	TO-92-3, PNP Darlington, h_FE ≥ 10,000, V_CEO = −30 V, I_C = −500 mA - lower gain and current rating than BC516-D27Z.	Suitable for lighter loads (<500 mA); requires higher base drive (~−0.5 mA) to achieve same collector current.	Choose MPSA14 only if system base drive capability exceeds −0.5 mA and load current stays below 500 mA; not a direct replacement for 1 A applications.

Compared with BC516-D27Z, BC517-D27Z offers higher guaranteed gain for ultra-low-drive scenarios, while MPSA14 provides a lower-cost alternative for sub-500 mA loads but demands significantly more base current and lacks 1 A continuous rating.

Availability

BC516-D27Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay drivers, lamp dimmers, motor start assist circuits, and industrial sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BC516-D27Z 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.

The BC516-D27Z belongs to onsemi's legacy bipolar transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability discrete switching and amplification in industrial control and power management systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC516-D27Z?

The BC516-D27Z has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of −1 A at T_A = 25 °C, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal management per JEDEC standard test board conditions. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient, following the R_θJA = 200 °C/W thermal resistance curve. The BC516-D27Z maintains this rating across its full −55 °C to +150 °C operating junction temperature range.

Is BC516-D27Z RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes, BC516-D27Z is explicitly marked as a Pb-free device in the official onsemi datasheet (Rev. 4, February 2026). It complies with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level requirements for TO-92 packaging. The "-D27Z" suffix confirms RoHS-compliant packaging and marking per onsemi ordering nomenclature.

What is the guaranteed DC current gain (h_FE) for BC516-D27Z under standard test conditions?

The BC516-D27Z guarantees a minimum DC current gain (h_FE) of 30,000 at I_C = −20 mA and V_CE = −2 V, as stated in the Electrical Characteristics table. This value is tested and binned during production; typical units exceed this minimum. The BC516-D27Z does not specify h_FE at higher currents, so design margins should assume the guaranteed min at the intended operating point.

Can BC516-D27Z be used in linear amplifier configurations?

The BC516-D27Z supports linear operation with f_T = 200 MHz and specified V_BE(on) = −1.4 V at I_C = −10 mA, but its primary design intent is saturated switching. For linear amplification, ensure I_C stays within 20–100 mA range and V_CE > 2 V to avoid second breakdown. The BC516-D27Z is not characterized for distortion or noise performance, so critical analog stages should use purpose-built amplifiers instead.

What is the pin configuration for BC516-D27Z in the TO-92-3 package?

Per onsemi mechanical drawing 98AON13879G and datasheet marking diagram, BC516-D27Z uses standard TO-92-3 pinout: Pin 1 = Collector, Pin 2 = Base, Pin 3 = Emitter, with leads viewed from bottom (flat side facing user, leads down). This configuration is consistent across all BC516 variants and matches industry-standard PNP Darlington orientation for through-hole assembly.

BC516-D27Z Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: PNP - Darlington

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 1 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 30 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 1V @ 100µA, 100mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 30000 @ 20mA, 2V

Power - Max:: 625 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 200MHz

Operating Temperature:: -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: TO-92-3

BC516-D27Z FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC516-D27Z through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC516-D27Z 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 BC516-D27Z reliable?

The price and inventory of BC516-D27Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC516-D27Z is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC516-D27Z?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC516-D27Z transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC516-D27Z?

BC516-D27Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC516-D27Z 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 BC516-D27Z?

For technical support, including BC516-D27Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC516-D27Z requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC516-D27Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC516-D27Z 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 BC516-D27Z meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC516-D27Z?

All BC516-D27Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC516-D27Z, 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 BC516-D27Z part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC516-D27Z:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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