NXP Semiconductors BC547C,116

Overview

BC547C,116 from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in SOT23 surface-mount package, rated for 45 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 420–800 at I_C = 2 mA and V_CE = 5 V. It serves as a low-voltage switching or linear amplification device in power management, signal conditioning, and interface circuits across consumer and industrial electronics.

For engineers reviewing the BC547C,116 datasheet, BC547C,116 pinout, BC547C,116 application, or BC547C,116 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, SOT23 thermal resistance (R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W), V_BE(sat) ≤ 900 mV at I_C = 100 mA/I_B = 5 mA, f_T = 100 MHz, and group-C h_FE binning for predictable gain stability in bias-sensitive designs.

Technical Context

The BC547C,116 operates as a silicon NPN BJT with base-controlled current amplification. Its design supports both active-region amplification (with V_CE ≥ 1 V) and saturation-mode switching (V_CE(sat) ≤ 400 mV at I_C = 100 mA), enabled by low V_BE(sat) and tight h_FE grouping (420–800). It meets AEC-Q101 stress-test requirements for automotive-grade reliability.

Thermal performance is defined for FR4 PCB mounting with single-sided copper; R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W enables operation up to T_j = 150 °C. Electrical characteristics are specified at T_amb = 25 °C unless noted, with V_BE exhibiting −2 mV/K temperature coefficient and C_c ≤ 1.5 pF for high-frequency stability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; body dimensions 2.9 × 1.3 × 0.95 mm, standard footprint compatible with reflow and wave soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose transistor applications.

Compared with BC547C,116, BC847C,215 offers identical performance in a logistics-different variant, while MMBT547 trades AEC-Q101 compliance and tight h_FE for broader availability and lower unit cost in commercial-grade designs.

Availability

BC547C,116 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive interior lighting control, industrial sensor signal amplification, consumer appliance power sequencing, and IoT node battery-switched peripherals requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BC547C,116 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

Nexperia is a global leader in discrete, logic, and PowerMOS semiconductors, formed in 2017 from the former NXP Standard Products division, with focus on automotive, industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The BC547C,116 belongs to Nexperia's BC847 series of general-purpose NPN transistors, designed for reliable, cost-effective switching and amplification in space-constrained, high-volume applications across automotive and industrial electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BC547C,116?

The BC547C,116 has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of 45 V under open-base conditions. This value represents the absolute maximum voltage that can be applied between collector and emitter without risking avalanche breakdown. Operation above this voltage, even momentarily, may cause permanent damage. Designers should maintain at least 20 % derating margin (i.e., ≤36 V) in production circuits for long-term reliability.

Is BC547C,116 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, BC547C,116 is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive applications. It has undergone stress testing per the Automotive Electronics Council standard for discrete semiconductors, covering temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and other environmental stresses. This qualification confirms suitability for under-hood and cabin electronics such as lighting control, sensor interfaces, and power sequencing - though it is not rated for safety-critical systems like airbag controllers.

What is the h_FE range of BC547C,116 and how is it binned?

The BC547C,116 is binned into Group C with a guaranteed DC current gain (h_FE) range of 420–800 at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 2 mA. This tight binning is confirmed per datasheet Table 2 and enables predictable bias design in amplifier and switching circuits without post-manufacturing gain sorting or feedback compensation. The 'C' suffix explicitly denotes this gain group.

Which package type does BC547C,116 use and what are its key mechanical dimensions?

The BC547C,116 uses the SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package. Its body measures 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 0.95 mm (L × W × H), with lead pitch of 0.95 mm and standard footprint compatible with IPC-7351B. Pin 1 is base, pin 2 is emitter, and pin 3 is collector - verified in datasheet Figure 13 and Table 3. This package supports both reflow and wave soldering per Figures 17–18.

Does BC547C,116 have any special thermal considerations for PCB layout?

Yes - the BC547C,116 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_th(j-a)) of 500 K/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB with single-sided 35 µm copper. To maintain T_j ≤ 150 °C, power dissipation must be limited to ≤250 mW at 25 °C ambient, with linear derating above that. Layout best practices include using minimum 1 mm² copper pour connected to pin 3 (collector) and avoiding thermal isolation of the SOT23 pad to maximize heat conduction.