Nexperia USA Inc. BC56-16PA-QX
- Part No.:
- BC56-16PA-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- 3-PowerUDFN
- Datasheet:
-
BC56-16PA-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 80V 1A 3HUSON
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,051
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Product details
Overview
BC56-16PA-QX from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN medium power transistor in a thermally enhanced DFN2020-3 (SOT1061) leadless SMD package, rated for 80 V VCEO, 1 A continuous collector current, and 250 hFE at IC = 150 mA / VCE = 2 V. It serves as a low-side switch or MOSFET driver in automotive power management circuits with exposed heatsink for thermal reliability.
For engineers reviewing the BC56-16PA-QX datasheet, BC56-16PA-QX pinout, BC56-16PA-QX application, or BC56-16PA-QX equivalent, this device is selected for linear voltage regulation, battery-driven load switching, and high-reliability automotive signal amplification where thermal performance and AEC-Q101 compliance are mandatory.
Technical Context
This NPN transistor features a silicon planar epitaxial structure optimized for medium-power switching and amplification. Its DC current gain (hFE) ranges from 100 to 250 at VCE = 2 V and IC = 150 mA under pulsed conditions (tp ≤ 300 μs), with VCE(sat) ≤ 500 mV at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA.
Thermal design is enabled by an exposed collector pad delivering Rth(j-a) as low as 76 K/W on 4-layer FR4 PCB with 1 cm² collector pad, and Rth(j-sp) = 20 K/W to solder point - critical for sustained 1 A operation in compact automotive modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 80 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; enables use in 48 V automotive systems and industrial 24–48 V rails. |
| IC | 1 A continuous - Supports steady-state load switching up to 1 A without forced cooling on standard PCB layouts. |
| hFE | 100–250 @ VCE=2 V, IC=150 mA - High and stable current gain ensures reliable base drive efficiency in low-side switch configurations. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤500 mV @ IC=500 mA, IB=50 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating during active switching. |
| Ptot | 1.65 W @ Tamb≤25 °C on 4-layer FR4 with 1 cm² collector pad - Enables higher power density than standard SOT-23 alternatives. |
| Rth(j-a) | 76 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance achievable with optimized 4-layer PCB layout; supports 150 °C max junction temperature. |
| fT | 100–180 MHz - Transition frequency sufficient for audio amplification and PWM-based gate driving up to ~100 kHz. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DFN2020-3 (SOT1061), 2.0 × 2.0 × 0.65 mm, leadless surface-mount with exposed collector pad for thermal and electrical conduction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal; requires ≥50 mA base drive for full 500 mA collector conduction; low input impedance enables direct MCU GPIO drive. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference node for current flow; internally connected to substrate; must be tied to system ground or low-side return path. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Power output terminal; electrically and thermally connected to exposed copper pad; routed to high-current load or MOSFET gate. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS power stages per stress test requirements. |
| Exposed collector pad | Enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper, reducing Rth(j-a) by up to 55% vs. standard SOT-23 packages under identical layout conditions. |
| Three hFE bins | BC56-16PA-QX provides 100–250 hFE, enabling precise current gain matching in parallel or feedback-critical amplifier designs. |
| High VCBO (100 V) | Provides 20 V margin above 80 V VCEO, improving robustness against inductive kickback in relay or solenoid drive applications. |
| Low VBE (≤1 V @ IC=500 mA) | Reduces base drive power loss and eases compatibility with 3.3 V and 5 V logic-level controllers without level-shifting. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable LDOs for infotainment or ADAS domain controllers requiring <100 mA output current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN pass element regulating output voltage via emitter-follower configuration with feedback to base. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) and stable hFE ensure <±2% output regulation across temperature and load, minimizing dropout voltage. |
Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for N-channel power MOSFETs in 12 V/24 V automotive motor control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch that pulls MOSFET gate to ground during turn-off; driven by microcontroller PWM output. Use Value: Fast switching (enabled by fT > 100 MHz) and low VCE(sat) reduce gate discharge time and driver losses. |
| Low-Side Switches | Battery-Driven Devices |
Use Scenario: Load switch for LED lighting, HVAC actuators, or fuel pump control in 12 V/48 V vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power NPN switch placed between load and ground, controlled by MCU GPIO or CAN/LIN transceiver output. Use Value: AEC-Q101 rating and 1 A continuous current support enable direct replacement of larger TO-220 or SOT-223 devices in space-constrained modules. |
Use Scenario: Power path control in portable diagnostic tools, telematics units, or wireless sensors powered by 12 V lead-acid or LiFePO₄ batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-polarity and overcurrent protection switch in battery input stage, operating in linear or saturated mode. Use Value: Exposed pad and low Rth(j-a) allow sustained 1 A operation without external heatsink, extending runtime and reducing BOM count. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN medium power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC56-10PA-Q | hFE = 63–160 @ IC = 150 mA - lower and narrower gain range than BC56-16PA-QX. | Suitable for less gain-sensitive switching where tighter hFE tolerance is not required. | Select when cost optimization is prioritized and circuit gain margin allows lower hFE variation. |
| BC817-40-Q | Same SOT1061 package but lower VCEO (45 V), higher hFE (250–630), and no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Limited to 12 V/24 V non-safety-critical consumer or industrial applications. | Choose only for non-automotive designs where 45 V rating suffices and AEC-Q101 is not mandated. |
Compared with BC56-10PA-Q and BC817-40-Q, BC56-16PA-QX delivers the highest guaranteed hFE floor (100) and full AEC-Q101 compliance - making it the sole choice for automotive-grade linear regulators and safety-relevant low-side switches demanding predictable gain and qualification traceability.
Availability
BC56-16PA-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, battery-powered instrumentation, and industrial low-side switching applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q101-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for BC56-16PA-QX 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 semiconductor expert focused on high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and advanced packaging technologies.
The BC56PA-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified medium-power transistor product line, engineered specifically for automotive power control, signal conditioning, and interface functions where thermal robustness and parametric consistency are critical.
FAQ
Is BC56-16PA-QX pin-compatible with BC547 or BC817 series transistors?
No. BC56-16PA-QX uses the SOT1061 (DFN2020-3) 3-pin leadless package with pin order B–E–C, while BC547 uses TO-92 and BC817 uses SOT-23. Physical dimensions, thermal pad requirements, and solder footprint differ significantly - direct replacement requires PCB redesign and thermal validation.
What is the maximum allowable continuous collector current at 85 °C ambient temperature?
At Tamb = 85 °C, the maximum continuous collector current is derated to approximately 0.75 A based on the 1.65 W Ptot rating and Rth(j-a) = 76 K/W, assuming junction temperature remains ≤150 °C. Derating curves in Figure 1 confirm 75% IC capability at 85 °C on optimized 4-layer PCB.
Does BC56-16PA-QX require a heatsink for 1 A operation?
No external heatsink is required if mounted on a 4-layer FR4 PCB with ≥1 cm² copper area connected to the exposed collector pad. The package's Rth(j-a) of 76 K/W enables 1 A continuous operation at Tamb ≤ 25 °C without exceeding 150 °C junction temperature - verified per IEC 60134 limiting values.
Can BC56-16PA-QX be used in avalanche mode?
No. BC56-16PA-QX is not rated or characterized for avalanche energy handling. Its absolute maximum VCEO is 80 V with no specified single-pulse avalanche rating. For inductive load switching, external clamping (e.g., flyback diode or TVS) is mandatory to prevent breakdown beyond VCEO.
BC56-16PA-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 3-PowerUDFN
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 1 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 80 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 500mV @ 50mA, 500mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 100 @ 150mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 420 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 180MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 3-HUSON (2x2)
BC56-16PA-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC56-16PA-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC56-16PA-QX 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 BC56-16PA-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC56-16PA-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC56-16PA-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC56-16PA-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC56-16PA-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC56-16PA-QX?
BC56-16PA-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC56-16PA-QX 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 BC56-16PA-QX?
For technical support, including BC56-16PA-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC56-16PA-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC56-16PA-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC56-16PA-QX 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 BC56-16PA-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC56-16PA-QX?
All BC56-16PA-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC56-16PA-QX, 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 BC56-16PA-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC56-16PA-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC56-16PA-QX Tags

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