Nexperia USA Inc. BC56PA-QX
- Part No.:
- BC56PA-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- 3-PowerUDFN
- Datasheet:
-
BC56PA-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 80V 1A 3HUSON
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,950
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Product details
Overview
BC56PA-QX from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN medium power transistor in a thermally enhanced DFN2020-3 (SOT1061) package, rated for 80 V VCEO, 1 A continuous collector current, and 2 A peak pulse current. It delivers DC current gain (hFE) of 63–250 at IC = 150 mA, features an exposed heatsink pad for low thermal resistance (as low as 76 K/W on 4-layer PCB), and is designed for automotive-grade linear voltage regulation and MOSFET driver stages.
For engineers reviewing the BC56PA-QX datasheet, BC56PA-QX pinout, BC56PA-QX application, or BC56PA-QX equivalent, this device is selected for high-reliability low-side switching, battery-powered power management, and thermally constrained amplifier stages where AEC-Q101 qualification, compact footprint, and stable hFE across temperature are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
This NPN transistor operates with VCEO = 80 V and VCBO = 100 V, supporting robust blocking in 12 V/24 V automotive systems. Its pulsed hFE range (63–250) and low VCE(sat) ≤ 500 mV at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA enable efficient switching in driver and regulator topologies.
Thermal performance is defined by five mounting configurations: Rth(j-a) ranges from 76 K/W (4-layer PCB + 1 cm² collector pad) to 298 K/W (standard FR4 single-sided layout). The exposed copper pad serves dual roles-thermal conduction and electrical connection to collector-requiring correct PCB land pattern per Figure 12.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 80 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; enables use in 24 V automotive supply rails with margin. |
| IC | 1 A continuous - Sustained current handling capability under Tamb ≤ 25 °C with appropriate PCB copper area. |
| hFE | 63–250 at VCE = 2 V, IC = 150 mA - Wide DC current gain range supports consistent biasing across production lots and temperatures. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 500 mV at IC = 500 mA, IB = 50 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in linear regulators and switch-mode drivers. |
| Rth(j-a) | 76–298 K/W - Thermal resistance varies with PCB construction; lowest value requires 4-layer board and dedicated 1 cm² collector pad. |
| fT | 100–180 MHz - Transition frequency supports high-speed switching up to ~100 MHz in small-signal amplification or gate driving. |
| Ptot | 0.42–1.65 W - Total power dissipation depends on PCB thermal design; maximum rating applies only with optimized 4-layer layout and collector pad. |
Pinout & Package
BC56PA-QX uses the SOT1061 (DFN2020-3) leadless plastic package: 2.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 0.65 mm body, with an exposed thermal pad on the underside electrically connected to the collector terminal. The package is qualified to AEC-Q101 and features tin-plated terminations compatible with standard reflow profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control input for forward-active operation; requires current-limited drive to achieve target IC and avoid thermal runaway. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference node for biasing; must be connected to system ground or low-impedance return path to maintain hFE stability. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Main current output terminal; electrically tied to the exposed thermal pad-must be soldered to a dedicated PCB copper area for thermal and electrical integrity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control modules and body electronics requiring extended temperature (-55 °C to 150 °C) and reliability compliance. |
| Exposed collector pad | Enables direct thermal coupling to PCB; reduces junction-to-ambient resistance by up to 75% versus standard SOT packages when properly implemented. |
| Three hFE variants | BC56PA-Q (63–250), BC56-10PA-Q (63–160), BC56-16PA-Q (100–250)-allows precise gain matching for analog feedback loops or current mirror accuracy. |
| High ICM | 2 A peak collector current (tp ≤ 1 ms) supports surge handling in motor driver pre-drivers and load dump protection circuits. |
| Low VBE | ≤ 1 V at IC = 500 mA - Reduces base drive power requirement and eases compatibility with 3.3 V or 5 V logic-level controllers. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable LDOs for infotainment head units requiring <100 mV dropout at 800 mA load. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN pass element operating in linear mode, dissipating up to 1.2 W while maintaining tight output regulation. Use Value: Stable hFE over -40 °C to 125 °C ensures predictable current gain and thermal foldback behavior without external compensation. |
Use Scenario: High-current gate driver stage for 40 V N-channel power MOSFETs in automotive window lift control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch that sinks gate charge rapidly during turn-off, reducing MOSFET switching losses. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 500 mV at 500 mA ensures minimal voltage drop across driver, preserving gate drive margin and timing accuracy. |
| Low-Side Switches | Battery-Driven Devices |
|
Use Scenario: Load switch for 12 V HVAC actuators in passenger compartment modules, cycling at 10 Hz with 500 ms on-time. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power NPN switch controlling resistive-inductive loads with integrated flyback protection. Use Value: 80 V VCEO withstands load dump transients up to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (−150 V), eliminating need for external clamping diodes. |
Use Scenario: Power path controller in portable diagnostic tools powered by Li-ion batteries (3.0–4.2 V nominal). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current amplifier enabling microcontroller GPIO to drive 500 mA LED arrays or buzzer loads. Use Value: Compact DFN2020-3 footprint saves board space; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures long-term reliability in field-deployed equipment. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC817-40-Q | Same SOT1061 package but lower VCEO (45 V), higher hFE (250–630), and no exposed pad-Rth(j-a) = 320 K/W typical. | Not suitable for 24 V automotive systems with load dump; limited thermal headroom in sustained >300 mA operation. | Select only for 5–12 V consumer or industrial applications where gain consistency outweighs voltage/thermal requirements. |
| MMBT4401-Q | SOT-23 package (3.0 × 1.4 × 1.1 mm), VCEO = 40 V, IC = 600 mA, Rth(j-a) = 350 K/W-no thermal pad, smaller footprint but lower power capability. | Cannot replace BC56PA-QX in 1 A linear regulator or MOSFET driver roles due to current and thermal limits. | Use only where board space is severely constrained and load current remains below 400 mA with ambient < 70 °C. |
Compared with BC817-40-Q and MMBT4401-Q, BC56PA-QX provides superior voltage rating, thermal performance via its exposed pad, and automotive qualification-making it the sole choice for 24 V systems demanding >500 mA continuous current and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Availability
BC56PA-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, battery management subsystems, and industrial power supplies requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 traceability, and thermal performance in ultra-compact layouts.
Supply support for BC56PA-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 management, driver stages, and linear regulation where thermal efficiency, gain stability, and qualification rigor are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for BC56PA-QX?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C, as specified in Table 5. Operation above this limit causes irreversible degradation. Designers must calculate actual Tj using Ptot and Rth(j-a) values corresponding to their specific PCB layout-e.g., with Rth(j-a) = 76 K/W and 1.2 W dissipation, ΔT = 91.2 K, so Tamb must stay ≤ 58.8 °C to keep Tj ≤ 150 °C.
Is the exposed pad on BC56PA-QX electrically connected, and how should it be handled in PCB layout?
Yes-the exposed pad is internally connected to the collector terminal and must be soldered to a dedicated PCB copper area. Per Figure 12, the recommended footprint uses a 1.05 mm × 1.05 mm thermal pad with four 0.5 mm solder mask openings. This pad must be routed to the collector net and sized per thermal requirements: 1 cm² for Rth(j-a) = 76 K/W, or ≥6 cm² on single-layer FR4 for 114 K/W.
How does the hFE variation across the BC56PA-Q series affect circuit design?
BC56PA-Q offers hFE = 63–250, BC56-10PA-Q is 63–160, and BC56-16PA-Q is 100–250. This allows selection based on loop stability needs: high-minimum hFE (BC56-16PA-Q) suits precision current mirrors, while wide-range variants (BC56PA-Q) accommodate gain-tolerant driver stages. Designers must verify worst-case biasing using min/max hFE values-not typicals-to ensure functionality across temperature and process corners.
Can BC56PA-QX be used in avalanche mode for transient suppression?
No-BC56PA-QX is not rated or characterized for repetitive avalanche operation. Its VCEO = 80 V and VCBO = 100 V are absolute maximum ratings, not avalanche breakdown voltages. For load dump or inductive kick protection, external TVS diodes or Zener clamps must be used; the transistor itself must remain within its limiting values at all times to prevent permanent damage.
BC56PA-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:
- 63 @ 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)
BC56PA-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC56PA-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC56PA-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 BC56PA-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC56PA-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC56PA-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC56PA-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC56PA-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC56PA-QX?
BC56PA-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC56PA-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 BC56PA-QX?
For technical support, including BC56PA-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC56PA-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC56PA-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC56PA-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 BC56PA-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC56PA-QX?
All BC56PA-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC56PA-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 BC56PA-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC56PA-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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