Nexperia USA Inc. BC68PA-QX
- Part No.:
- BC68PA-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- 3-PowerUDFN
- Datasheet:
-
BC68PA-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 20V 2A 3HUSON
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,126
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Product details
Overview
BC68PA-QX from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN medium power transistor in a thermally enhanced DFN2020-3 (SOT1061) leadless SMD package, rated for 20 V VCEO, 2 A continuous collector current, and 1.65 W total power dissipation on 4-layer PCB with collector pad-designed for automotive linear voltage regulators and MOSFET drivers.
For engineers reviewing the BC68PA-QX datasheet, BC68PA-QX pinout, BC68PA-QX application, or BC68PA-QX equivalent, this page delivers verified thermal resistance values (Rth(j-a) down to 76 K/W), pulsed current capability (3 A), dual hFE grades (85–375 and 160–375), and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade reliability assessment.
Technical Context
This device operates as a medium-power NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for switching and linear amplification in constrained-space automotive power stages. Its exposed collector pad enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper, supporting stable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature under defined mounting conditions.
It features two hFE bins (BC68PA-Q: 85–375; BC68-25PA-Q: 160–375) at VCE = 1 V and IC = 500 mA, low VCE(sat) of 0.6 V at IC = 2 A / IB = 200 mA, and fT of 170 MHz-enabling efficient low-side switching and analog gain control in battery-powered systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in low-side switch or regulator output stage. |
| IC (continuous) | 2 A - Continuous DC collector current rating; supports 2 A load drive without forced cooling on 4-layer PCB. |
| hFE range | 85–375 - Confirmed DC current gain at VCE = 1 V, IC = 500 mA; enables predictable base drive sizing across production lots. |
| VCE(sat) | 0.6 V @ IC = 2 A / IB = 200 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in switching applications. |
| Rth(j-a) | 76 K/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient on 4-layer FR4 PCB with 1 cm² collector pad; enables accurate junction temp estimation. |
| fT | 170 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE = 5 V, IC = 50 mA; supports high-speed switching up to ~10–20 MHz practical edge rates. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Qualified per Stress Test Qualification for Discrete Semiconductors - Validated for automotive underhood temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock. |
Pinout & Package
Package: DFN2020-3 (SOT1061), 2.0 mm × 2.0 mm × 0.65 mm body, leadless, thermally enhanced with exposed collector pad.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal; accepts 200 mA peak base current for full 2 A collector drive; requires current-limiting resistor in most driver circuits. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference node for biasing; connected to system ground or low-side return path; not thermally enhanced. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Power output terminal; electrically and thermally tied to exposed bottom pad; must be soldered to ≥1 cm² copper area for rated power dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Thermally enhanced DFN package | Exposed collector pad reduces Rth(j-a) to 76 K/W on 4-layer PCB-enables 1.65 W dissipation without heatsink. |
| Dual hFE binning | BC68PA-Q (85–375) and BC68-25PA-Q (160–375) allow precise base drive design across gain variability. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use including temperature cycling (-55 °C to 150 °C), HTRB, and ESD (HBM > 2 kV). |
| Low VCE(sat) | 0.6 V at 2 A/200 mA ensures <1.2 W conduction loss-critical for efficiency in battery-driven devices. |
| High fT | 170 MHz transition frequency supports fast switching in PWM-based power management and gate driving. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable LDO or emitter-follower regulator supplying 1.8–5 V to microcontrollers or sensors in automotive ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN pass element controlling output voltage via base bias; handles up to 2 A load with minimal dropout. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) (0.6 V) and stable hFE ensure tight regulation and predictable thermal rise under full load. |
Use Scenario: Driving N-channel logic-level MOSFET gates in motor control or lighting modules where 12 V supply is available. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch amplifying MCU GPIO signal to deliver >200 mA peak gate charge current. Use Value: 170 MHz fT and 2 A IC enable sub-100 ns turn-on of 10 nF gate capacitance-reducing switching losses. |
| Automotive Low-Side Switches | Battery-Powered Power Management |
|
Use Scenario: Controlling solenoids, relays, or LED strings in vehicle body electronics (e.g., door locks, interior lighting). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power NPN switch sinking load current to ground; driven by CAN/LIN interface IC or MCU. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 3 A pulsed ICM support inrush current handling during cold-cranking (up to 16 V). |
Use Scenario: Load switching and battery protection circuitry in portable diagnostic tools or telematics units powered by 12 V lead-acid or LiFePO₄ packs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary switching transistor in reverse-polarity protection, load dump clamping, or battery disconnect paths. Use Value: 20 V VCEO and 5 V VEBO withstand transient spikes and reverse connection events without failure. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZXTN2018ZTA | Higher VCEO (30 V), lower IC (1.5 A), TO-252 package with higher Rth(j-a) (60 K/W min, but requires larger footprint) | Preferred where higher voltage margin is needed but board space allows DPAK; less suitable for ultra-compact automotive modules | Select when >25 V transients are expected and thermal pad area exceeds 25 mm² |
| BC817-40Q | Same SOT1061 package, lower IC (0.5 A), lower hFE (250–630), no AEC-Q101 qualification | Used in non-automotive consumer power stages; lacks automotive stress test validation | Select only for cost-sensitive industrial or commercial designs without automotive reliability requirements |
Compared with ZXTN2018ZTA and BC817-40Q, BC68PA-QX uniquely balances 2 A current, 20 V rating, AEC-Q101 compliance, and DFN2020-3 footprint-making it optimal for space-constrained automotive power switches requiring validated reliability.
Availability
BC68PA-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, battery management systems, and industrial power supplies requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 assurance, thermal performance under 2 A load, and compact DFN packaging.
Supply support for BC68PA-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 essential semiconductors-high-performance, reliable components for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
BC68PA-QX belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified medium-power bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for robust, thermally efficient switching and linear regulation in automotive underhood and body electronics.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for BC68PA-QX?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C, as specified in the limiting values table. Operation above this temperature risks permanent degradation. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient-e.g., maximum Ptot drops to 1.10 W at 75 °C ambient on a 6 cm² single-sided PCB pad.
Is BC68PA-QX pin-compatible with BC68-25PA-Q?
Yes-both share identical SOT1061 (DFN2020-3) pinout (B-E-C) and mechanical footprint. The only difference is hFE binning: BC68PA-Q has 85–375 gain, while BC68-25PA-Q is binned 160–375. No layout change is needed when substituting between them.
Can BC68PA-QX replace BC817-25 in existing designs?
No-BC817-25 uses SOT23 package (3-pin, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm), while BC68PA-QX uses SOT1061 (2.0 mm × 2.0 mm). Though both are NPN transistors, the footprint, thermal pad, and pin assignment differ. Redesign of solder pads and stencil is required for migration.
What PCB layout practices maximize thermal performance of BC68PA-QX?
Maximize thermal performance by connecting Pin 3 (collector) to ≥1 cm² copper area on inner or outer layer, using ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) under the pad to internal ground/power planes, and avoiding solder mask over the exposed pad. Follow Nexperia's Fig. 12 reflow footprint (2.1 mm × 1.3 mm land pattern) for reliable solder joint formation.
BC68PA-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 3-PowerUDFN
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 2 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 20 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 600mV @ 200mA, 2A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 85 @ 500mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 420 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 170MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 3-HUSON (2x2)
BC68PA-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC68PA-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC68PA-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 BC68PA-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC68PA-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC68PA-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC68PA-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC68PA-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC68PA-QX?
BC68PA-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC68PA-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 BC68PA-QX?
For technical support, including BC68PA-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC68PA-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC68PA-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC68PA-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 BC68PA-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC68PA-QX?
All BC68PA-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC68PA-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 BC68PA-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC68PA-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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