Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

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

Nexperia USA Inc. BC817-16,235

Name: BC817-16,235
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BC817-16,235
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: BC817-16,235

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BC817-16,235.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 45V 0.5A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:16,717

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

BC817-16,235 from Nexperia is a 45 V, 500 mA NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, with DC current gain (h_FE) of 100–250 at V_CE = 1 V and I_C = 100 mA, 700 mV V_CE(sat) at I_C = 500 mA/I_B = 50 mA, and 100 MHz f_T, used for low-voltage switching in power management and signal amplification circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC817-16,235 datasheet, BC817-16,235 pinout, BC817-16,235 application, or BC817-16,235 equivalent, key selection criteria include h_FE binning consistency, thermal resistance (362 K/W on 1 cm² collector pad), SOT23 footprint compatibility, and non-automotive qualification status per Rev. 8 (2022).

Technical Context

This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in linear or saturation mode with base-controlled current amplification. Its h_FE range (100–250) is binned specifically for predictable gain in feedback and switching designs, and its 45 V V_CEO rating supports operation across 3.3 V to 24 V rail systems.

Thermal performance is defined by two derating curves: 250 mW P_tot on standard FR4 footprint and 345 mW when mounted with a 1 cm² collector copper pad. Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance varies from 500 K/W (standard) to 362 K/W (enhanced pad), directly impacting continuous current capability under ambient temperature constraints.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; sets upper limit for supply rail compatibility in 24 V industrial control interfaces.
I_C	500 mA - Continuous collector current rating; defines maximum steady-state load drive capacity in relay drivers or LED arrays.
h_FE	100–250 - DC current gain at V_CE = 1 V, I_C = 100 mA; ensures stable base drive sizing for predictable saturation in digital logic-level switching.
V_CE(sat)	700 mV max at I_C = 500 mA / I_B = 50 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in high-duty-cycle switching applications.
f_T	100 MHz - Transition frequency at V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 10 mA; supports audio-frequency amplification and fast digital signal buffering up to ~10 MHz square waves.
R_th(j-a)	362 K/W - Thermal resistance with 1 cm² collector pad; enables 345 mW power dissipation at T_amb = 25 °C, critical for thermally constrained PCB layouts.

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; 1.9 mm × 1.3 mm body, 0.45 mm nominal lead pitch, and 0.9 mm height - optimized for automated placement and reflow soldering on dense PCBs.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Current-controlled input node; requires 50 mA base drive for full 500 mA collector conduction, defining minimum microcontroller GPIO sourcing capability.
2	Emitter (E)	Reference terminal for current flow; tied to ground or low-side return path in common-emitter configurations, establishing reference for V_BE biasing.
3	Collector (C)	High-current output node; connected to load (e.g., relay coil or LED anode); must be routed over ≥1 cm² copper for rated 345 mW dissipation.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Three h_FE bins	BC817-16 (100–250), BC817-25 (160–400), BC817-40 (250–600) - enables precise gain matching across production batches for analog feedback stability.
Low V_CE(sat)	≤700 mV at full 500 mA load - reduces power loss to ≤350 mW, permitting use without heatsinking in space-constrained consumer electronics.
100 MHz f_T	Supports bandwidth-critical functions like pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal buffering and audio pre-amplification without phase shift.
SOT23 footprint	Standardized JEDEC TO-236AB outline with 0.6 mm solder paste pads - ensures drop-in compatibility with existing pick-and-place tooling and IPC-7351B land patterns.

Applications

Industrial Sensor Interface

USB-C Power Path Control

Use Scenario: Level-shifting and enabling 5 V sensor outputs to 3.3 V microcontroller inputs in factory automation nodes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured as active-low level translator with base driven by MCU GPIO.

Use Value: 700 mV V_CE(sat) ensures <100 mV offset error at 10 mA sink current, preserving ADC reference accuracy.

Use Scenario: Controlling 5 V VBUS enable/disable in USB-C downstream ports using 3.3 V logic.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch driving gate of external PMOS pass transistor via open-drain configuration.

Use Value: 500 mA I_C rating supports >1 A load current through external FET, while SOT23 size fits tight port-area layouts.

LED Backlight Driver

Microcontroller Reset Circuit

Use Scenario: Constant-current sinking for white LED strings in portable display modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear current regulator with emitter resistor feedback and base biased via DAC output.

Use Value: 100–250 h_FE bin enables ±5% current tolerance across temperature with 1% emitter resistor.

Use Scenario: Debounced manual reset activation pulling microcontroller RESET pin low upon button press.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Inverting switch with RC network on base to provide 100 ms delay before release.

Use Value: Predictable 100–250 h_FE ensures reliable turn-on with weak pull-up currents (<10 µA), eliminating false triggers.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC847B,215	h_FE = 200–450, V_CEO = 45 V, same SOT23 package but higher gain bin and lower V_CE(sat) (650 mV).	Preferred where tighter gain tolerance is needed for analog gain stages; not recommended for high-noise environments due to higher f_T (300 MHz).	Select when designing precision current mirrors or low-distortion preamps requiring >200 h_FE minimum.
MMBT3904LT1G	h_FE = 100–300, V_CEO = 40 V, same SOT23 but lower breakdown voltage and 300 mW P_tot (no enhanced pad option).	Suitable for 3.3 V/5 V logic-level switching only; unsuitable for 24 V industrial loads due to 40 V V_CEO limit.	Choose for cost-sensitive consumer products with ≤5 V rails and no thermal margin requirements.

Compared with BC817-16,235, BC847B,215 offers higher gain consistency for analog functions but reduced noise immunity, while MMBT3904LT1G sacrifices voltage headroom and thermal headroom for broader commercial availability - making BC817-16,235 optimal for 12–24 V industrial switching with controlled thermal design.

Availability

BC817-16,235 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, USB-C power path control, LED backlight drivers, and microcontroller reset circuits requiring stable component supply, consistent h_FE binning, and SOT23 footprint reliability.

Supply support for BC817-16,235 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, delivering high-performance, reliable components for automotive, industrial, mobile, and computing markets.

The BC817 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose discrete transistor product line, engineered for robust, cost-effective switching and amplification in non-automotive industrial and consumer applications - emphasizing manufacturability, thermal predictability, and JEDEC-standard packaging.

FAQ

Is BC817-16,235 qualified for automotive applications?

No. Per Nexperia Rev. 8 (2022) datasheet, BC817-16,235 is explicitly designated as non-automotive qualified. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and automotive-grade process controls. For automotive use, select the -Q qualified variants such as BC817-16Q, which undergo extended temperature cycling, humidity testing, and failure analysis per AEC standards.

What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?

The absolute maximum peak base current is 200 mA (single pulse, t_p ≤ 1 ms), but for continuous DC operation, the datasheet specifies I_B ≤ 50 mA at I_C = 500 mA to maintain V_CE(sat) ≤ 700 mV. Exceeding this risks thermal runaway due to insufficient heat dissipation in the base region under sustained bias.

Can BC817-16,235 replace BC817-25 or BC817-40 in existing designs?

Yes, electrically - all share identical V_CEO, I_C, package, and pinout - but h_FE differs: BC817-16 (100–250), BC817-25 (160–400), BC817-40 (250–600). Substitution may require recalculating base resistor values to ensure saturation, especially in marginal drive conditions or wide-temperature applications.

How does thermal derating affect usable collector current at 70 °C ambient?

At T_amb = 70 °C, the 345 mW rated power (with 1 cm² pad) derates to ~230 mW using the 362 K/W curve. With V_CE(sat) ≈ 0.7 V, maximum sustainable I_C drops to ~330 mA. This must be verified against actual board layout, copper area, and airflow - exceeding it risks junction temperature exceeding 150 °C and permanent degradation.

BC817-16,235 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 500 mA

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 45 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 700mV @ 50mA, 500mA

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

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 100 @ 100mA, 1V

Power - Max:: 250 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 100MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: TO-236AB

BC817-16,235 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC817-16,235 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC817-16,235 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 BC817-16,235 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC817-16,235 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC817-16,235 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC817-16,235?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC817-16,235 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC817-16,235?

BC817-16,235 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC817-16,235 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 BC817-16,235?

For technical support, including BC817-16,235 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC817-16,235 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC817-16,235 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC817-16,235 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 BC817-16,235 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC817-16,235?

All BC817-16,235 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC817-16,235, 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 BC817-16,235 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC817-16,235:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

Tech Hub

2026-09-03 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-01 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

2026-08-28 SR Latch Explained: NOR and NAND Circuits, Truth Tables, and Applications

An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

2026-08-27 Latch Circuit: SR and D Latches, Truth Tables, Timing, and Applications

Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

2026-08-21 What Is an LED Driver? Types, Circuits, Dimming, and Selection

An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…

2026-08-18 Operational Amplifier (Op Amp): Basics, Configurations, Feedback and Applications

Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

2026-08-14 Jumper Cables: How to Use, Connect and Choose Them Safely

Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…