Diodes Incorporated BC817-16-7-F

Overview

BC817-16-7-F from Diodes Incorporated is a 45 V, 500 mA NPN small-signal transistor in SOT23 package, featuring h_FE = 100–250 at I_C = 100 mA, V_CE(SAT) ≤ 0.7 V at I_C = 500 mA/I_B = 50 mA, and f_T = 100 MHz - designed for automotive-grade switching and audio-frequency amplification in space-constrained PCBs.

For engineers reviewing the BC817-16-7-F datasheet, BC817-16-7-F pinout, BC817-16-7-F application, or BC817-16-7-F equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed AEC-Q101 qualification, 8 kV HBM ESD rating, SOT23 thermal resistance (R_θJA = 403 °C/W), and complementary PNP pairing with BC807 series.

Technical Context

This NPN bipolar junction transistor uses epitaxial planar die construction for stable gain and low leakage. Its 45 V V_CEO, 500 mA I_C, and 100 MHz f_T support medium-speed digital switching and linear AF amplification up to ~10 kHz with minimal distortion.

The device operates across –65 °C to +150 °C and delivers consistent h_FE performance under pulsed conditions (≤300 µs, ≤2% duty cycle), enabling reliable use in automotive body control modules and industrial sensor interface stages where thermal cycling and voltage transients occur.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 - surface-mount plastic case, 0.008 g weight, UL 94V-0 rated, matte tin-plated leads solderable per MIL-STD-202 Method 208.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN small-signal transistor applications.

Compared with BC817-25-7-F, this BC817-16-7-F offers tighter h_FE distribution for predictable base resistor design; versus MMBT3904LT1G, it trades bandwidth for automotive qualification and higher breakdown voltage - making it optimal for robust 12 V/24 V system switching.

Availability

BC817-16-7-F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial sensor interface, and PCB-level power sequencing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for BC817-16-7-F 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and North America.

The BC817 series belongs to Diodes' AEC-Q101-qualified small-signal transistor product line, engineered specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding high reliability, thermal stability, and environmental compliance.

FAQ

Is BC817-16-7-F suitable for high-frequency RF applications?

No. With a gain-bandwidth product of 100 MHz and no specified S-parameters or RF noise figure, BC817-16-7-F is optimized for switching and audio-frequency amplification up to ~10 kHz. It lacks the parasitic capacitance control and matching required for RF front-end or oscillator circuits.

What is the maximum allowable continuous power dissipation at 85°C ambient?

At T_A = 85°C, derated power dissipation is 195 mW. This is calculated using R_θJA = 403 °C/W: P_D(max) = (T_J(max) − T_A) / R_θJA = (150 − 85) / 403 ≈ 0.161 W, rounded conservatively to 195 mW per typical derating curves in DS11107 Rev. 21.

Can BC817-16-7-F replace BC847B in existing designs?

Not directly. BC847B has V_CEO = 45 V but h_FE = 200–450 and different SOT23 pinout (E-B-C vs. E-B-C for BC817). While electrically similar, BC817-16-7-F's lower h_FE may require base resistor adjustment, and its AEC-Q101 qualification adds value only if automotive compliance is needed.

Does BC817-16-7-F require external ESD protection in circuit design?

No. With 8 kV HBM ESD rating per JEDEC JESD22-A114, BC817-16-7-F withstands standard handling and board-level electrostatic events without additional protection diodes - provided layout follows good practices (short traces, grounded guard rings, and proper grounding of unused pins).