Infineon Technologies BC 817-16 B5003

Overview

BC 817-16 B5003 from Nexperia is an NPN silicon general-purpose audio-frequency transistor with V_CEO = 45 V, I_C = 500 mA, h_FE = 100–160 (at I_C = 100 mA, V_CE = 1 V), V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V (at I_C = 500 mA, I_B = 50 mA), and SOT23 package - used in low-voltage switching and signal amplification stages of power supply control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC 817-16 B5003 datasheet, BC 817-16 B5003 pinout, BC 817-16 B5003 application, or BC 817-16 B5003 equivalent, this part serves as a RoHS-compliant, AEC-Q101-qualified discrete switch/amplifier where moderate current gain, low saturation voltage, and thermal robustness at 115 °C junction temperature are required.

Technical Context

This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in linear or saturated switching modes with DC current gain grouped per h_FE-16 specification (100–160). Its 45 V V_CEO rating supports use in 24 V and 36 V rail applications, while f_T = 170 MHz enables stable operation up to mid-frequency signal conditioning.

Thermal design relies on R_thJS ≤ 70 K/W (SOT23) and P_tot = 500 mW at T_S ≤ 115 °C. Cutoff characteristics include V_(BR)EBO = 5 V and I_CBO ≤ 0.1 µA at 25 °C, supporting reliable off-state isolation in bias networks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 - surface-mount, 3-pin plastic package with standard footprint and reflow compatibility.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC847B and MMBT3904LT1G, BC 817-16 B5003 delivers tighter h_FE control and superior thermal performance in SOT23, making it preferred for automotive-grade relay drivers and regulated power supplies requiring consistent saturation behavior.

Availability

BC 817-16 B5003 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power supply feedback loops, LED driver switches, relay driver stages, and signal level shifting requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 qualification.

Supply support for BC 817-16 B5003 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.

BC 817-16 B5003 belongs to the BC817K series of general-purpose NPN transistors designed for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding switching and amplification in automotive, industrial, and consumer power management systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable collector current for continuous DC operation?

The BC 817-16 B5003 supports 500 mA continuous collector current at T_S ≤ 115 °C. Derating is required above this case temperature per the P_tot vs. T_S curve; at 125 °C, max I_C drops to approximately 420 mA assuming V_CE = 1 V and typical h_FE.

Is BC 817-16 B5003 suitable for automotive applications?

Yes - it is explicitly qualified to AEC-Q101 standards, including stress tests for temperature cycling, high-temperature reverse bias, and humidity testing. Its 150 °C junction rating and Pb-free construction meet automotive electronics requirements.

How does the hFE-grp.16 designation affect circuit design?

The "16" suffix indicates the device is binned to 100–160 DC current gain at I_C = 100 mA and V_CE = 1 V. This tight range simplifies base resistor calculation and improves batch-to-batch consistency in saturation-based switching designs.

Can BC 817-16 B5003 replace BC847 in existing designs?

Only if V_CEO ≥ 45 V and I_C ≥ 500 mA are required. BC847 has lower I_C (100 mA) and higher h_FE; substituting BC 817-16 B5003 may cause excessive base current draw or thermal overload if not re-evaluated for power dissipation and drive capability.