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

onsemi BC817-16LT3

Name: BC817-16LT3
Brand: onsemi
SKU: BC817-16LT3
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC817-16LT3

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: BC817-16LT3.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 45V 0.5A SOT23-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:4,393

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Product details

Overview

BC817-16LT3 from onsemi is an NPN general-purpose silicon transistor in SOT-23 package, rated for 45 V V_CEO, 500 mA I_C, and h_FE = 100–250 at I_C = 100 mA, used for low-voltage switching and amplification in power management and signal interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC817-16LT3 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal derating behavior, saturation voltage performance, and automotive-grade AEC-Q101 qualification status - all critical for BOM validation and reliability-critical designs.

Technical Context

The BC817-16LT3 operates as a standard bipolar junction transistor with fixed gain binning (h_FE 100–250), optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V at I_C = 500 mA / I_B = 50 mA ensures low conduction loss in driver stages.

Thermal design relies on two dissipation modes: 225 mW on FR-5 board (derated 1.8 mW/°C above 25°C) or 300 mW on alumina substrate (derated 2.4 mW/°C), with R_JA = 556 °C/W and 417 °C/W respectively - enabling selection based on PCB material and layout constraints.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	45 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines safe operating range in 24 V and 36 V supply rail applications.
I_C (continuous)	500 mA - Continuous collector current rating; supports medium-current loads like relay coils, LED strings, and logic-level MOSFET gates.
h_FE	100–250 @ I_C = 100 mA, V_CE = 1 V - Gain binning enables predictable base drive sizing without overdesigning bias networks.
V_CE(sat)	≤ 0.7 V @ I_C = 500 mA, I_B = 50 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and self-heating in switching mode.
f_T	100 MHz - Current-gain bandwidth product; sufficient for audio-frequency amplification and PWM signal buffering up to ~10 MHz.
R_JA (FR-5)	556 °C/W - Thermal resistance determines junction temperature rise under load; requires heatsinking or airflow above ~150 mW dissipation.

Pinout & Package

SOT-23 (Case 318, Style 6) surface-mount package with 3-pin configuration: Collector (Pin 1), Base (Pin 2), Emitter (Pin 3). Marking "6A" identifies BC817-16L variant; Pb-free, RoHS-compliant construction.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 (Collector)	Main current output terminal	Connected to load or higher-potential node; must withstand full V_CEO and I_C ratings during operation.
2 (Base)	Control input terminal	Receives forward-biased current to enable conduction; requires precise I_B calculation using h_FE min for saturation assurance.
3 (Emitter)	Current return path	Typically grounded or tied to reference potential; carries full I_C + I_B; impacts PCB trace width and thermal relief design.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
AEC-Q101 qualified	Validated for automotive electronics use including engine control modules and body electronics where reliability under thermal cycling and vibration is mandatory.
Pb-free, halogen-free/BFR-free	Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC JS709C; eliminates hazardous substances without compromising solderability or thermal performance.
Low V_CE(sat) at high I_C	Ensures <150 mW conduction loss at 500 mA, reducing thermal stress and enabling compact PCB layouts in space-constrained applications.
Wide T_J range (−65°C to +150°C)	Supports operation in harsh environments such as industrial motor drives, outdoor lighting, and under-hood automotive systems.

Applications

Industrial Power Control	Automotive Body Electronics
Use Scenario: Driving solenoids and small DC motors in programmable logic controllers and HVAC actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Switching element controlling 24 V loads with TTL/CMOS-compatible base drive. Use Value: 500 mA I_C rating and 45 V V_CEO support direct interfacing with industrial 24 V rails without external protection diodes.	Use Scenario: Controlling interior lighting, window lifters, and mirror adjusters in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch translating microcontroller GPIO signals into load current paths. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and −65°C to +150°C operation ensure compliance with automotive environmental stress testing standards.
Consumer Audio Amplification	IoT Sensor Interface
Use Scenario: Pre-amplifier stage in portable speaker systems and headphone drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier biased in active region for analog signal gain. Use Value: h_FE = 100–250 and f_T = 100 MHz provide stable mid-band gain with minimal distortion up to 20 kHz.	Use Scenario: Level-shifting and signal conditioning between 3.3 V sensors and 5 V microcontrollers in smart home devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active pull-up/pull-down or open-collector interface buffer. Use Value: Low V_BE(on) ≤ 1.2 V and tight V_CE(sat) tolerance allow reliable operation across wide supply voltage ranges (3.0–5.5 V).

Industrial Power Control

Automotive Body Electronics

Use Scenario: Driving solenoids and small DC motors in programmable logic controllers and HVAC actuators.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Switching element controlling 24 V loads with TTL/CMOS-compatible base drive.

Use Value: 500 mA I_C rating and 45 V V_CEO support direct interfacing with industrial 24 V rails without external protection diodes.

Use Scenario: Controlling interior lighting, window lifters, and mirror adjusters in passenger vehicles.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch translating microcontroller GPIO signals into load current paths.

Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and −65°C to +150°C operation ensure compliance with automotive environmental stress testing standards.

Consumer Audio Amplification

IoT Sensor Interface

Use Scenario: Pre-amplifier stage in portable speaker systems and headphone drivers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier biased in active region for analog signal gain.

Use Value: h_FE = 100–250 and f_T = 100 MHz provide stable mid-band gain with minimal distortion up to 20 kHz.

Use Scenario: Level-shifting and signal conditioning between 3.3 V sensors and 5 V microcontrollers in smart home devices.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active pull-up/pull-down or open-collector interface buffer.

Use Value: Low V_BE(on) ≤ 1.2 V and tight V_CE(sat) tolerance allow reliable operation across wide supply voltage ranges (3.0–5.5 V).

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
BC817-25LT3G	Higher h_FE bin (160–400); identical V_CEO, I_C, and package.	Better suited for low-base-drive applications (e.g., microcontroller GPIO directly driving base without resistor scaling).	Select when minimizing base current is critical and tighter gain control is needed; verify saturation margin at target I_C.
MMBT3904LT1G	Lower I_C (200 mA), lower V_CEO (40 V), same SOT-23 package; h_FE = 100–300.	Limited to sub-200 mA loads; not suitable for 500 mA relay or motor drive.	Choose only for low-power signal switching where footprint compatibility is prioritized over current capability.

Compared with BC817-25LT3G and MMBT3904LT1G, the BC817-16LT3 offers balanced gain and current handling - ideal for cost-sensitive, medium-current switching where predictable h_FE and robust thermal margin are required without over-specifying gain.

Availability

BC817-16LT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power control, automotive body electronics, and consumer audio amplification requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BC817-16LT3 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

onsemi is a global semiconductor supplier focused on energy-efficient innovation, delivering silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT markets.

The BC817 series belongs to onsemi's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for reliability and consistency in cost-sensitive switching and amplification applications across automotive and industrial segments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for BC817-16LT3?

The BC817-16LT3 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of 500 mA at T_A = 25°C. Derating applies above ambient temperature - 1.8 mW/°C on FR-5 board and 2.4 mW/°C on alumina substrate - meaning actual usable current decreases as board temperature rises. Always verify junction temperature using R_JA = 556 °C/W (FR-5) or 417 °C/W (alumina) in thermal calculations for BC817-16LT3.

Is BC817-16LT3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, BC817-16LT3 is AEC-Q101 qualified and PPAP capable, confirming its suitability for automotive electronics including body control modules, lighting systems, and comfort features. It meets stringent requirements for temperature cycling, humidity resistance, and mechanical shock - making BC817-16LT3 appropriate for under-dash and cabin-mounted applications where reliability under thermal and vibration stress is essential.

What does the "16" in BC817-16LT3 signify?

The "16" in BC817-16LT3 denotes the h_FE gain bin: minimum h_FE = 100, typical = 160, and maximum = 250 at I_C = 100 mA and V_CE = 1 V. This binning allows designers to select BC817-16LT3 when predictable base drive requirements and moderate gain stability are needed - distinguishing it from BC817-25LT3G (h_FE = 160–400) and BC817-40LT3G (h_FE = 250–600).

Can BC817-16LT3 replace BC817-25LT3G in existing designs?

BC817-16LT3 can replace BC817-25LT3G only if the circuit operates within the lower h_FE range (100–250) and maintains sufficient base drive margin for saturation. Since BC817-25LT3G provides higher gain, substituting BC817-16LT3 may require increasing base current - verify V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.7 V at target I_C using BC817-16LT3's h_FE min. No PCB changes are needed as both share identical SOT-23 pinout and footprint.

What is the thermal resistance of BC817-16LT3 on a standard FR-5 PCB?

The thermal resistance from junction-to-ambient (R_JA) for BC817-16LT3 on an FR-5 board is 556 °C/W at T_A = 25°C, with a derating factor of 1.8 mW/°C above that temperature. This value assumes the standard test board (1.0 × 0.75 × 0.062 in). For accurate thermal modeling of BC817-16LT3, use this R_JA with measured or estimated power dissipation to calculate worst-case junction temperature.

BC817-16LT3 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: onsemi

Series:: -

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

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

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:: 300 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 100MHz

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-23-3 (TO-236)

BC817-16LT3 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC817-16LT3 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC817-16LT3 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 BC817-16LT3 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC817-16LT3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC817-16LT3 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC817-16LT3?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC817-16LT3 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC817-16LT3?

BC817-16LT3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC817-16LT3 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 BC817-16LT3?

For technical support, including BC817-16LT3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC817-16LT3 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC817-16LT3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC817-16LT3 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 BC817-16LT3 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC817-16LT3?

All BC817-16LT3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC817-16LT3, 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 BC817-16LT3 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC817-16LT3:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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