Nexperia USA Inc. BC817-16-QVL
- Part No.:
- BC817-16-QVL
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC817-16-QVL.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.5A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,923
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BC817-16-QVL from Nexperia is a 45 V, 500 mA NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, featuring DC current gain (hFE) of 100–250 at VCE = 1 V and IC = 100 mA, VCE(sat) ≤ 700 mV at IC = 500 mA/IB = 50 mA, and AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability. It serves as a low-voltage switching element in power management stages of body control modules and LED driver circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC817-16-QVL datasheet, BC817-16-QVL pinout, BC817-16-QVL application, or BC817-16-QVL equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, automotive qualification status, and validated alternatives for high-volume production design-in.
Technical Context
This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates with open-base collector-emitter breakdown voltage (VCEO) rated at 45 V and peak collector current (ICM) up to 1 A in single-pulse conditions. Its base-emitter saturation voltage (VBE(sat)) remains ≤1.2 V at IC = 500 mA, supporting efficient drive in low-side switch configurations.
The device exhibits fT = 100 MHz at VCE = 5 V, IC = 10 mA, enabling use in moderate-speed digital switching and analog amplification up to ~10 MHz. Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) is 500 K/W on standard FR4 PCB, requiring careful layout for sustained 500 mA operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before avalanche breakdown under open-base condition. |
| IC | 500 mA - Continuous DC collector current rating at Tamb = 25 °C, defining steady-state load switching capability. |
| hFE | 100–250 - DC current gain range at VCE = 1 V, IC = 100 mA, determining required base drive for saturation. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤700 mV - Collector-emitter voltage drop at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA, directly impacting conduction loss in switch mode. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE = 5 V, IC = 10 mA, indicating usable bandwidth for small-signal amplification. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB, governing temperature rise under continuous load. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads, 1.3 mm height, and 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint; optimized for reflow soldering per IPC-7095 guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal accepting current-limited drive to bias transistor into active or saturation region. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Current return path; connected to ground or low-side reference in common-emitter switching configurations. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | High-current output node; carries full load current when saturated, requiring adequate copper pour for thermal dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and lighting systems per stress test requirements. |
| Three hFE selections | BC817-16-Q (100–250), BC817-25-Q (160–400), BC817-40-Q (250–600) enable precise base drive optimization across designs. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤700 mV at IC = 500 mA ensures <1.5 W conduction loss in worst-case switching, reducing thermal burden. |
| High fT | 100 MHz enables stable operation in PWM dimming circuits up to 20 kHz without gain roll-off. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | LED Driver Circuit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Switching 12 V loads such as door locks, window motors, and interior lighting in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN low-side switch controlling current flow to resistive/inductive loads via microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability over 15-year vehicle lifetime; 45 V VCEO accommodates load dump transients. |
Use Scenario: Constant-current switching for automotive exterior LED clusters (tail lights, DRLs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-switching element in linear or PWM-controlled LED current paths. Use Value: 500 mA IC rating supports multi-LED strings; low VCE(sat) minimizes heat generation in confined headlamp housings. |
| Industrial Sensor Interface | Consumer Appliance Power Stage |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and signal conditioning between 3.3 V microcontrollers and 24 V industrial sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: General-purpose amplifier or digital buffer stage interfacing logic-level signals to higher-voltage domains. Use Value: hFE range of 100–250 allows predictable base resistor selection; TO-236AB package enables dense PCB layouts. |
Use Scenario: Driving solenoids, relays, and small DC motors in washing machines, HVAC controls, and coffee makers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust discrete switch replacing mechanical relays in cost-sensitive appliance mainboards. Use Value: 1 A ICM handles motor inrush; 150 °C Tj rating supports operation in thermally constrained enclosures. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC817-16-7-F (Diodes Inc.) | Same hFE range (100–250), identical SOT23 package, but not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Limited to industrial/commercial use; unsuitable for automotive safety-critical subsystems. | Select when automotive qualification is unnecessary and cost sensitivity outweighs long-term reliability requirements. |
| MMBT3904LT1G (ON Semiconductor) | Lower VCEO (40 V), higher hFE (100–300), same SOT23 footprint; no AEC-Q101 certification. | Acceptable for 5–12 V consumer systems but marginal for 24 V industrial rails due to reduced voltage margin. | Choose for non-automotive 3.3/5 V logic interface where tighter hFE tolerance is preferred over voltage headroom. |
Compared with BC817-16-QVL, BC817-16-7-F lacks automotive qualification while matching gain and package, whereas MMBT3904LT1G trades 5 V voltage margin for slightly higher gain-making BC817-16-QVL the only option meeting AEC-Q101 for 12/24 V automotive switching.
Availability
BC817-16-QVL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, LED driver circuits, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer appliance power stages requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for BC817-16-QVL 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 efficiency, delivering high-performance logic, discrete, and MOSFET devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC817-Q series targets cost-effective, AEC-Q101-compliant discrete solutions for automotive electronics and industrial control, emphasizing robustness, thermal stability, and standardized SOT23 compatibility.
FAQ
Is BC817-16-QVL suitable for automotive applications?
Yes. BC817-16-QVL is fully qualified to AEC-Q101 standards, including stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity bias, and high-temperature operating life. It is approved for use in automotive body electronics, lighting, and infotainment systems where reliability under vibration, thermal shock, and extended temperature ranges (−40 °C to +125 °C ambient) is mandatory.
What is the maximum continuous collector current at 85 °C ambient?
At Tamb = 85 °C, the maximum continuous collector current is derated to approximately 375 mA based on the 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and 150 °C maximum junction temperature. This assumes standard FR4 PCB mounting with single-sided copper and tin-plated finish per datasheet Figure 1.
How does BC817-16-QVL differ from BC817-25-QVL?
BC817-16-QVL has hFE = 100–250, while BC817-25-QVL offers hFE = 160–400 at the same test conditions (VCE = 1 V, IC = 100 mA). The higher gain variant reduces required base drive current by ~30%, beneficial in low-power MCU GPIO-driven applications, but may increase sensitivity to temperature-induced gain drift.
Can BC817-16-QVL replace BC847B in existing designs?
No. BC847B has VCEO = 45 V but lower IC = 100 mA and hFE = 200–450. BC817-16-QVL supports 5× higher collector current (500 mA), making it unsuitable as a direct replacement unless the original design operates well below BC847B's current limit and thermal limits are re-verified for the higher power dissipation.
BC817-16-QVL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BC817-Q
- 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-QVL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC817-16-QVL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC817-16-QVL 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-QVL reliable?
The price and inventory of BC817-16-QVL 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-QVL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC817-16-QVL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC817-16-QVL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC817-16-QVL?
BC817-16-QVL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC817-16-QVL 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-QVL?
For technical support, including BC817-16-QVL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC817-16-QVL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC817-16-QVL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC817-16-QVL 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-QVL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC817-16-QVL?
All BC817-16-QVL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC817-16-QVL, 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-QVL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC817-16-QVL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC817-16-QVL Tags

-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BC846BLT1G
onsemi

-
BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
Tech Hub
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.
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…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
