Nexperia USA Inc. BC817-25/SNR
- Part No.:
- BC817-25/SNR
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC817-25/SNR.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.5A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BC817-25/SNR from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 45 V VCEO, 500 mA continuous collector current, and DC current gain (hFE) of 160–400 at VCE = 1 V and IC = 100 mA. It serves as a low-voltage switching and linear amplification device in power management and signal conditioning circuits across consumer and industrial PCBs.
For engineers reviewing the BC817-25/SNR datasheet, BC817-25/SNR pinout, BC817-25/SNR application, or BC817-25/SNR equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed hFE range, SOT23 thermal derating behavior, VCE(sat) ≤ 700 mV at IC = 500 mA/IB = 50 mA, and compatibility with standard reflow soldering footprints per IPC-7351.
Technical Context
This transistor operates in active and saturation regions with defined breakdown limits: VCEO = 45 V, VCBO = 50 V, and VEBO = 5 V. Its pulsed operation supports ICM = 1 A (tp ≤ 1 ms), enabling short-duration load switching without thermal runaway under controlled duty cycles.
Thermal performance is characterized by Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W on standard FR4 (single-sided copper) and 362 K/W with 1 cm² collector pad - directly informing PCB layout decisions for sustained 500 mA operation at ambient temperatures up to 125 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; sets upper rail limit for switch-mode or amplifier stage design. |
| IC | 500 mA - Continuous DC collector current rating; defines maximum steady-state load drive capability at Tamb ≤ 25 °C. |
| hFE | 160–400 - Guaranteed DC current gain range at VCE = 1 V, IC = 100 mA; enables predictable base drive sizing for switching applications. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 700 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC = 500 mA, IB = 50 mA; determines conduction loss and heat generation in saturated switch mode. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE = 5 V, IC = 10 mA; indicates usable bandwidth for small-signal amplification up to ~10 MHz with gain margin. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4; used to calculate temperature rise ΔT = Pdiss × Rth(j-a) for thermal design. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package with 3 leads; 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and gull-wing lead form compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow soldering per IPC-7351.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires ≥13 mA base drive to saturate at 500 mA collector load (IC/IB = 38 typical). |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference terminal for biasing; connected to ground or low-side return path in common-emitter configurations. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | High-current output node; routed to load or supply rail; thermally coupled to PCB copper for dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Three hFE selections | BC817-25 provides 160–400 hFE, enabling precise gain matching for consistent switching thresholds across production batches. |
| High fT | 100 MHz transition frequency supports stable small-signal amplification up to 10 MHz with >10 dB gain margin. |
| Low VCE(sat) | 700 mV max at full 500 mA load reduces conduction loss to <350 mW, easing thermal management on compact boards. |
| SOT23 reflow compatibility | Validated for standard Pb-free reflow profiles (J-STD-020); footprint matches JEDEC TO-236AB mechanical dimensions. |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Microcontroller GPIO Expander |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving 20–50 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlling LED current path to ground; activated by MCU GPIO high/low transitions. Use Value: Guaranteed hFE ≥ 160 ensures full saturation with ≤5 mA base current, preserving MCU drive capability while delivering stable LED brightness. |
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak sensor signals (e.g., thermistor divider outputs) before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier stage providing 10–20× voltage gain with DC coupling. Use Value: fT = 100 MHz and hFE = 160–400 enable flat gain response up to 5 MHz, supporting fast transient detection in analog front-ends. |
| DC Motor Control (Small Fan) | Power Supply Enable Switch |
|
Use Scenario: Controlling 12 V, 300 mA cooling fans in embedded systems using PWM at 25 kHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current saturated switch toggling fan supply; driven by PWM signal through current-limiting base resistor. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 700 mV limits power loss to <210 mW during 100% duty cycle, avoiding thermal shutdown in enclosed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 5 V auxiliary rails in multi-rail power supplies via system controller logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Logic-level controlled pass element connecting upstream regulator output to downstream load. Use Value: 45 V VCEO rating provides 2× margin over 5 V rail, ensuring robustness against supply transients and inductive kickback. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC817-25,115 (Nexperia) | Identical electrical specs and SOT23 package; differs only in tape-and-reel packaging (10,000 pcs/reel vs. SNR's 3,000 pcs/reel) and marking code (6B vs. 6B% with site code). | No functional difference; suitable for identical circuit roles including switching and amplification. | Select based on volume procurement needs and assembly line reel size requirements. |
| MMBT3904LT1G (onsemi) | Lower hFE range (100–300), higher VCE(sat) (≤ 300 mV @ IC = 50 mA but rises to ~950 mV @ 500 mA), and same 40 V VCEO. | Less suitable for 500 mA switching due to higher saturation voltage; better matched for ≤100 mA loads. | Prefer BC817-25/SNR where full 500 mA drive with low VCE(sat) is required; use MMBT3904LT1G only if gain consistency below 160 is acceptable. |
Compared with BC817-25/SNR, the Nexperia 115 variant offers identical performance with different packaging logistics, while the MMBT3904LT1G trades off higher saturation loss and narrower hFE range for broader distributor availability - making BC817-25/SNR optimal for designs demanding guaranteed 160–400 hFE and sub-700 mV VCE(sat) at 500 mA.
Availability
BC817-25/SNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, DC motor control (small fan), and power supply enable switching requiring stable component supply, consistent hFE binning, and SOT23 reflow compatibility.
Supply support for BC817-25/SNR 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 technologies, delivering high-performance, reliable discrete and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC817 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications requiring predictable gain, low saturation voltage, and robust SMT manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC817-25/SNR at 100 °C ambient?
At Tamb = 100 °C, the maximum continuous collector current is derated to approximately 350 mA. This is calculated using the 500 K/W thermal resistance and 250 mW maximum power dissipation at 25 °C, applying linear derating above 25 °C per the datasheet's power derating curve.
Does BC817-25/SNR support pulse operation beyond 500 mA?
Yes - it supports ICM = 1 A for single pulses ≤1 ms with duty cycle ≤0.02. This capability is validated under pulsed test conditions (tp ≤ 300 μs, δ ≤ 0.02) and enables brief inrush current handling in relay drivers or capacitor charging circuits.
How does the hFE of BC817-25/SNR vary with temperature?
hFE increases with junction temperature: typical values rise ~0.5%/°C between −55 °C and 25 °C, then plateau near 150 °C. Figure 8 in the datasheet shows hFE ≈ 320 at 25 °C and ≈ 400 at 150 °C for IC = 100 mA, confirming positive thermal coefficient in normal operating range.
Is BC817-25/SNR qualified for automotive applications?
No - BC817-25/SNR is not automotive-qualified. The datasheet explicitly states non-automotive qualification (Rev. 8, Section 13), and Nexperia offers separate -Q qualified variants (e.g., BC817-25-Q) with AEC-Q101 testing, extended temperature range, and enhanced reliability screening.
BC817-25/SNR 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:
- 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:
- 160 @ 100mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BC817-25/SNR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC817-25/SNR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC817-25/SNR 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 BC817-25/SNR reliable?
The price and inventory of BC817-25/SNR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC817-25/SNR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC817-25/SNR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC817-25/SNR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC817-25/SNR?
BC817-25/SNR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC817-25/SNR 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 BC817-25/SNR?
For technical support, including BC817-25/SNR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC817-25/SNR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC817-25/SNR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC817-25/SNR 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 BC817-25/SNR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC817-25/SNR?
All BC817-25/SNR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC817-25/SNR, 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 BC817-25/SNR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC817-25/SNR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC817-25/SNR Tags

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