Nexperia USA Inc. BC817K-16VL
- Part No.:
- BC817K-16VL
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC817K-16VL.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.5A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,937
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BC817K-16VL from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101 qualified NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 45 V VCEO, 500 mA continuous collector current, and DC current gain (hFE) of 100–250 at VCE = 1 V, IC = 100 mA. It serves as a compact, thermally robust switching and amplification device in automotive body control modules, industrial sensor interfaces, and power supply enable circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC817K-16VL datasheet, BC817K-16VL pinout, BC817K-16VL application, or BC817K-16VL equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, SOT23 terminal mapping, automotive qualification status, and real-world use context - all grounded in Nexperia's official Rev. 2 product data sheet (March 2018).
Technical Context
This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates with fixed base-emitter and collector-emitter junctions, supporting linear amplification and saturated switching modes. Its hFE range (100–250) enables predictable current-controlled gain in bias networks, while its 45 V VCEO and 500 mA IC rating suit 24 V automotive and 3.3/5/12 V industrial logic-level interfacing.
Thermal performance is defined by mounting-dependent Rth(j-a) values: 358 K/W (standard FR4, single-layer), down to 162 K/W (4-layer board with 1 cm² collector pad). The device exhibits 700 mV VCE(sat) at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA and 1.2 V VBE(sat) under same conditions - key for low-loss switching design.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines usable rail headroom in 24 V automotive systems. |
| IC | 500 mA - Continuous DC collector current limit; supports medium-power load switching (e.g., relays, LEDs, small solenoids). |
| hFE | 100–250 - DC current gain at VCE = 1 V, IC = 100 mA; enables stable base drive calculation for saturation in digital interface applications. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 700 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA; ensures ≤ 350 mW conduction loss in switched mode. |
| Ptot | 775 mW - Max total power dissipation on 4-layer FR4 PCB with 1 cm² collector pad; sets thermal layout requirements for sustained operation. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE = 5 V, IC = 10 mA; confirms suitability for low-speed signal amplification (<10 MHz) and fast-switching (<100 ns) applications. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount package: 3-terminal, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, tin-plated leads compatible with standard reflow profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires ≥50 mA base drive for full saturation at 500 mA collector load. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference terminal for bias network; connected to ground or low-side return path in common-emitter configurations. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | High-current output node; electrically and thermally coupled to PCB copper area to manage 775 mW dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C) and stress testing - enables direct use in BCM, lighting, and HVAC modules without additional qualification. |
| Three hFE bins | BC817K-16 (100–250), -25 (160–400), -40 (250–600) - allows precise gain matching in analog feedback paths or consistent switching thresholds across production batches. |
| High Ptot capability | 775 mW on 4-layer FR4 - exceeds typical SOT23 limits, reducing need for derating or parallel devices in space-constrained designs. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ 700 mV at IC/IB = 10 - minimizes power loss and self-heating during sustained on-state operation in 5 V/12 V load switches. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V incandescent lamps and small relays in door module PCBs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch controlling lamp current path with microcontroller GPIO-level base drive. Use Value: 45 V VCEO withstands load-dump transients; AEC-Q101 qualification eliminates need for external qualification testing. |
Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level analog outputs from pressure or temperature sensors before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier stage providing 20–50× voltage gain with stable hFE binning. Use Value: 100–250 hFE range ensures predictable gain across temperature; fT = 100 MHz supports bandwidth up to 5 MHz. |
| USB-C Power Delivery Interface | Programmable Logic Controller Input Stage |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 5 V auxiliary rails in USB-C PD sink controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch isolating downstream circuitry during fault conditions. Use Value: 500 mA IC rating handles peak loads; 700 mV VCE(sat) keeps power loss below 350 mW at full load. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current amplification for 24 V DC industrial inputs into 3.3 V MCU GPIOs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital input buffer converting high-voltage field signals to logic-compatible levels. Use Value: 5 V VEBO and 50 V VCBO provide noise immunity; SOT23 footprint enables dense I/O channel packing. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847BW | Same SOT23 package; hFE = 200–450 (wider bin), lower IC = 100 mA, VCEO = 45 V. | Not AEC-Q101 qualified; suitable for commercial-grade consumer electronics, not automotive. | Select when higher gain consistency is needed but automotive qualification is unnecessary and load current ≤100 mA. |
| MMBT3904LT1G | SOT23 package; hFE = 100–300, IC = 200 mA, VCEO = 40 V, no AEC-Q101 certification. | Limited to ≤200 mA loads and <40 V rails; lacks automotive thermal and reliability validation. | Choose for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where 200 mA current and 40 V rating suffice. |
Compared with BC817K-16VL, BC847BW offers higher hFE but lower current handling and no automotive qualification, while MMBT3904LT1G provides broader commercial availability but sacrifices 5 V VCEO margin and AEC-Q101 compliance - making BC817K-16VL the only option meeting full automotive switching requirements in this footprint.
Availability
BC817K-16VL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor interfaces, USB-C power delivery subsystems, and programmable logic controller input stages requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for BC817K-16VL 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-enhancing components, delivering high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC817K series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101 qualified general-purpose transistor portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, space-efficient switching and amplification in harsh-environment automotive electronics and industrial control systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for BC817K-16VL?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C per IEC 60134 limiting values. Operation above this threshold risks permanent degradation. Derating is required above ambient temperatures of 25 °C - for example, at Tamb = 85 °C on a 4-layer FR4 board, maximum usable Ptot drops to ~450 mW based on Rth(j-a) = 162 K/W.
Is BC817K-16VL pin-compatible with BC847B or MMBT3904?
Yes - all three use identical SOT23 (TO-236AB) package with base-emitter-collector pinout (1-2-3). However, differences in hFE distribution, IC rating, VCEO, and qualification status mean direct substitution requires verification of gain stability, thermal margin, and automotive compliance in the target application.
What does the 'VL' suffix indicate in BC817K-16VL?
The 'VL' suffix denotes Nexperia's tape-and-reel packaging variant compliant with EIA-481-D standards: 3000 units per reel, 8 mm carrier tape width, 4 mm pocket pitch. It has no electrical or thermal impact - identical to BC817K-16 in all parametric and reliability characteristics.
How does thermal resistance vary with PCB construction for BC817K-16VL?
Rth(j-a) ranges from 358 K/W (single-layer FR4, standard footprint) to 162 K/W (4-layer FR4 with 1 cm² collector pad). This 2.2× improvement directly increases allowable power dissipation - e.g., from 215 mW to 475 mW at Tamb = 85 °C - making copper layer count and collector pad area critical layout decisions.
BC817K-16VL 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:
- 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-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BC817K-16VL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC817K-16VL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC817K-16VL 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 BC817K-16VL reliable?
The price and inventory of BC817K-16VL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC817K-16VL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC817K-16VL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC817K-16VL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC817K-16VL?
BC817K-16VL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC817K-16VL 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 BC817K-16VL?
For technical support, including BC817K-16VL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC817K-16VL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC817K-16VL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC817K-16VL 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 BC817K-16VL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC817K-16VL?
All BC817K-16VL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC817K-16VL, 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 BC817K-16VL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC817K-16VL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC817K-16VL 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…
