Nexperia USA Inc. BC846,215
- Part No.:
- BC846,215
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC846,215.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:109,297
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Product details
Overview
BC846,215 from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 65 V VCEO, 100 mA IC, and DC current gain (hFE) of 110–450 at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage switching or small-signal amplification device in consumer power management, LED driver bias networks, and signal conditioning stages.
For engineers reviewing the BC846,215 datasheet, BC846,215 pinout, BC846,215 application, or BC846,215 equivalent, this page delivers verified pin functions, thermal resistance (Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W), saturation voltage (VCE(sat) ≤ 400 mV @ IC = 100 mA, IB = 5 mA), noise figure (2–10 dB), and exact SOT23 terminal mapping - all confirmed against Nexperia's Rev. 12 product data sheet.
Technical Context
The BC846,215 operates as a discrete NPN BJT with fixed-emitter configuration, optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching in low-power analog and digital interface circuits. Its hFE spread (110–450) supports design flexibility across gain-critical and current-driven applications.
Thermal performance is defined for FR4 PCB mounting (single-sided, 35 µm Cu, tin-plated), with Tj(max) = 150 °C and Ptot = 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C. Electrical behavior is characterized at 25 °C, with derating curves provided for operation at –55 °C to +150 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 65 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base condition; defines safe operating voltage headroom in switching rails. |
| IC | 100 mA - Continuous collector current rating; sets upper limit for load-driving capability in bias or switch configurations. |
| hFE | 110–450 - DC current gain at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA; determines base drive requirements and amplifier stage gain stability. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 400 mV @ IC = 100 mA, IB = 5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in on-state switching applications. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4; informs heatsinking needs and power derating above 25 °C ambient. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE = 5 V, IC = 10 mA; indicates usable bandwidth for RF or high-speed switching up to ~10 MHz. |
| Cc | 2–3 pF - Collector capacitance at VCB = 10 V; impacts high-frequency response and Miller effect in amplifier designs. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package: 3-terminal, single-row, gull-wing leads; body dimensions 2.9 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm (L × W × H); JEDEC-compliant footprint per Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 of datasheet Rev. 12.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal for forward-biased junction; requires current-limited drive (IB ≤ 5 mA typical) to achieve full saturation. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Current return path; internally connected to substrate; must be tied to lowest potential in common-emitter configuration. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current terminal; handles switched load or amplified output; electrically isolated from package tab (no thermal pad). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Two hFE selections (A/B variants) | BC846A: hFE = 110–220; BC846B: hFE = 200–450 - Enables precise gain matching in production batches without external trimming. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ 200 mV @ IC = 10 mA, IB = 0.5 mA - Reduces power dissipation in battery-powered logic-level switches and LED drivers. |
| High fT | 100 MHz - Supports stable small-signal amplification up to audio and low-RF frequencies without parasitic oscillation. |
| Robust thermal rating | Tj(max) = 150 °C - Allows reliable operation in enclosed industrial enclosures with ambient up to 85 °C after derating. |
Applications
| LED Current Control | Microcontroller GPIO Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving discrete indicator LEDs or low-current RGB segments from 3.3 V or 5 V supply rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured in common-emitter mode, sinking current from LED anode to ground. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 200 mV ensures >95% efficiency at 20 mA drive; hFE ≥ 110 guarantees full saturation with ≤ 200 µA base current from MCU pins. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting or current boosting between 1.8 V/3.3 V microcontroller outputs and 5 V peripheral inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital buffer amplifier with fixed-gain current transfer, isolating MCU I/O from capacitive loads. Use Value: fT = 100 MHz enables clean edge transitions up to 10 MHz; Cc = 2.5 pF minimizes signal delay distortion in timing-critical interfaces. |
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | Power Supply Enable Switch |
Use Scenario: Low-noise voltage amplification of microphone or sensor signals in portable audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier with emitter degeneration resistor for linearity control. Use Value: NF = 2–10 dB at IC = 200 µA allows SNR > 60 dB in 20 Hz–20 kHz band; hFE stability over temperature ensures consistent gain across operating range. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary 5 V or 12 V rails in embedded systems using low-power MCU outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side or low-side enable switch controlling PMOS/NMOS gate drive or LDO EN pin. Use Value: IC = 100 mA rating supports direct control of <100 mA enable currents; VCEO = 65 V provides margin against supply transients and back-EMF. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847,215 | VCEO = 45 V (vs. 65 V); hFE = 110–800; same SOT23 package and pinout | Limited to ≤45 V rail applications; higher hFE reduces base drive but increases sensitivity to leakage at high temperature | Select when lower voltage rating is acceptable and wider gain spread improves system tolerance to process variation. |
| MMBT3904LT1G | VCEO = 40 V; hFE = 100–300; Rth(j-a) = 400 K/W; same SOT23 footprint | Lower voltage headroom and thermal resistance; slightly lower VCE(sat) (300 mV @ 10 mA) | Choose for cost-sensitive consumer designs where 40 V rating suffices and tighter thermal performance is needed. |
Compared with BC846,215, BC847,215 trades voltage margin for broader hFE range, while MMBT3904LT1G offers better thermal dissipation at reduced voltage capability - both require revalidation of base drive and transient immunity in existing layouts.
Availability
BC846,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller interface buffering, audio pre-amplification, and power rail enable switching requiring stable component supply and SOT23 footprint compatibility.
Supply support for BC846,215 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 essential semiconductors - including logic, discretes, MOSFETs, and ESD protection - serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC846x series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, robust switching and amplification in space-constrained SMT designs where reliability and parametric consistency are critical.
FAQ
Is BC846,215 automotive-qualified?
No. Per Nexperia's Rev. 12 datasheet, BC846,215 is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified. It has not undergone AEC-Q101 stress testing or automotive-grade qualification. For automotive use, Nexperia offers the BC846-Q series with full AEC-Q101 certification and extended temperature validation.
What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum peak base current is 200 mA (single pulse, tp ≤ 1 ms), but for continuous DC operation, base current must be limited to ensure IC ≤ 100 mA and Ptot ≤ 250 mW. At VCE = 0.2 V and IC = 100 mA, typical IB is 5 mA; sustained IB > 10 mA risks thermal runaway or bond-wire failure.
Can BC846,215 replace BC546 in through-hole designs?
No direct replacement. BC846,215 uses SOT23 surface-mount packaging, while BC546 uses TO-92 through-hole. Though electrically similar (same VCEO, IC, hFE ranges), the mechanical form factor, thermal path, and soldering process differ fundamentally. PCB redesign and layout validation are required for migration.
Does BC846,215 have built-in ESD protection?
No. The BC846,215 datasheet does not specify integrated ESD protection diodes or human-body-model (HBM) ratings. It exhibits standard BJT junction ESD susceptibility (typically < 2 kV HBM). External TVS or series resistors are recommended in exposed I/O paths or handling environments exceeding Class 1A ESD control.
BC846,215 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BC846x
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 100 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 65 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 400mV @ 5mA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 15nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 110 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BC846,215 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC846,215 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846,215 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 BC846,215 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC846,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846,215 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846,215?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846,215 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC846,215?
BC846,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC846,215 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 BC846,215?
For technical support, including BC846,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846,215 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC846,215 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 BC846,215 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846,215?
All BC846,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846,215, 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 BC846,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC846,215:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC846,215 Tags

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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