Nexperia USA Inc. BC846A,235
- Part No.:
- BC846A,235
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC846A,235.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:27,098
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Product details
Overview
BC846A,235 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 110–220 at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage switching and small-signal amplification device in consumer power management, LED driver bias networks, and microcontroller I/O interface stages.
For engineers reviewing the BC846A,235 datasheet, BC846A,235 pinout, BC846A,235 application, or BC846A,235 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified hFE binning (Group A), SOT23 thermal resistance (500 K/W), VCEsat ≤ 200 mV at IC = 100 mA / IB = 5 mA, and non-automotive qualification status per Rev. 12 (2022).
Technical Context
The BC846A operates as a silicon planar epitaxial NPN transistor with base-emitter and collector-base junctions optimized for stable DC gain across −55 °C to 150 °C ambient. Its hFE group A specification (110–220) enables predictable current amplification in linear and saturated switching modes without external gain-setting resistors.
Thermal performance is defined for FR4 PCB mounting (single-sided, 35 µm Cu, standard footprint), where Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W governs maximum continuous power dissipation (250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C). Absolute maximum ratings include VCBO = 80 V and VEBO = 6 V, supporting robust operation in 5–24 V rail systems.
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 24 V logic-level switching. |
| IC | 100 mA - Continuous collector current rating; supports LED drivers, relay coils, and MCU GPIO load switching up to ~100 mA DC. |
| hFE | 110–220 - DC current gain at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA; ensures reliable saturation with base drive ≥ 0.5 mA for 100 mA loads. |
| VCEsat | ≤ 200 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC = 100 mA, IB = 5 mA; minimizes conduction loss in low-side switch applications. |
| Ptot | 250 mW - Total power dissipation at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on standard FR4; sets thermal derating limit for sustained operation. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE = 5 V, IC = 10 mA; supports audio-frequency amplification and fast digital switching (ton/toff < 50 ns). |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package: 3-lead, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, tin-plated terminations compatible with reflow and wave soldering per Figures 11–12.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires ≥0.5 mA drive to saturate 100 mA collector load; sensitive to ESD (VEBO = 6 V max). |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common reference terminal for NPN configuration; connected to ground or low-side return path; carries full collector + base current. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current sink node; rated for 65 V standoff and 100 mA continuous; thermally coupled to die via leadframe in SOT23 package. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Gain-binned selection | Group A (hFE = 110–220) enables consistent bias design across production lots without gain-trimming resistors. |
| SOT23 thermal performance | Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W on FR4 allows 250 mW dissipation at 25 °C ambient-sufficient for intermittent 100 mA switching in space-constrained layouts. |
| Low VCEsat | 200 mV max at IC/IB = 20 ensures <20 mW conduction loss at 100 mA, critical for battery-powered signal routing. |
| High fT | 100 MHz transition frequency supports clean square-wave response up to ~10 MHz, suitable for clock buffering and pulse shaping. |
Applications
| LED Current Control | Microcontroller GPIO Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving discrete indicator LEDs or low-power RGB LED segments from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side current sink switch, configured in common-emitter mode with base resistor limiting IB. Use Value: VCEsat ≤ 200 mV ensures >95% forward voltage reaches LED; hFE binning guarantees reliable turn-on with 0.5–1 mA MCU drive. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting or isolating MCU I/O pins from higher-voltage peripherals (e.g., 12 V sensors, relays). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital buffer/switch providing galvanic separation and current gain between logic and load domains. Use Value: 65 V VCEO and 100 mA IC support direct interfacing to 12 V industrial I/O without external protection diodes. |
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | Power Supply Enable Switch |
|
Use Scenario: Small-signal amplification in portable audio front-ends (e.g., electret microphone bias and gain stage). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with fixed emitter degeneration, leveraging stable hFE for repeatable gain. Use Value: fT = 100 MHz and NF = 2–10 dB at 1 kHz ensure low-noise, wideband amplification up to 20 kHz with minimal distortion. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary power rails (e.g., 5 V USB peripheral supply) under MCU control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side or low-side enable switch controlling PMOS/NMOS gate drive or LDO EN pin. Use Value: 250 mW Ptot and 500 K/W thermal resistance allow continuous 100 mA switching without heatsinking in compact power modules. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847A,215 | Same SOT23 package, identical hFE range (110–220), but rated for 45 V VCEO (vs. 65 V) and 100 mA IC. | Not suitable for 48 V or 24 V bus switching where 65 V margin is required; acceptable in 3.3/5/12 V logic domains. | Select BC847A only when system voltage ≤ 30 V and cost sensitivity outweighs voltage headroom needs. |
| MMBT3904LT1G | Same SOT23 footprint, hFE = 100–300, VCEO = 40 V, VCEsat = 300 mV @ IC = 10 mA (higher than BC846A's 200 mV @ 100 mA). | Higher VCEsat reduces efficiency in high-current switching; lower VCEO limits use to sub-30 V systems. | Prefer BC846A over MMBT3904LT1G when 65 V standoff or <200 mV saturation at 100 mA is mandatory. |
Compared with BC846A,235, BC847A offers identical gain but reduced voltage rating, while MMBT3904LT1G trades higher saturation voltage and lower breakdown for broader hFE spread-making BC846A optimal for 24 V industrial I/O and precision gain-critical designs.
Availability
BC846A,235 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller interface modules, and audio pre-amplifier stages requiring stable component supply and SOT23 footprint compatibility.
Supply support for BC846A,235 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 for automotive, industrial, mobile, and computing markets.
The BC846x series targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained general-purpose analog and digital switching applications, emphasizing consistent hFE binning, robust SOT23 thermal behavior, and broad operating temperature support (−65 °C to 150 °C).
FAQ
Is BC846A,235 qualified for automotive applications?
No. Per Nexperia's Rev. 12 datasheet (July 2022), BC846A,235 is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and automotive-grade process controls. For automotive use, select the BC846AQ series, which carries separate qualification documentation and part numbering.
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 continuous operation must respect the total power dissipation limit. With VBE ≈ 700 mV at IC = 10 mA, sustained IB > 0.35 mA contributes measurably to Ptot; design should keep average IB ≤ 1 mA to maintain thermal safety margin on FR4.
How does hFE vary with temperature and collector current?
hFE decreases with rising temperature: typical values drop ~25% from 25 °C to 150 °C at fixed IC. At IC = 2 mA, hFE peaks near 220 (25 °C) and falls to ~160 at 150 °C (Fig. 2). At IC = 100 mA, hFE drops to ~90–200, requiring design validation at worst-case operating points.
Can BC846A,235 replace BC846B in existing designs?
Only if gain tolerance permits. BC846B has hFE = 200–450 (vs. BC846A's 110–220), so substitution may cause overdrive in saturated switches or insufficient gain in linear amplifiers. Verify IB margins and small-signal gain stability; do not assume drop-in compatibility without circuit-level validation.
BC846A,235 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
BC846A,235 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC846A,235 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846A,235 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 BC846A,235 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC846A,235 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846A,235 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846A,235?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846A,235 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC846A,235?
BC846A,235 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC846A,235 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 BC846A,235?
For technical support, including BC846A,235 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846A,235 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846A,235 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC846A,235 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 BC846A,235 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846A,235?
All BC846A,235 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846A,235, 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 BC846A,235 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC846A,235:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC846A,235 Tags

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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