onsemi BC846ALT1
- Part No.:
- BC846ALT1
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
BC846ALT1.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 100MA SOT23
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,688
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BC846ALT1 from onsemi is an NPN silicon general-purpose transistor in SOT-23 package, rated for 65 VCEO, 100 mA continuous collector current, and 225 mW power dissipation on FR-5 board. It delivers DC current gain (hFE) of 110–220 at IC = 10 mA/VCE = 5 V, with VCE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V at IC/IB = 10, and is widely used in low-voltage switching and amplification circuits in consumer and industrial electronics.
For engineers reviewing the BC846ALT1 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its VCEO rating, hFE range across variants, SOT-23 thermal performance on standard PCBs, and Pb-free compliance per JESD22-A113.
Technical Context
The BC846ALT1 belongs to the BC846/847/848 family of discrete NPN transistors optimized for general-purpose linear and switching applications. Its design emphasizes consistent hFE grouping (A-grade), low VCE(sat), and robust ESD tolerance (>4000 V HBM).
It operates across −55°C to +150°C junction temperature, supports 100 MHz fT, and exhibits Cobo = 4.5 pF at VCB = 10 V - enabling stable small-signal amplification up to VHF band in compact layouts.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 65 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in 24–48 V logic-level switching stages |
| IC (continuous) | 100 mA - sustained load current capability; suitable for driving LEDs, relays, or small MOSFET gates |
| hFE (min–max) | 110–220 @ IC = 10 mA, VCE = 5 V - ensures predictable base drive sizing without overdesign in bias networks |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.25 V @ IC/IB = 10 - minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in saturated-switching configurations |
| fT | 100 MHz - enables reliable amplification of audio and sub-VHF signals without gain roll-off in common-emitter stages |
| RJA (FR-5) | 556 °C/W - determines thermal rise under 225 mW dissipation; requires minimal copper area for ambient operation |
Pinout & Package
SOT-23 (Case 318, Style 6) surface-mount plastic package with gull-wing leads; 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint, 1.0 mm height; moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1 - unlimited floor life at ≤30°C/60% RH.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control terminal for forward-biased junction; requires current-limited drive (typically 0.1–5 mA) to achieve saturation |
| 2 | Emitter | Current return path; tied to ground or low-side reference; establishes common node for bias and signal return |
| 3 | Collector | Output current sink; connects to load (e.g., LED anode, relay coil) and positive supply rail via pull-up |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pb-free SOT-23 package | Complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU; compatible with lead-free reflow profiles (J-STD-020) |
| ESD rating >4000 V (HBM) | Reduces risk of handling damage during manual assembly or low-volume prototyping |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 | Eliminates bake requirement prior to reflow; simplifies manufacturing flow and reduces cost |
| Normalized hFE grouping (A grade) | Enables predictable gain matching across production lots for analog amplifier bias stability |
| Low VBE(on) (580–700 mV) | Reduces base drive voltage headroom requirements in 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller interface circuits |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Microcontroller GPIO Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V logic rails in portable instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlling LED current path to ground. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.25 V ensures <10 mW dissipation at 20 mA, minimizing thermal impact on PCB layout. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current amplification between MCU GPIO pins and external loads like optocouplers or small relays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Signal buffer and current booster for digital output stages. Use Value: hFE ≥ 110 allows 200 µA GPIO drive to switch 20 mA loads, preserving MCU drive strength. |
| Signal Amplifier Stage | Power Supply Enable Switch |
Use Scenario: Small-signal preamplification of sensor outputs (e.g., thermistor bridges, photodiode currents) in battery-powered sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with fixed bias network. Use Value: fT = 100 MHz supports bandwidth up to 10 kHz with stable gain, sufficient for most analog sensor conditioning. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary power rails (e.g., 12 V fan supply, 5 V USB peripheral rail) under MCU control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side or low-side enable switch in power management subsystems. Use Value: VCEO = 65 V provides 2× margin over 24 V industrial rails, ensuring long-term reliability under transient overvoltage. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC846BMT1 | Same SOT-23 package; B-grade hFE = 200–450 (vs. A-grade 110–220); identical VCEO, VCE(sat), and fT | Higher gain enables lower base drive in high-impedance bias networks but may reduce linearity in analog amplifiers | Select BC846BMT1 when tighter hFE tolerance or higher gain is required; verify stability in feedback loops |
| MMBT3904LT1G | Same pinout and package; VCEO = 40 V (vs. 65 V); hFE = 100–300; slightly higher VCE(sat) (0.3 V typical) | Limited to ≤36 V systems; less margin for automotive or industrial transients | Choose MMBT3904LT1G only in cost-sensitive, low-voltage (<30 V) designs where 65 V rating is unnecessary |
Compared with BC846BMT1 and MMBT3904LT1G, the BC846ALT1 offers optimal balance of voltage margin, gain consistency, and thermal performance for 24–48 V embedded control applications - especially where long-term parametric stability and MSL-1 handling are critical.
Availability
BC846ALT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller interface stages, signal amplifier modules, and power supply enable switches requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and MSL-1 handling.
Supply support for BC846ALT1 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
onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient power, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The BC846ALT1 belongs to onsemi's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for reliability, consistency, and manufacturability in high-volume commercial and industrial electronics.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature for the BC846ALT1?
The BC846ALT1 has a junction and storage temperature range of −55°C to +150°C. Its thermal resistance (RJA) is 556°C/W on FR-5 board, meaning at 225 mW dissipation and 25°C ambient, junction temperature rises by ~125°C - staying within safe limits. Always verify actual board layout and airflow in final design.
Is BC846ALT1 pin-compatible with BC847ALT1 or BC848ALT1?
Yes - all BC846/847/848 series devices share identical SOT-23 pinout (pin 1 = Base, pin 2 = Emitter, pin 3 = Collector) and mechanical footprint. However, BC846ALT1 differs in VCEO (65 V), while BC847ALT1 is rated for 45 V and BC848ALT1 for 30 V - substitution requires voltage margin verification.
Does BC846ALT1 support lead-free reflow soldering?
Yes - BC846ALT1 is Pb-free and qualified for standard lead-free reflow profiles per J-STD-020. Its MSL rating is Level 1, allowing indefinite exposure at ≤30°C/60% RH without baking, simplifying SMT line integration and reducing process risk.
What is the typical noise figure of BC846ALT1 in low-current amplifier applications?
The BC846ALT1 has a noise figure of 10 dB at IC = 0.2 mA, VCE = 5 V, RS = 2 kΩ, f = 1 kHz, and BW = 200 Hz. This makes it suitable for low-frequency sensor signal conditioning where ultra-low noise is not critical, but gain stability and low-cost implementation are priorities.
Can BC846ALT1 be used in linear amplifier configurations?
Yes - BC846ALT1 supports linear operation with verified hFE linearity across IC = 0.1–100 mA (per Figure 7), VCE ≥ 1 V, and fT = 100 MHz. For precision analog use, pair with emitter degeneration and verify thermal drift using its −2.2 mV/°C VBE temperature coefficient.
BC846ALT1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- *
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- -
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- -
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- -
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- -
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- -
- Power - Max:
- -
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
BC846ALT1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC846ALT1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846ALT1 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 BC846ALT1 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC846ALT1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846ALT1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846ALT1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846ALT1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC846ALT1?
BC846ALT1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC846ALT1 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 BC846ALT1?
For technical support, including BC846ALT1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846ALT1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846ALT1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC846ALT1 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 BC846ALT1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846ALT1?
All BC846ALT1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846ALT1, 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 BC846ALT1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC846ALT1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC846ALT1 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
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
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…
