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Nexperia USA Inc. BC846A-QVL
- Part No.:
- BC846A-QVL
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC846A-QVL.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,945
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Product details
Overview
BC846A-QVL from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 65 V VCEO, 100 mA IC, and hFE = 110–220 at VCE = 5 V / IC = 2 mA. It serves as a low-power switching and amplification device in automotive body control modules, LED drivers, and sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC846A-QVL datasheet, BC846A-QVL pinout, BC846A-QVL application, or BC846A-QVL equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal limits, automotive qualification status, SOT23 terminal mapping, and validated alternative transistors for design-in and BOM optimization.
Technical Context
This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in linear or saturated switching modes with VCEO = 65 V and VCB0 = 80 V, supporting robust voltage margin in 12 V automotive systems. Its hFE range (110–220) enables predictable base drive sizing for load currents up to 100 mA DC.
Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W on FR4 PCB ensures stable operation up to Tj = 150 °C, while VCE(sat) ≤ 200 mV at IC = 100 mA / IB = 5 mA confirms low conduction loss in active switching roles.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 65 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; supports 12 V/24 V automotive rail transients. |
| IC | 100 mA - Continuous collector current rating; suitable for driving relays, LEDs, and small solenoids. |
| hFE | 110–220 - DC current gain at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA; enables precise base resistor selection for bias stability. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤200 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC = 100 mA, IB = 5 mA; minimizes power loss in switch-on state. |
| Ptot | 250 mW - Total power dissipation at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on standard FR4; defines thermal derating envelope. |
| Tj(max) | 150 °C - Maximum junction temperature; aligns with AEC-Q101 automotive reliability requirements. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount plastic package: 3-pin, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, tin-plated leads compatible with reflow and wave soldering per IPC-J-STD-020.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor to limit IB and ensure saturation under worst-case hFE. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common reference terminal; connected to ground or low-side return path in NPN switch configurations. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current sink node; interfaces with load (e.g., LED anode, relay coil) tied to positive supply rail. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, lighting, and infotainment power stages. |
| Two hFE selections | BC846A-Q (110–220) and BC846B-Q (200–450) allow optimized gain matching for specific bias and noise requirements. |
| Low VCE(sat) | 200 mV max at full 100 mA load ensures <10 mW conduction loss, reducing thermal stress in compact layouts. |
| FR4-compatible thermal performance | Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W enables operation without heatsinking in ambient temperatures up to 85 °C. |
Applications
| Automotive Interior Lighting | Industrial Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA white LEDs in door handle illumination and map light assemblies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch controlling LED current path from 12 V rail to ground. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 200 mV ensures >98% efficiency at 20 mA, minimizing PCB heating in sealed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and buffering analog sensor outputs (e.g., thermistor, potentiometer) into microcontroller ADC inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emitter-follower amplifier providing low-output-impedance signal conditioning. Use Value: hFE ≥ 110 guarantees stable current sourcing capability across -40 °C to +125 °C operating range. |
| Consumer Appliance Control | Power Supply Enable Switching |
|
Use Scenario: Activating small 5 V relays in washing machine control boards for valve and pump actuation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch enabling relay coil current flow when MCU GPIO asserts high. Use Value: IC = 100 mA rating exceeds typical 40–70 mA relay hold current, ensuring margin against aging and voltage drop. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary 3.3 V LDO output in multi-rail embedded power systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side or low-side enable switch controlled by system supervisor IC. Use Value: VCEO = 65 V withstands transient overshoot during hot-swap events, preventing unintended shutdown. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC846B-Q | Higher hFE (200–450) at same VCE/IC; otherwise identical ratings and package. | Better suited for low-base-drive designs where I/O current budget is constrained. | Select when tighter hFE tolerance or lower base current is required; not drop-in for gain-critical bias networks calibrated for BC846A-Q. |
| MMBT3904LT1G | Same SOT23 package, but VCEO = 40 V, hFE = 100–300, and no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Limited to non-automotive industrial or consumer use due to lower voltage rating and unqualified reliability. | Acceptable for cost-sensitive 5 V/3.3 V systems where 65 V margin and automotive qualification are unnecessary. |
Compared with BC846B-Q, BC846A-Q offers tighter hFE spread for consistent base drive design; versus MMBT3904LT1G, it provides 25 V higher breakdown voltage and certified automotive reliability-critical for under-hood and safety-related subsystems.
Availability
BC846A-QVL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial sensor interfacing, and appliance relay driving requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for BC846A-QVL 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 semiconductors, delivering high-performance, reliable components for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC846x-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified discrete transistor portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost switching and amplification in harsh automotive environments.
FAQ
Is BC846A-QVL pin-compatible with BC846B-Q?
Yes-both share identical SOT23 (TO-236AB) package and pinout (1 = Base, 2 = Emitter, 3 = Collector). However, their hFE ranges differ (110–220 vs. 200–450), so direct substitution may require recalculating base resistors to maintain saturation and avoid overdrive or cutoff.
What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous 100 mA operation?
At IC = 100 mA, Ptot ≈ 20 mW (using VCE(sat) = 200 mV). With Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W, ΔT = 10 °C rise above ambient. Thus, Tamb can reach 140 °C before hitting Tj = 150 °C-though derating per JEDEC guidelines recommends limiting Tamb to ≤85 °C for long-term reliability.
Does BC846A-QVL support pulsed operation beyond 100 mA?
Yes-ICM = 200 mA for single pulses ≤1 ms, enabling short-duration surge handling (e.g., relay pull-in current). Pulse duty cycle must remain ≤2% to prevent thermal accumulation; peak base current IBM is also limited to 200 mA under same conditions.
How does the AEC-Q101 qualification impact board-level design?
AEC-Q101 qualification confirms BC846A-QVL has passed stress tests for temperature cycling, humidity, mechanical shock, and high-temperature operating life-ensuring reliability in automotive under-hood and cabin environments. Designers benefit from reduced validation effort and extended field-life confidence without additional component-level qualification.
BC846A-QVL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BC846x-Q
- 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:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BC846A-QVL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC846A-QVL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846A-QVL 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-QVL reliable?
The price and inventory of BC846A-QVL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846A-QVL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846A-QVL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846A-QVL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC846A-QVL?
BC846A-QVL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC846A-QVL 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-QVL?
For technical support, including BC846A-QVL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846A-QVL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846A-QVL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC846A-QVL 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-QVL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846A-QVL?
All BC846A-QVL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846A-QVL, 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-QVL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC846A-QVL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC846A-QVL Tags
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onsemi
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MMBT3904LT1G
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MMBT3906-7-F
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MMBT3904-TP
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BC846BLT1G
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BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.
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MMBTA06LT1G
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