Nexperia USA Inc. BC846AW-QF
- Part No.:
- BC846AW-QF
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
BC846AW-QF.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A SOT-323
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BC846AW-Q from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT323 (SC-70) package, rated for 65 V VCEO, 100 mA IC, and DC current gain (hFE) of 110–220 at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA - used for low-power switching and linear amplification in automotive body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the BC846AW-Q datasheet, BC846AW-Q pinout, BC846AW-Q application, or BC846AW-Q equivalent, this part supports design-in for space-constrained automotive modules requiring qualified discrete gain stability, low saturation voltage (VCE(sat) ≤ 400 mV @ IC = 100 mA), and thermal robustness up to 150 °C junction temperature.
Technical Context
This transistor operates as a single-element NPN bipolar junction device with base-controlled current amplification. Its gain group (A) delivers tightly binned hFE = 110–220, enabling predictable biasing in analog sensor interfaces and digital logic-level translation circuits.
Qualified per AEC-Q101, it supports automotive ambient ranges (−65 °C to +150 °C) and exhibits low leakage (ICBO ≤ 5 µA at Tj = 150 °C), stable VBE (~660 mV typ. @ IC = 10 mA), and fT ≥ 100 MHz - suitable for medium-speed signal conditioning and PWM-driven loads.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 65 V - maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; enables use in 48 V automotive subsystems and 24 V industrial controls. |
| IC | 100 mA continuous - supports driving small relays, LEDs, and logic gates without external heat sinking. |
| hFE (A-group) | 110–220 @ VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA - ensures consistent DC bias stability across production lots for amplifier and switch designs. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 400 mV @ IC = 100 mA, IB = 5 mA - minimizes power loss and self-heating in saturated switching applications. |
| Ptot | 200 mW @ Tamb ≤ 25 °C - defines thermal derating envelope on standard FR4 PCB with single-sided copper. |
| fT | ≥ 100 MHz - supports signal amplification and switching up to audio and low-MHz digital frequencies. |
| Rth(j-a) | 625 K/W - quantifies thermal resistance from junction to ambient; informs PCB layout and power budgeting. |
Pinout & Package
SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mount package: 1.3 mm × 1.8 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, 3-terminal leadframe with gull-wing leads - optimized for high-density automotive PCB assembly and reflow compatibility.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor to limit IB and ensure safe saturation under worst-case VCC. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common reference terminal; connected to ground or low-side return path; carries full load current IC + IB. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current sink node; connects to load (e.g., LED anode or relay coil); must withstand VCEO during off-state. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing - eliminates need for additional qualification effort. |
| Gain-binned selection (A-group) | hFE = 110–220 ensures predictable bias point in amplifier stages and reduces calibration overhead in production test. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ 400 mV at full 100 mA load enables efficient switching in battery-powered modules with minimal voltage drop. |
| Thermal capability | 150 °C max junction temperature supports operation in engine bay and under-hood ECUs without forced cooling. |
| Small-outline SMT package | SOT323 footprint saves >50% board area vs. SOT23 - critical for compact ADAS sensors and lighting control units. |
Applications
| Automotive Door Module | LED Tail Light Driver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Controlling window lift motors and lock actuators via microcontroller GPIO outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch translating 3.3 V/5 V logic signals into 12 V/24 V load current paths. Use Value: AEC-Q101 rating ensures long-term reliability in vibration-prone environments; VCE(sat) ≤ 400 mV limits heat generation during frequent actuation cycles. |
Use Scenario: Constant-current switching for brake/tail LED strings in rear lamp assemblies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete current sink enabling PWM dimming and fault-isolated channel control. Use Value: Tight hFE binning (110–220) allows precise current setting with minimal external resistor tolerance impact. |
| Body Control Unit (BCU) Sensor Interface | Industrial Pushbutton Debounce Circuit |
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak analog signals from temperature or humidity sensors before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier stage providing gain and impedance transformation. Use Value: fT ≥ 100 MHz and low noise figure (2–10 dB) preserve signal integrity for sub-10 kHz sensor bandwidths. |
Use Scenario: Hardware debouncing of mechanical pushbuttons in factory HMIs and control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Schmitt-trigger input buffer using emitter-coupled configuration for clean edge generation. Use Value: Stable VBE (~660 mV) and low ICBO (<5 µA at 150 °C) ensure consistent threshold behavior across wide temperature ranges. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC846BW-Q | Higher hFE bin: 200–450 @ VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA; otherwise identical ratings and package. | Better suited for high-gain amplifier stages where low base drive current is critical; may over-saturate in fixed-resistor switch designs. | Select when tighter gain control at low IC is needed; verify base resistor value to avoid excessive IB in saturation. |
| MMBT3904LT1G | Non-automotive grade; hFE = 100–300; same VCEO/IC; SOT-23 package (larger footprint). | Lacks AEC-Q101 qualification; not approved for automotive safety-critical or under-hood use. | Acceptable for cost-sensitive industrial or consumer prototypes; requires requalification for automotive deployment. |
Compared with BC846BW-Q, BC846AW-Q offers lower and more predictable gain for stable biasing, while MMBT3904LT1G provides broader availability but no automotive qualification - making BC846AW-Q optimal for production automotive modules needing guaranteed reliability and compact packaging.
Availability
BC846AW-Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive door modules, LED lighting drivers, body control unit sensor interfaces, and industrial pushbutton debounce circuits requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.
Supply support for BC846AW-Q 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 - delivering discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and mobile markets.
The BC846xW-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified general-purpose transistor product line, engineered specifically for automotive body electronics where space, thermal resilience, and long-term parametric stability are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for BC846AW-Q?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C, validated per AEC-Q101 stress testing. Operation above this temperature risks permanent degradation of hFE and increased leakage. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient per Rth(j-a) = 625 K/W on standard FR4 PCB.
Does BC846AW-Q support pulsed operation beyond its DC current rating?
Yes - peak collector current (ICM) is rated at 200 mA for single pulses ≤ 1 ms, enabling short-duration surge handling in motor commutation or inductive load switching. Pulse duty cycle and thermal recovery time must be verified against transient thermal impedance curves in Figure 1.
How does the BC846AW-Q marking code '1A%' correspond to the part number?
The top-side marking '1A%' identifies BC846AW-Q per Table 5: '1A' is the unique device code, and '%' is a placeholder for the manufacturing site identifier (e.g., 'A' for Nijmegen, 'B' for Bangkok). This marking is laser-etched on the SOT323 package and matches Nexperia's official traceability scheme.
Can BC846AW-Q replace BC846W-Q in existing designs?
Yes, with verification: both share identical VCEO, IC, package, and pinout, but BC846W-Q has wider hFE (110–450) versus BC846AW-Q's tighter 110–220 range. Designs relying on minimum hFE ≥ 220 should confirm functionality; those using typical gain ~180 benefit from improved consistency.
BC846AW-QF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- 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:
- 200 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-323
BC846AW-QF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC846AW-QF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846AW-QF 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 BC846AW-QF reliable?
The price and inventory of BC846AW-QF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846AW-QF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846AW-QF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846AW-QF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC846AW-QF?
BC846AW-QF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC846AW-QF 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 BC846AW-QF?
For technical support, including BC846AW-QF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846AW-QF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846AW-QF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC846AW-QF 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 BC846AW-QF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846AW-QF?
All BC846AW-QF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846AW-QF, 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 BC846AW-QF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC846AW-QF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC846AW-QF Tags

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Diodes Incorporated

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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