Nexperia USA Inc. BC846B,215
- Part No.:
- BC846B,215
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC846B,215.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BC846B,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 hFE = 200–450 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 biasing, and microcontroller I/O interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC846B,215 datasheet, BC846B,215 pinout, BC846B,215 application, or BC846B,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include DC current gain tolerance at 2 mA bias, VCE(sat) ≤ 400 mV at IC = 100 mA / IB = 5 mA, thermal resistance of 500 K/W on FR4, and SOT23 footprint compatibility with automated assembly.
Technical Context
The BC846B,215 operates as a silicon planar epitaxial NPN transistor with base-emitter and collector-base junctions optimized for stable DC amplification and fast switching up to 100 MHz fT. Its gain group B guarantees hFE ≥ 200 at 2 mA collector current and 5 V VCE, enabling predictable biasing in linear and saturated modes.
It adheres to IEC 60134 absolute maximum ratings: 65 V VCEO, 80 V VCBO, 6 V VEBO, 250 mW Ptot at Tamb = 25 °C, and 150 °C Tj. Thermal performance is characterized by Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W on standard FR4 PCB with single-sided 35 µm copper.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 65 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in 5–24 V logic-level switching. |
| IC | 100 mA continuous - Supports load switching up to ~100 mA (e.g., relay coils, indicator LEDs, small solenoids). |
| hFE | 200–450 @ VCE=5 V, IC=2 mA - Enables reliable base drive design with margin for temperature drift and process variation. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 400 mV @ IC=100 mA, IB=5 mA - Ensures low conduction loss and minimal self-heating in saturated switch applications. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Supports audio-frequency amplification and digital signal edge rates up to ~10–20 MHz. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Requires thermal-aware PCB layout (e.g., copper pour under pad) for sustained 100 mA operation at ambient > 50 °C. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount package: 3-pin, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm × 1.1 mm body, gull-wing leads, JEDEC-compliant footprint with 0.95 mm lead pitch. Designed for reflow and wave soldering per Figures 11–12 in datasheet Rev. 12.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor (e.g., 10 kΩ) to limit IB and ensure saturation at target IC. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common reference terminal; tied to ground or low-side return path; establishes VBE ≈ 0.66 V at IC = 2 mA. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current sink node; connects to load (e.g., LED anode or relay coil) and positive supply via pull-up; handles full IC current. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Gain group B selection | hFE = 200–450 ensures consistent β across production lots, reducing need for binning or feedback trimming in amplifier stages. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ 400 mV at full rated current enables efficient switching in battery-powered devices where voltage headroom is constrained. |
| High fT | 100 MHz transition frequency supports stable small-signal amplification up to audio band without compensation. |
| Robust thermal rating | 150 °C max junction temperature and defined Rth(j-a) allow operation in industrial ambient environments up to 85 °C with proper layout. |
Applications
| LED Current Switching | Microcontroller GPIO Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V MCU outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlled by MCU GPIO; provides current gain to avoid overloading output pins. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 200 mV at IC = 20 mA ensures >3.1 V forward voltage remains across LED for consistent brightness. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and buffering between 3.3 V MCU and 5 V peripheral logic inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital buffer/inverter stage; translates logic levels while isolating source impedance. Use Value: Fast turn-on/off (enabled by 100 MHz fT) maintains signal integrity for data rates up to 1–2 Mbps. |
| Relay Driver Stage | Audio Pre-amplifier Bias |
|
Use Scenario: Controlling 5–12 V electromagnetic relays with coil currents up to 80 mA. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch providing galvanic isolation between control logic and inductive load. Use Value: 65 V VCEO withstands flyback spikes up to 65 V, eliminating need for external clamp diodes in many cases. |
Use Scenario: DC bias network in Class-A audio preamp stages for electret microphone interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active load or emitter-follower buffer delivering stable quiescent current. Use Value: Tight hFE spread (200–450) minimizes unit-to-unit gain variation, simplifying calibration in production test. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847B,215 | VCEO = 45 V (vs. 65 V); otherwise identical hFE, package, and pinout. | Not suitable for 48 V or higher supply rails; limited to ≤45 V systems. | Select only if system VCC ≤ 40 V and cost sensitivity outweighs voltage margin. |
| MMBT3904LT1G | hFE = 100–300 (lower min); VCEO = 40 V; same SOT23 package and pinout. | Reduced gain consistency and lower voltage rating require redesign of base drive and protection networks. | Use when legacy compatibility with ON Semiconductor footprint is required and 40 V rating suffices. |
Compared with BC846B,215, BC847B,215 trades 20 V VCEO margin for marginal cost reduction, while MMBT3904LT1G offers broader industry adoption but sacrifices guaranteed high-gain performance and voltage headroom critical in 24–48 V industrial controls.
Availability
BC846B,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller interface buffers, relay control modules, and audio bias networks requiring stable component supply and SOT23 footprint compatibility.
Supply support for BC846B,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 discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive, industrial, and mobile applications.
The BC846x series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained designs requiring predictable DC gain, low saturation voltage, and robust SMT manufacturability.
FAQ
Is BC846B,215 suitable for automotive applications?
No. Per Nexperia's Rev. 12 datasheet, BC846B,215 is explicitly marked non-automotive qualified. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and qualification documentation. For automotive use, select the -Q qualified variant (e.g., BC846B-Q) or consult Nexperia's automotive portfolio directly.
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 IB must be limited to maintain Tj ≤ 150 °C. At IC = 100 mA and hFE = 200, typical IB = 0.5 mA; design should ensure IB ≤ 1 mA with adequate PCB copper for thermal dissipation.
Does BC846B,215 have built-in ESD protection?
No. The BC846B,215 is an unclamped bipolar transistor with no integrated ESD protection diodes. External protection (e.g., series resistors, TVS on base line) is required in handling-sensitive or field-deployed applications per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 2+ requirements.
Can BC846B,215 replace BC846A,215 in existing designs?
Yes, with functional impact. BC846B has higher hFE (200–450 vs. 110–220), which may increase collector current or shift bias points in linear circuits. In switching applications, verify that VCE(sat) and switching speed remain within spec; no layout or footprint change is needed.
BC846B,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:
- 200 @ 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
BC846B,215 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC846B,215 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846B,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 BC846B,215 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC846B,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846B,215 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846B,215?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846B,215 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC846B,215?
BC846B,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC846B,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 BC846B,215?
For technical support, including BC846B,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846B,215 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846B,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC846B,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 BC846B,215 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846B,215?
All BC846B,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846B,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 BC846B,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC846B,215:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC846B,215 Tags

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Nexperia USA Inc.

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