Nexperia USA Inc. BC846BPN/DG/B4X

Overview

BC846BPN from Nexperia is a dual NPN/PNP general-purpose transistor pair in a single SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) package, rated for 65 V V_CEO and 100 mA I_C per transistor, with matched h_FE (200–450), low V_CE(sat) (200 mV at I_C = 100 mA), and 1.9–2.3 pF collector capacitance - used in compact dual-polarity biasing and complementary switching circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC846BPN datasheet, BC846BPN pinout, BC846BPN application, or BC846BPN equivalent, this device serves as a space-saving, interference-isolated dual-transistor solution for discrete-level signal inversion, level translation, and push-pull driver stages in portable power management and interface logic.

Technical Context

The BC846BPN integrates two electrically isolated silicon planar transistors - one NPN (TR1) and one PNP (TR2) - sharing no internal connection, enabling independent biasing and eliminating cross-talk. Each transistor supports DC current gain h_FE of 200–450 at 2 mA, transition frequency f_T ≥ 100 MHz, and operates across −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature.

Thermal resistance is specified at R_th(j-a) = 416 K/W per device on FR4 PCB, with total power dissipation limited to 300 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. Saturation voltages are tightly controlled: V_CE(sat) ≤ 300 mV (NPN) and ≤ −300 mV (PNP) at I_C/I_B = 20, supporting efficient low-voltage switching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) plastic surface-mount package: 1.35 mm × 2.2 mm footprint, 0.65 mm pitch, 0.95 mm max height, with exposed pad not present; optimized for reflow soldering per IPC-7095 guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual NPN/PNP transistor applications.

Compared with BC846BPN, BC847BPN sacrifices 20 V voltage margin and gain consistency for marginal cost reduction, while MBT3904/3906 trades integration benefits for part-level flexibility - making BC846BPN optimal for space-constrained, dual-polarity analog and logic interface designs.

Availability

BC846BPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver stages, level translation interfaces, push-pull output buffers, and discrete op-amp input stages requiring stable component supply and consistent parametric matching across production lots.

Supply support for BC846BPN 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-qualified and industrial-grade components.

The BC846BPN belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for compact, interference-free dual-transistor integration in consumer, industrial, and communication equipment where board space and parametric consistency are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for BC846BPN?

The absolute maximum junction temperature (T_j) is 150 °C, as defined in Table 5 of the datasheet. Operation beyond this limit risks permanent degradation of h_FE, increased leakage, and bond wire failure. Derating begins at T_amb > 25 °C per Fig. 1's 416 K/W curve, requiring thermal-aware PCB layout with adequate copper pour.

Can BC846BPN be used in linear amplification mode?

Yes - both transistors support linear operation with V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 2 mA, and h_FE = 300 (typ). The low noise figure (NF = 2.9–3.1 dB at 1 kHz) and tight h_FE matching make it suitable for low-noise preamplifier stages, provided V_CE remains within 1–10 V and power dissipation stays below 150 mW per transistor.

Is the BC846BPN pinout compatible with standard TSSOP6 footprints?

Yes - the BC846BPN uses the industry-standard SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) outline per Fig. 19, with 0.65 mm lead pitch, 1.35 mm × 2.2 mm body, and pin 1 index mark. Reflow soldering footprints match Fig. 20 (2.65 mm × 2.35 mm land pattern), and wave soldering aligns with Fig. 21.

How does the "B" suffix in BC846BPN affect its electrical characteristics?

The "B" denotes the h_FE grade: 200–450 for both transistors (TR1 NPN and TR2 PNP), as confirmed in Table 1 and Table 7. This distinguishes it from "A" (110–220) and "C" (420–800) grades. No other parameters (V_CEO, V_CE(sat), f_T) vary with the suffix - only DC current gain distribution is binned.