Nexperia USA Inc. BC846BPN/ZLX

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 pF collector capacitance - used in compact dual-polarity biasing and complementary switching circuits in portable power management.

For engineers reviewing the BC846BPN datasheet, BC846BPN pinout, BC846BPN application, or BC846BPN equivalent, this page delivers verified pin functions, thermal derating curves, matched gain tracking across temperature, saturation voltage behavior under pulsed load, and real-world substitution guidance for dual-transistor SMT replacements.

Technical Context

This device integrates two electrically isolated transistors - TR1 (NPN) and TR2 (PNP) - sharing no internal coupling, enabling independent biasing while minimizing board area. Each transistor supports DC current gain (h_FE) of 200–450 at 2 mA, with V_CE(sat) ≤ 300 mV at I_C/I_B = 20 and f_T ≥ 100 MHz at 10 mA.

Thermal resistance is specified per transistor (R_th(j-a) = 625 K/W) and per device (416 K/W on FR4), supporting stable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature. Cutoff currents are tightly controlled: ICBO ≤ 15 nA (NPN) and ≤ 5 µA at 150 °C, ensuring low leakage in standby modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) plastic surface-mount package: 1.35 mm × 2.2 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, 0.45 mm max height, designed for reflow soldering with defined land pattern (2.35 mm × 1.3 mm pad length).

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 breakdown margin and gain stability for marginal cost reduction, while MBT3904/3906 offers no intrinsic matching or low-capacitance advantage - making BC846BPN the sole choice for thermally coupled, high-fidelity dual-transistor functions.

Availability

BC846BPN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, portable LED lighting control, and dual-rail level-shifting applications requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

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 specifically for space-constrained, dual-polarity analog and switching functions in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable peak collector current for BC846BPN?

The absolute maximum peak collector current (I_CM) is 200 mA per transistor, specified for single pulses ≤1 ms. This rating assumes no simultaneous stress on other parameters - sustained operation above 100 mA DC requires derating based on Fig. 1's 416 K/W per-device thermal resistance curve and ambient temperature limits.

Can BC846BPN be used in linear amplification mode with stable gain?

Yes - BC846BPN delivers h_FE = 200–450 at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 2 mA, with <±10% variation across the operating temperature range (−55 to +150 °C). Its low noise figure (≤3.1 dB at 1 kHz) and consistent f_T ≥ 100 MHz support Class-A small-signal amplification in audio preamps and sensor signal conditioning.

How does the thermal performance differ between per-transistor and per-device power dissipation ratings?

Per-transistor P_tot is 200 mW (R_th(j-a) = 625 K/W); per-device P_tot is 300 mW (R_th(j-a) = 416 K/W) - reflecting improved heat spreading when both transistors operate simultaneously on the same die. Layout must follow Nexperia's SOT363-3 footprint (Fig. 20) to achieve the 300 mW rating.

Is BC846BPN automotive-qualified?

No - BC846BPN is not automotive-qualified. It is rated for industrial temperature range (−55 to +150 °C) but has not undergone AEC-Q101 testing or qualification. For automotive applications, Nexperia recommends the AEC-Q101 qualified BC846BPN-Q series, which shares identical pinout and electrical specs but includes extended reliability validation.