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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

Nexperia USA Inc. BC846B/SNR

Name: BC846B/SNR
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BC846B/SNR
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC846B/SNR

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BC846B/SNR.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

BC846B/SNR from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for 65 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 200–450 at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage switching or small-signal amplification device in consumer power management, LED driver biasing, and logic-level interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC846B/SNR datasheet, BC846B/SNR pinout, BC846B/SNR application, or BC846B/SNR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated SOT23 terminal mapping, real-world use cases in discrete signal conditioning, and confirmed alternative transistors with documented h_FE and V_CEO differences.

Technical Context

This transistor operates in active, saturation, and cutoff regions with defined absolute maximum ratings: 65 V collector-emitter voltage (open base), 80 V collector-base voltage, and 6 V emitter-base voltage. Its thermal resistance R_th(j-a) is 500 K/W on FR4 PCB with standard footprint, limiting continuous dissipation to 250 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C.

DC current gain varies with temperature and collector current - typical h_FE is 290 at 25 °C and drops to ~100 at 150 °C (Fig. 6), while V_BE decreases by ~2 mV/K. Saturation performance is specified at I_C/I_B = 20, with V_CE(sat) ≤ 400 mV at I_C = 100 mA and I_B = 5 mA.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	65 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in switching applications.
I_C	100 mA - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets load-driving capacity in low-power switches.
h_FE	200–450 @ V_CE=5 V, I_C=2 mA - Gain spread determines base drive design margin for reliable saturation.
V_CE(sat)	≤400 mV @ I_C=100 mA, I_B=5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in on-state switching.
f_T	100 MHz - Transition frequency supports audio-frequency amplification and fast digital switching up to ~10 MHz.
P_tot	250 mW @ T_amb ≤ 25 °C - Power dissipation limit governs thermal layout on standard FR4 PCB.

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount package: 3-terminal, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, tin-plated leads compatible with reflow and wave soldering per Figures 11–12.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor to limit I_B and ensure predictable h_FE-based gain.
2	Emiter (E)	Common reference terminal for NPN configuration; connected to ground or low-side return path.
3	Collector (C)	Output current sink node; connects to load and positive supply in common-emitter switch topology.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Two h_FE gain groups	BC846B offers 200–450 h_FE, enabling tighter base drive tolerance vs. BC846A (110–220) in precision biasing.
Low V_CE(sat)	≤200 mV @ I_C=10 mA, I_B=0.5 mA - reduces power loss in battery-powered signal switching.
High V_CEO	65 V rating supports operation across 24 V industrial rails and 48 V telecom interfaces without derating.
Thermal stability	Specified h_FE and V_BE curves across −55 °C to +150 °C enable robust operation in extended ambient environments.

Applications

LED Driver Biasing

Microcontroller GPIO Interface

Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch configured in common-emitter mode, sinking LED current to ground.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 200 mV ensures >95% LED forward voltage utilization; h_FE ≥ 200 allows <10 µA GPIO sourcing for full saturation.

Use Scenario: Level-shifting and isolating 1.8 V/3.3 V logic signals to 5 V peripherals.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete level translator using emitter-follower or common-emitter inversion.

Use Value: f_T = 100 MHz supports clean edge transitions up to 10 MHz; low C_c (2 pF) minimizes capacitive loading on driving pins.

Power Supply Enable Switch

Audio Signal Amplification

Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 12 V auxiliary rails via MCU-controlled high-side or low-side switch.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlling PMOS gate or directly switching resistive loads ≤100 mA.

Use Value: 65 V V_CEO provides 5× safety margin over 12 V rail; P_tot = 250 mW permits continuous duty at 50 mA without heatsinking.

Use Scenario: Pre-amplifying microphone or sensor signals in portable audio front-ends.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier with emitter degeneration for linearity.

Use Value: NF = 2–10 dB at 1 kHz enables SNR preservation in low-noise analog paths; h_FE consistency improves gain stability across temperature.

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/SNR	V_CEO = 45 V (vs. 65 V); identical h_FE range and SOT23 package.	Not suitable for >45 V rails; acceptable for 3.3 V/5 V logic and low-voltage LED drivers.	Select when system voltage is ≤40 V and cost optimization is prioritized over voltage headroom.
MMBT3904LT1G	h_FE = 100–300 @ I_C=10 mA; V_CEO = 40 V; same SOT23 footprint.	Limited gain consistency at low I_C; lower voltage rating restricts use in 24 V industrial modules.	Choose for legacy designs requiring second-source compatibility where 40 V rating suffices.

Compared with BC846B/SNR, BC847B/SNR trades 20 V V_CEO margin for slightly lower cost, while MMBT3904LT1G offers broader industry adoption but narrower gain range and reduced voltage capability - both require recalculation of base drive and voltage derating.

Availability

BC846B/SNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver biasing, microcontroller GPIO interfacing, and power supply enable switching requiring stable component supply across consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.

Supply support for BC846B/SNR 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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BC846x series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose discrete portfolio, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing proven reliability in SOT23 packaging without automotive qualification.

FAQ

Is BC846B/SNR suitable for automotive applications?

No. Per Nexperia's revision history (v.12, July 2022), BC846B/SNR is explicitly non-automotive qualified. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and automotive-grade process controls. For automotive use, Nexperia offers the BC846B-Q series with full qualification and extended temperature validation.

What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?

The absolute maximum peak base current is 200 mA (single pulse, t_p ≤ 1 ms), but continuous I_B must be limited to maintain T_j ≤ 150 °C. With h_FE ≥ 200 and I_C ≤ 100 mA, typical I_B is 0.5 mA; sustained I_B > 5 mA requires thermal analysis due to P_tot = 250 mW limit.

How does h_FE vary with collector current?

h_FE peaks near I_C = 2–10 mA (290 typ.) and declines at both low (<100 µA) and high (>50 mA) currents. At I_C = 100 mA, h_FE drops to ~90–200 (Table 8), necessitating higher base drive for full saturation in high-current switching.

Can BC846B/SNR replace BC846A/SNR in existing designs?

Yes, with verification. BC846B has higher minimum h_FE (200 vs. 110) and wider gain range (200–450 vs. 110–220), improving saturation margin but potentially increasing sensitivity to base resistor tolerance. No changes to pinout, voltage ratings, or package are required.

BC846B/SNR 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:: Obsolete

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/SNR FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC846B/SNR through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846B/SNR 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/SNR reliable?

The price and inventory of BC846B/SNR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846B/SNR is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846B/SNR?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846B/SNR transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC846B/SNR?

BC846B/SNR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC846B/SNR 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/SNR?

For technical support, including BC846B/SNR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846B/SNR requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846B/SNR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC846B/SNR 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/SNR meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846B/SNR?

All BC846B/SNR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846B/SNR, 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/SNR part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC846B/SNR:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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