Nexperia USA Inc. BC846BW/DG/B4X
- Part No.:
- BC846BW/DG/B4X
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
BC846BW/DG/B4X.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A SC-70
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,404
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BC846BW/DG/B4X from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT323 (SC-70) package, rated for 65 V VCEO, 100 mA IC, and DC current gain (hFE) of 200–450 at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA. It serves as a low-power switching or small-signal amplification device in space-constrained consumer and industrial PCBs.
For engineers reviewing the BC846BW/DG/B4X datasheet, BC846BW/DG/B4X pinout, BC846BW/DG/B4X application, or BC846BW/DG/B4X equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior, SOT323 footprint details, and validated alternative transistors for design-in and BOM optimization.
Technical Context
The BC846BW operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor with base-controlled current amplification. Its hFE group B (200–450) enables predictable biasing in linear amplifier stages and robust saturation in digital switching circuits up to 100 mA continuous collector current.
With VCEO = 65 V and VCBO = 80 V, it supports moderate-voltage logic-level interfacing and signal conditioning in 3.3 V/5 V systems. Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) = 625 K/W on FR4 ensures stable operation under ambient temperatures from –65 °C to +150 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 65 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines upper rail limit in switch/amplifier stages |
| IC | 100 mA - Continuous collector current rating; sets max load drive capability without derating |
| hFE | 200–450 @ VCE=5 V, IC=2 mA - High and tightly binned DC current gain enabling stable bias networks |
| VCE(sat) | 200–400 mV @ IC=100 mA, IB=5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss in switching applications |
| Rth(j-a) | 625 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB; informs heatsinking requirements |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency confirms suitability for audio and low-MHz signal amplification |
| Cc | 2–3 pF @ VCB=10 V - Low collector capacitance preserves high-frequency response in RF-adjacent circuits |
Pinout & Package
SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mount package: 1.35 mm × 1.75 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, 3-terminal leadframe with gull-wing leads optimized for reflow soldering per IPC-7351B.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor to limit IB and ensure reliable saturation or linear operation |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common reference terminal; tied to ground or low-side return path in common-emitter configurations |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current sink node; connects to load or next stage; must remain within 65 V absolute maximum rating |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High hFE binning (Group B) | Guaranteed 200–450 gain range improves consistency in production bias networks without trimming |
| SOT323 ultra-small footprint | Enables high-density routing on compact PCBs where space is constrained, e.g., wearables and sensor modules |
| Low VCE(sat) | Reduces conduction loss below 400 mV at full 100 mA load, improving efficiency in battery-powered switches |
| 150 °C max junction temperature | Supports operation in thermally demanding environments such as enclosed industrial enclosures or automotive under-dash locations |
| FR4-compatible thermal performance | 625 K/W Rth(j-a) measured on standard single-sided copper PCB - no special thermal pads required |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Microcontroller GPIO Expander |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving discrete indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V MCU outputs with current limiting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side NPN switch controlling LED anode-to-VCC path via emitter-ground connection. Use Value: 200–450 hFE ensures full saturation with ≤10 µA base drive, reducing GPIO loading and preserving timing margins. |
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak analog sensor signals (e.g., thermistor, photodiode) before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier with fixed bias network and emitter degeneration. Use Value: 100 MHz fT and low 2–3 pF Cc support bandwidth up to 10 MHz, preserving signal integrity in sub-100 kHz sensing paths. |
| Power Rail Enable Switch | Level Translation Interface |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary 5 V or 3.3 V rails using logic-level control signals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side or low-side pass switch managing power domain sequencing in multi-rail systems. Use Value: 65 V VCEO and 100 mA IC allow direct control of loads up to 500 mW without external driver stages. |
Use Scenario: Translating between 1.8 V logic (e.g., FPGA I/O) and 3.3 V peripherals requiring clean level shift. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active pull-up/pull-down stage in open-collector or wired-AND interface configurations. Use Value: Low VBE(sat) (~900 mV) and tight hFE distribution minimize propagation delay skew across multiple channels. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847BW | Same SOT323 package; hFE = 200–450 but rated for 45 V VCEO (vs. 65 V) | Not suitable where >45 V rail isolation or transient margin is required | Select when system voltage stays ≤45 V and cost sensitivity outweighs voltage headroom needs |
| MMBT3904LT1G | Same 60 V VCEO, 200 mA IC; hFE = 100–300 @ IC=10 mA; slightly higher Rth(j-a) (700 K/W) | Higher current rating but looser gain spread; less stable bias at low IC | Prefer for higher-current switching (>100 mA), but verify thermal margin on FR4 due to reduced thermal efficiency |
Compared with BC846BW/DG/B4X, BC847BW trades 20 V voltage margin for identical gain and footprint, while MMBT3904LT1G offers higher current capacity but lower gain consistency and worse thermal resistance-making BC846BW optimal for precision low-power switching where voltage headroom and gain stability are critical.
Availability
BC846BW/DG/B4X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, power rail enable switches, and level translation interfaces requiring stable component supply and consistent hFE binning.
Supply support for BC846BW/DG/B4X 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-grade and industrial-standard components.
The BC846xW series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose transistor portfolio, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding repeatable gain, low saturation voltage, and robust SMT manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC846BW/DG/B4X?
The BC846BW/DG/B4X is rated for 100 mA continuous collector current (IC) at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on standard FR4 PCB. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient per the thermal resistance curve; at 70 °C ambient, usable IC drops to approximately 65 mA to maintain Tj ≤ 150 °C.
Is BC846BW/DG/B4X suitable for use in automotive applications?
No-BC846BW/DG/B4X is not automotive-qualified. Nexperia explicitly states in its legal disclaimers that non-automotive qualified products like this part are neither tested nor warranted for automotive use, including under-hood or safety-critical systems. AEC-Q101-qualified alternatives (e.g., BC846BWH) must be used instead.
How does the hFE binning of BC846BW differ from BC846AW and BC846W?
BC846BW is Group B (hFE = 200–450 at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA), BC846AW is Group A (110–220), and BC846W is wide-range (110–450). The BW grade provides tighter high-gain consistency ideal for bias-stable amplifier designs, whereas AW suits cost-sensitive switching where moderate gain suffices.
What is the recommended soldering profile for SOT323 packaging?
Nexperia specifies reflow soldering per J-STD-020: peak temperature ≤ 260 °C, time above 217 °C = 60–150 s, ramp rate ≤ 3 °C/s. The SOT323 footprint shown in Figure 11 uses 0.55 mm × 0.55 mm solder pads with 0.6 mm spacing-critical for avoiding bridging during stencil printing and reflow.
BC846BW/DG/B4X Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BC846xW
- 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:
- 200 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SC-70
BC846BW/DG/B4X FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC846BW/DG/B4X through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846BW/DG/B4X 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 BC846BW/DG/B4X reliable?
The price and inventory of BC846BW/DG/B4X are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846BW/DG/B4X is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846BW/DG/B4X?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846BW/DG/B4X transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC846BW/DG/B4X?
BC846BW/DG/B4X orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC846BW/DG/B4X 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 BC846BW/DG/B4X?
For technical support, including BC846BW/DG/B4X datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846BW/DG/B4X requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846BW/DG/B4X is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC846BW/DG/B4X 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 BC846BW/DG/B4X meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846BW/DG/B4X?
All BC846BW/DG/B4X units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846BW/DG/B4X, 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 BC846BW/DG/B4X part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC846BW/DG/B4X:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC846BW/DG/B4X Tags

-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BC846BLT1G
onsemi

-
BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
