Nexperia USA Inc. BC846BW/ZLX
- Part No.:
- BC846BW/ZLX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- 6-TSSOP, SC-88, SOT-363
- Datasheet:
-
BC846BW/ZLX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 65V 0.1A 6TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,042
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Product details
Overview
BC846BW/ZLX from Nexperia is a 65 V, 100 mA NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT323 (SC-70) package, optimized for low-power switching and linear amplification in space-constrained PCBs. It delivers hFE = 200–450 at VCE = 5 V / IC = 2 mA, VCE(sat) ≤ 400 mV at IC = 100 mA / IB = 5 mA, and fT = 100 MHz - enabling reliable signal conditioning in portable sensor interfaces and LED driver bias stages.
For engineers reviewing the BC846BW/ZLX datasheet, BC846BW/ZLX pinout, BC846BW/ZLX application, or BC846BW/ZLX equivalent, key selection criteria include DC current gain grouping (Group B), thermal resistance (Rth(j-a) = 625 K/W on FR4), and SC-70 footprint compatibility with high-density routing and reflow soldering profiles.
Technical Context
This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates as a discrete active switch or small-signal amplifier with fixed emitter-base and collector-base junction structures. Its design supports continuous DC operation up to Tj = 150 °C and pulsed peak currents of 200 mA, constrained by absolute maximum ratings including VCEO = 65 V and Ptot = 200 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C.
The BC846BW variant belongs to the Group B hFE selection (200–450), distinguishing it from BC846AW (110–220) and BC846W (110–450). Its base-emitter voltage is specified at 580–700 mV (IC = 2 mA, VCE = 5 V), and saturation behavior is characterized across temperature (−55 °C to +150 °C) with defined VCE(sat) and VBE(sat) curves.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 65 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition; defines upper rail limit in low-voltage switching circuits. |
| IC | 100 mA continuous - Rated collector current for sustained DC operation without thermal runaway on standard FR4 PCB. |
| hFE | 200–450 at VCE = 5 V, IC = 2 mA - High-gain Group B selection enables low-base-drive designs in amplifier and feedback networks. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 400 mV at IC = 100 mA, IB = 5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in digital logic-level switching applications. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency confirms suitability for audio-frequency amplification and low-speed digital signal buffering. |
| Rth(j-a) | 625 K/W - Thermal resistance indicates ~125 °C junction rise at full 200 mW dissipation on standard FR4; requires layout-aware copper pour. |
Pinout & Package
SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mount package: 1.3 mm × 1.8 mm × 0.95 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, tin-plated terminations compatible with IPC-J-STD-020 reflow profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor to limit IB and ensure stable hFE-dependent gain. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference terminal for bias network; connected to ground or common return path in common-emitter configurations. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output node carrying switched or amplified current; routed to load (e.g., LED anode, relay coil, or next-stage input). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Group B hFE binning | 200–450 at 2 mA/5 V - Enables predictable gain matching in multi-channel analog front-ends without post-production trimming. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ 400 mV at 100 mA - Reduces power loss in battery-powered load switches, extending runtime in portable instrumentation. |
| SC-70 footprint | 1.3 × 1.8 mm outline - Supports >2× higher component density than SOT23 in compact IoT sensor nodes and wearables. |
| 150 °C max junction temp | Rated for continuous operation up to Tj = 150 °C - Allows deployment in thermally aggressive environments like enclosed industrial controllers. |
Applications
| Portable Sensor Signal Conditioning | LED Bias Control in Wearables |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Amplifying microvolt-level output from MEMS accelerometers before ADC sampling in ultra-low-power fitness trackers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Small-signal NPN amplifier in common-emitter configuration with emitter degeneration for linearity and bandwidth control. Use Value: 100 MHz fT and 200–450 hFE support stable 20 kHz bandwidth amplification with <1% THD at 1 VPP output swing. |
Use Scenario: Driving red/green/blue LEDs in smartwatch displays where forward current must be tightly regulated below 20 mA per segment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current switch with base resistor setting IC ≈ β·IB, operating in active region for precise brightness control. Use Value: Tight hFE binning (200–450) ensures ±8% current variation across production units without closed-loop feedback. |
| Industrial Digital Input Interface | Low-Voltage Logic-Level Translation |
|
Use Scenario: Isolating and conditioning 24 V PLC field inputs into 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO pins using optocoupler-compatible drive capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-level translator and current buffer, sinking up to 100 mA while maintaining logic-compatible output swing. Use Value: VCEO = 65 V and IC = 100 mA allow direct interfacing with industrial 24 V/48 V rails without external Zener clamping. |
Use Scenario: Converting 5 V TTL signals to 1.8 V/2.5 V I/O domains in mixed-voltage FPGA or SoC subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active pull-down stage with fast turn-off (driven by base discharge path) and minimal propagation delay. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 400 mV at 10 mA ensures output low-state remains <0.4 V, satisfying VIH/VIL thresholds of sub-2 V logic families. |
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 (identical bin), but VCEO = 45 V and IC = 100 mA - lower voltage rating. | Not suitable for 65 V rail applications; limited to ≤45 V systems such as USB-powered peripherals or automotive infotainment modules. | Select only when system VCC ≤ 45 V and legacy BC847 footprint reuse is required. |
| MMBT3904LT1G | Same SOT23 package (larger than SOT323); hFE = 100–300 at 10 mA; VCEO = 40 V; Rth(j-a) = 300 K/W - better thermal performance but larger footprint. | Preferred where board space permits and higher power dissipation (>200 mW) is needed; not drop-in for SC-70 layouts. | Choose when thermal margin is critical and PCB real estate allows SOT23; avoid if SC-70 density or reflow profile constraints apply. |
Compared with BC846BW/ZLX, BC847BW trades 20 V headroom for identical gain and package, while MMBT3904LT1G sacrifices miniaturization for improved thermal handling - making BC846BW/ZLX optimal for space-constrained 65 V switching where gain consistency is prioritized.
Availability
BC846BW/ZLX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable sensor signal conditioning, LED bias control in wearables, and industrial digital input interface requiring stable component supply and consistent Group B hFE performance.
Supply support for BC846BW/ZLX 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 - delivering discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC846xW series targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding robust general-purpose transistor performance with standardized SC-70 packaging and tight hFE binning for predictable analog behavior.
FAQ
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 DC base current must be limited to maintain IC ≤ 100 mA and Tj ≤ 150 °C. For IC = 100 mA and minimum hFE = 200, IB should not exceed 500 µA - verified by VCE(sat) test conditions in the datasheet.
Can BC846BW/ZLX replace BC846B in through-hole designs?
No - BC846BW/ZLX uses SOT323 (SC-70) surface-mount packaging, while BC846B is in TO-92 through-hole format. The pinouts differ (SOT323: B-E-C; TO-92: E-B-C), and thermal and mechanical mounting requirements are incompatible. A redesign of footprint and layout is required for migration.
Is this device suitable for automotive applications?
No - BC846BW/ZLX is not AEC-Q101 qualified and lacks automotive-specific testing or qualification. Nexperia explicitly states non-automotive status in its legal disclaimers; use in automotive systems requires formal qualification and carries no warranty or liability from the manufacturer.
How does ambient temperature affect hFE performance?
hFE increases with temperature: Fig. 2 shows typical hFE rising ~30% from −55 °C to +150 °C at IC = 10 mA. At 2 mA bias, hFE shifts from ~180 at −55 °C to ~320 at +150 °C - requiring gain-stabilizing emitter resistors in precision amplifier designs.
BC846BW/ZLX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BC846xW
- Package/Case:
- 6-TSSOP, SC-88, SOT-363
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Transistor Type:
- -
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- -
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- -
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- -
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- -
- Power - Max:
- -
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 6-TSSOP
BC846BW/ZLX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC846BW/ZLX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC846BW/ZLX 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/ZLX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC846BW/ZLX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC846BW/ZLX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC846BW/ZLX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC846BW/ZLX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC846BW/ZLX?
BC846BW/ZLX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC846BW/ZLX 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/ZLX?
For technical support, including BC846BW/ZLX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC846BW/ZLX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC846BW/ZLX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC846BW/ZLX 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/ZLX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC846BW/ZLX?
All BC846BW/ZLX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC846BW/ZLX, 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/ZLX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC846BW/ZLX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC846BW/ZLX Tags

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