onsemi BC846CMTF

Overview

BC846CMTF from onsemi is an NPN epitaxial silicon transistor in SOT-23 package, rated for 65 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and 310 mW power dissipation, with h_FE range 420–800 at I_C = 2 mA, V_CE = 5 V - used in low-voltage switching and small-signal amplification circuits in consumer and industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the BC846CMTF datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include verified h_FE classification (C-grade), guaranteed V_CE(sat) ≤ 250 mV at I_C = 10 mA/I_B = 0.5 mA, thermal resistance of 403 °C/W, and compatibility with automated SMT assembly on FR-4 PCBs.

Technical Context

The BC846CMTF operates as a general-purpose bipolar junction transistor optimized for linear amplification and digital switching in low-power analog and logic interface stages. Its epitaxial base structure enables stable h_FE across temperature (−55 °C to +150 °C) and low noise figure (2.0–10.0 dB at 1 kHz).

It features a fixed three-terminal configuration (Emitter–Base–Collector) with no internal biasing or protection circuitry. Device behavior follows standard BJT equations under DC and small-signal AC conditions, with f_T = 300 MHz confirming suitability for RF preamplifier and high-speed switching up to ~100 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23 3-lead plastic surface-mount package with gull-wing leads, JEDEC MO-215 compliant, footprint compatible with automated pick-and-place equipment.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC846BMTF and MMBT3904LT1G, BC846CMTF delivers superior gain consistency for analog amplification and higher voltage headroom for industrial interfaces - making it preferred where V_CEO > 45 V or h_FE > 400 is required without redesign.

Availability

BC846CMTF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, audio pre-amplifier stages, and industrial sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply and full traceability.

Supply support for BC846CMTF 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier focused on energy-efficient innovation for automotive, industrial, cloud, and IoT applications.

The BC846CMTF belongs to onsemi's general-purpose bipolar transistor family designed for reliable, high-volume SMT deployment in cost-sensitive consumer and industrial electronics.

FAQ

What is the h_FE range for BC846CMTF?

The BC846CMTF has a guaranteed DC current gain (h_FE) range of 420 to 800 when measured at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 2 mA. This C-grade classification ensures tighter gain distribution than A- or B-grade variants, supporting repeatable biasing in amplifier and switching designs without post-manufacturing sorting. The BC846CMTF specification sheet confirms this range applies specifically to the "C" suffix variant.

Is BC846CMTF RoHS compliant and halogen-free?

Yes, BC846CMTF is RoHS compliant and halogen-free per onsemi's product compliance documentation. It meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and IEC 61249-2-21:2013 standards. The SOT-23 package uses lead-free matte tin plating, and all materials are certified through onsemi's material declaration system. BC846CMTF is suitable for environmentally regulated markets including automotive and medical electronics.

Can BC846CMTF replace BC846BMTF in existing designs?

BC846CMTF can replace BC846BMTF in most cases due to identical package, pinout, and absolute maximum ratings. However, its higher h_FE range (420–800 vs. 200–450) may increase collector current in bias-sensitive circuits, potentially shifting Q-point or increasing power dissipation. Verify operating point stability in linear applications before substitution. BC846CMTF remains a direct drop-in for switching applications where gain variation has minimal impact.

What is the maximum power dissipation of BC846CMTF at 75°C ambient?

BC846CMTF has a rated power dissipation of 310 mW at T_A = 25°C, with a derating factor of 2.48 mW/°C above that temperature. At 75°C ambient, allowable power drops to 310 mW − (50 × 2.48) = 186 mW. This value assumes standard FR-4 PCB layout per JEDEC test condition; actual dissipation may vary with copper area and airflow. Thermal design must ensure junction temperature stays below 150°C for BC846CMTF reliability.

Does BC846CMTF support high-frequency switching above 10 MHz?

Yes, BC846CMTF supports high-frequency switching up to ~100 MHz due to its 300 MHz current-gain bandwidth product (f_T). Measured under V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 10 mA, and f = 100 MHz, this f_T confirms usable gain at frequencies well beyond 10 MHz. For clean square-wave switching, ensure base drive strength and layout parasitics are minimized - BC846CMTF's low Cob (3.5–6.0 pF) helps maintain edge integrity in fast digital interfaces.