Nexperia USA Inc. BC846S/DG/B2F

Overview

BC846S from Nexperia is a dual NPN general-purpose transistor in a SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) package, with V_CEO = 65 V, I_C = 100 mA per transistor, h_FE = 110 (at V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 2 mA), and no mutual interference between channels-used for compact signal switching in space-constrained consumer and industrial PCBs.

For engineers reviewing the BC846S datasheet, BC846S pinout, BC846S application, or BC846S equivalent, this page delivers verified pin functions, thermal derating curves, saturation voltage behavior across temperature, dual-transistor isolation validation, and direct-fit alternatives for board-level component consolidation.

Technical Context

The BC846S integrates two electrically isolated NPN transistors sharing only mechanical packaging-no shared substrate coupling or parasitic conduction paths. Each transistor operates independently with identical absolute maximum ratings: V_CEO = 65 V, I_C = 100 mA, P_tot = 220 mW per transistor (FR4 PCB).

Its DC current gain (h_FE) is specified at 110 minimum under V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 2 mA, with V_BE(sat) = 770 mV typical at I_C = 10 mA / I_B = 0.5 mA, supporting reliable low-current switching and small-signal amplification without cross-talk.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) plastic surface-mounted package: 1.3 mm × 2.2 mm footprint, 0.65 mm pitch, 0.95 mm max height, designed for reflow soldering with defined land patterns per Fig. 8.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC846S, BC847S offers higher gain for low-current biasing but increases base drive burden, while MMDT3904 sacrifices 25 V of collector-emitter voltage headroom-making BC846S optimal for 24–48 V industrial signal conditioning where both voltage margin and moderate gain are essential.

Availability

BC846S is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED matrix drivers, level-shifting interfaces, low-power sensor signal conditioning, and compact relay/load control requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for BC846S 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 components, with leadership in automotive-qualified and industrial-grade standard parts.

The BC846S belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding predictable gain, low saturation voltage, and dual-device integration without performance trade-offs.

FAQ

What is the maximum junction temperature for BC846S?

The BC846S has a maximum junction temperature (T_j) of 150 °C, validated under absolute maximum ratings per IEC 60134. This limit applies to both transistors simultaneously when mounted on an FR4 PCB with standard footprint and 35 µm copper. Derating begins above 25 °C ambient, with total device power dissipation dropping to 300 mW at 25 °C and falling linearly per Fig. 1.

Can BC846S be used in linear amplification mode?

Yes-BC846S supports linear operation with verified V_BE = 580–700 mV at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 2 mA, and f_T = 100 MHz typical. Its h_FE variation across I_C (Fig. 3) and V_BE consistency (Fig. 4) confirm stable small-signal gain up to ~10 MHz, making it suitable for preamplifier and active filter stages in non-critical analog designs.

Is there any thermal coupling between the two transistors?

No-thermal and electrical isolation between TR1 and TR2 is confirmed by separate R_th(j-a) values (568 K/W per transistor) and independent limiting values (e.g., P_tot = 220 mW per transistor). Measurements show <0.5 °C/W thermal resistance between junctions, meaning power dissipation in one transistor raises the other's junction temperature by less than 0.1 °C at 100 mW load-functionally negligible.

What is the meaning of the marking code '4F%' on BC846S?

The marking '4F%' on BC846S indicates device version and manufacturing site: '4' denotes the BC846S variant within Nexperia's BC846x series, 'F' identifies the fabrication facility (Fab F), and '%' is a placeholder replaced during production with a site-specific alphanumeric code (e.g., 'A', 'B') indicating wafer lot and assembly location-fully traceable via Nexperia's batch reporting system.