Nexperia USA Inc. BC846S/ZLX

Overview

BC846S from Nexperia is a dual NPN general-purpose transistor in a SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) package, delivering two independent transistors with V_CEO = 65 V, I_C = 100 mA per device, and h_FE = 110 at 2 mA/5 V - used for compact signal amplification and discrete switching in space-constrained PCBs.

For engineers reviewing the BC846S datasheet, BC846S pinout, BC846S application, or BC846S equivalent, this dual-transistor solution supports high-density analog front-ends, level-shifting interfaces, and discrete logic gates where mutual isolation and thermal independence between channels are required.

Technical Context

The BC846S integrates two electrically isolated NPN transistors sharing only mechanical packaging - no shared substrate coupling or parasitic interaction. Each transistor operates independently with identical DC gain characteristics and breakdown ratings.

It is optimized for low-power linear amplification and saturated switching under ≤100 mA loads, with guaranteed V_CE(sat) ≤ 300 mV at I_C = 100 mA / I_B = 5 mA and f_T = 100 MHz, enabling stable operation up to mid-VHF frequencies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) is a 6-pin, surface-mount plastic package with 0.65 mm pitch, 2.2 mm × 1.35 mm footprint, and exposed pad-compatible soldering profile per JEDEC MO-178.

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 and more variable gain for precision biasing, while MMDT3904 trades junction temperature rating for higher pulse current headroom - both retain pin compatibility but differ in thermal robustness and gain consistency.

Availability

BC846S is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio signal conditioning, logic-level translation, discrete gate implementation, and LED array driving requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

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 devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified and industrial-grade components.

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-channel integration without performance compromise.

FAQ

Is BC846S pin-compatible with BC847S?

Yes - BC846S and BC847S share identical SOT363-3 pinout (E1-B1-C2-E2-B2-C1), same package dimensions, and identical marking layout. The only functional difference is DC current gain: BC846S specifies h_FE ≥ 110, while BC847S guarantees h_FE ≥ 200 at the same test conditions.

What is the maximum allowable power dissipation per transistor at 70 °C ambient?

At T_amb = 70 °C, the per-transistor power dissipation limit is 132 mW. This derives from the 220 mW rating at 25 °C and the 568 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance: P_tot = (150 °C − 70 °C) / 568 K/W = 0.141 W ≈ 141 mW; derated to 132 mW per transistor per datasheet Fig. 1 curve.

Can BC846S be used in linear amplifier configurations with V_CE = 12 V?

Yes - V_CEO = 65 V allows safe operation at V_CE = 12 V. However, linear use requires limiting I_C to ≤ 18 mA to stay within the 220 mW per-transistor dissipation limit (12 V × 18 mA = 216 mW), and thermal design must account for PCB copper area and airflow.

Does BC846S have automotive qualification?

No - BC846S is not AEC-Q101 qualified. The datasheet explicitly states it is a non-automotive qualified product, with no testing performed to automotive reliability standards. It is intended for industrial, consumer, and computing applications where extended temperature operation (−65 °C to +150 °C) is required but automotive stress screening is not mandated.