Nexperia USA Inc. BC846W,135

Overview

BC846W,135 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 h_FE = 110–450 at V_CE = 5 V / I_C = 2 mA, V_CE(sat) ≤ 400 mV at I_C = 100 mA / I_B = 5 mA, and f_T = 100 MHz - enabling reliable signal conditioning in portable sensor interfaces and LED driver bias stages.

For engineers reviewing the BC846W,135 datasheet, BC846W,135 pinout, BC846W,135 application, or BC846W,135 equivalent, key selection criteria include DC current gain spread (110–450), thermal resistance (625 K/W on FR4), SOT323 footprint compatibility, and V_CEO/V_CBO voltage margin for 24 V rail interfacing.

Technical Context

This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in active, saturation, and cutoff regions with defined absolute maximum ratings: V_CEO = 65 V, I_C = 100 mA, P_tot = 200 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. Its h_FE variation across temperature (−55 °C to +150 °C) and collector current (10 µA–100 mA) is characterized per Fig. 2 and Fig. 6.

Thermal performance is specified for standard FR4 PCB mounting (single-sided, 35 µm Cu, tin-plated), with R_th(j-a) = 625 K/W and transient Z_th(j-a) curves provided for pulse-width-dependent derating. Saturation behavior is validated at I_C/I_B = 20 and I_C/I_B = 10, supporting predictable switch-mode design.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mount package: 1.35 mm × 1.75 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, 3-terminal configuration with gull-wing leads. Designed for reflow soldering per IPC-J-STD-020; thermal pad not present.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC846W,135, BC847W,135 trades voltage headroom for higher gain flexibility, while MMBT3904LT1G sacrifices pin compatibility and voltage rating for broader industry adoption - making BC846W,135 optimal for new 24 V–65 V designs needing compact SOT323 layout and robust overvoltage margin.

Availability

BC846W,135 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable sensor interfaces, low-voltage LED bias control, and industrial logic-level translation requiring stable component supply and consistent SOT323 packaging.

Supply support for BC846W,135 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 BC846xW series targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding proven NPN performance - including consumer wearables, industrial sensors, and power management subcircuits - with emphasis on manufacturability and thermal robustness.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?

The absolute maximum peak base current is 200 mA (single pulse, t_p ≤ 1 ms), but continuous I_B must be limited to prevent thermal runaway. At I_C = 100 mA and h_FE = 110 (min), I_B ≥ 0.91 mA ensures saturation; practical design uses 2–5 mA with 10 kΩ–2.2 kΩ base resistors from 3.3 V/5 V sources.

Can BC846W,135 replace BC846B in SOT23 packages?

No - BC846W,135 uses SOT323 (SC-70) with 1.35 mm × 1.75 mm footprint and pin 1–2–3 = B–E–C orientation, whereas BC846B in SOT23 has 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint and pin 1–2–3 = E–B–C. Mechanical and soldering incompatibility prevents direct substitution without PCB revision.

How does h_FE vary with temperature and collector current?

h_FE decreases by ~50 % from 25 °C to 150 °C at fixed I_C, and peaks near I_C = 2–10 mA before rolling off at higher currents. Fig. 2 shows typical h_FE = 290 at 25 °C / 2 mA but drops to ~150 at 150 °C / 2 mA - requiring bias networks with emitter degeneration for thermal stability.

Is BC846W,135 suitable for automotive applications?

No - this device is not AEC-Q101 qualified and lacks automotive-specific testing (e.g., HTOL, temperature cycling). Nexperia explicitly states non-automotive qualification in Section 14 of the datasheet; use only in consumer, industrial, or commercial equipment where failure does not impact safety-critical functions.