Nexperia USA Inc. BC847BW/ZLF

Overview

BC847BW/ZLF from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT323 (SC-70) package, rated for 45 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 200–450 at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 2 mA. It serves as a low-power switching and amplification device in compact consumer, industrial, and communication signal-path circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC847BW/ZLF datasheet, BC847BW/ZLF pinout, BC847BW/ZLF application, or BC847BW/ZLF equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior, package dimensions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative transistors - all aligned to Nexperia's Rev. 13 product data sheet.

Technical Context

This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in linear or saturated mode with V_BE(sat) ≤ 900 mV at I_C = 100 mA / I_B = 5 mA and V_CE(sat) ≤ 400 mV under identical conditions. Its f_T of 100 MHz supports audio-frequency amplification and digital switching up to ~10 MHz.

Thermal resistance R_th(j-a) is 625 K/W on FR4 PCB with single-sided copper, and absolute maximum ratings include T_j = 150 °C, V_CBO = 50 V, and P_tot = 200 mW - defining its safe operating area for continuous and pulsed operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mounted package: 1.3 mm × 1.8 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, three terminals, lead-free and RoHS-compliant per Nexperia's ZLF marking designation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC847BW/ZLF, BC847BMTF offers identical electrical performance with enhanced packaging robustness, while MMBT3904LT1G trades gain and miniaturization for broader supply-chain familiarity - making BC847BW/ZLF optimal for new space-constrained designs requiring reliable medium-gain switching.

Availability

BC847BW/ZLF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, level translation interfaces, and relay coil drivers requiring stable component supply across industrial and consumer production programs.

Supply support for BC847BW/ZLF 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, spun off from Philips in 2017 and headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

The BC847xW series targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing proven general-purpose transistor performance - emphasizing manufacturability, consistency, and broad qualification across commercial temperature ranges.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?

The absolute maximum peak base current is 100 mA (single pulse, t_p ≤ 1 ms), but for continuous DC operation, base current must be limited to ensure I_C ≤ 100 mA and P_tot ≤ 200 mW. At h_FE = 200, 500 µA base current supports 100 mA collector current - typical design practice uses 1–5 mA base drive to guarantee saturation across temperature and unit variation.

Does BC847BW/ZLF support automotive applications?

No. BC847BW/ZLF is explicitly non-automotive qualified per Nexperia's Rev. 13 datasheet revision history. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and is not warranted for safety-critical vehicle systems. For automotive use, select Nexperia's BC847B-Q series, which undergoes full automotive qualification including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing.

How does thermal performance change on 2-layer versus 4-layer PCBs?

R_th(j-a) = 625 K/W is specified for FR4 with single-sided copper and standard footprint. On 2-layer boards with internal ground planes, thermal resistance improves to ~400–450 K/W; on 4-layer boards with dedicated thermal vias and copper pours, it can reach ~250–300 K/W - directly increasing allowable continuous I_C before thermal shutdown.

Can BC847BW/ZLF replace BC847C in a circuit?

Yes, but with reduced gain headroom: BC847BW has h_FE = 200–450 vs BC847CW's 420–800. If the original design relies on minimum h_FE ≥ 420 for stable bias, BC847BW may cause insufficient collector current or increased V_CE. Verify operating point with worst-case h_FE = 200 and adjust base resistor accordingly.