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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

Nexperia USA Inc. BC850C,215

Name: BC850C,215
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BC850C,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC850C,215

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BC850C,215.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 45V 0.1A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:44,965

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Product details

Overview

BC850C,215 from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 package, rated for 45 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 450 at 10 µA I_C. It serves as a low-voltage switching and small-signal amplification device in consumer power management and interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC850C,215 datasheet, BC850C,215 pinout, BC850C,215 application, or BC850C,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified V_CE(sat) ≤ 600 mV at 100 mA/5 mA drive, thermal resistance R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W on FR4 PCB, and guaranteed h_FE range of 420–800 at 2 mA I_C.

Technical Context

This discrete NPN transistor operates in active, saturation, and cutoff regions with defined absolute maximum ratings: 45 V collector-emitter voltage, 100 mA continuous collector current, and 250 mW total power dissipation at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. Its h_FE exhibits strong temperature dependence-decreasing ~2 mV/K in V_BE and varying across -55 °C to +150 °C ambient.

Thermal performance is characterized by transient impedance curves and steady-state R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W under standard FR4 mounting. Noise figure is specified at 4 dB (1 kHz, 200 µA I_C), supporting low-noise preamplifier use in audio and sensor front-ends.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in switching applications
I_C	100 mA - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets load-driving capability in logic-level interfaces
h_FE	420–800 - DC current gain at V_CE = 5 V; ensures reliable base-drive margin for 10–100 mA loads
V_CE(sat)	200–600 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at I_C/I_B = 20; determines conduction loss in switch mode
R_th(j-a)	500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB; informs derating above 25 °C ambient
f_T	100 MHz - Transition frequency at V_CE = 5 V, I_C = 10 mA; supports RF amplification up to low-VHF band
NF	4 dB - Noise figure at 1 kHz, 200 µA I_C; enables use in low-noise analog signal conditioning

Pinout & Package

SOT23 plastic surface-mount package: 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm lead pitch, 3-terminal configuration with tin-plated copper traces on FR4 PCB.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Current-controlled input node; requires ≥0.5 mA drive for full saturation at 100 mA collector load
2	Emiter (E)	Common reference terminal; connected to ground or low-side return path in common-emitter configurations
3	Collector (C)	Output current sink; handles up to 100 mA continuous load with <600 mV drop when saturated

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-voltage operation	Rated for 45 V V_CEO and 50 V V_CBO, enabling use in 3.3 V/5 V logic-supplied systems without overvoltage risk
High DC gain consistency	h_FE = 420–800 at 2 mA I_C ensures predictable base-current sizing across production lots
Low saturation voltage	V_CE(sat) ≤ 600 mV at I_C = 100 mA / I_B = 5 mA minimizes power loss in high-duty-cycle switching
Thermally robust packaging	SOT23 footprint optimized for FR4 PCBs with 500 K/W R_th(j-a), supporting stable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature
Low-noise performance	4 dB noise figure at 1 kHz allows integration into microphone preamps and sensor signal chains without added noise penalty

Applications

LED Driver Circuit

Microcontroller GPIO Expander

Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V microcontroller outputs via single-transistor switch.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN switch providing current gain and level translation between MCU I/O and LED anode.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 200 mV at 20 mA ensures >95% LED forward voltage utilization and minimal self-heating.

Use Scenario: Amplifying weak analog sensor signals (e.g., thermistor divider) before ADC sampling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Small-signal common-emitter amplifier with fixed bias network.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 420 guarantees ≥20× voltage gain with 1 kΩ collector load, preserving SNR in sub-10 mV signals.

Low-Power Relay Driver

Audio Signal Preamp Stage

Use Scenario: Switching 12 V, 40 mA coil relays using 3.3 V logic-level control signals.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-current NPN driver interfacing digital logic to inductive load.

Use Value: I_CM = 200 mA peak rating accommodates relay turn-on surge; V_CEO = 45 V prevents breakdown during flyback transients.

Use Scenario: First-stage amplification of electret microphone output in portable audio devices.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise common-emitter preamplifier with emitter degeneration.

Use Value: 4 dB noise figure at 1 kHz and f_T = 100 MHz support clean amplification of voice-band signals up to 4 kHz.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC849C,215	V_CEO = 30 V (vs. 45 V); h_FE = 420–800 same range; identical SOT23 package	Limited to ≤30 V supply rails; unsuitable for 36 V industrial sensors or 40 V automotive subsystems	Select when operating voltage stays below 30 V and cost sensitivity outweighs voltage headroom needs
MMBT3904LT1G	V_CEO = 40 V (5 V lower); h_FE = 100–300 at 10 mA (lower mid-range gain); slightly higher V_CE(sat) (300 mV typ.)	Requires larger base drive for same collector current; less suitable for low-base-current microcontroller outputs	Choose for legacy designs already qualified with MMBT3904; verify h_FE margin at target I_C

Compared with BC850C,215, BC849C,215 trades voltage rating for marginal cost reduction, while MMBT3904LT1G offers broader industry adoption but reduced gain and saturation performance-making BC850C,215 optimal for new 3.3 V/5 V designs needing both headroom and drive efficiency.

Availability

BC850C,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, low-power relay control, and audio preamplifier stages requiring stable component supply and consistent h_FE performance.

Supply support for BC850C,215 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, industrial, and mobile applications.

The BC850C belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding predictable gain, low saturation loss, and robust thermal behavior on standard PCBs.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable collector current for continuous DC operation?

The BC850C,215 is rated for 100 mA continuous collector current (I_C) at T_amb ≤ 25 °C with derating above that ambient temperature. At 70 °C ambient, the usable I_C drops to approximately 65 mA due to its 500 K/W thermal resistance and 150 °C maximum junction temperature limit.

Does BC850C,215 support switching at frequencies above 1 MHz?

Yes-the BC850C,215 has a transition frequency (f_T) of 100 MHz at V_CE = 5 V and I_C = 10 mA, enabling reliable switching up to several MHz in optimized layouts. However, practical switching speed is limited by external base drive strength and parasitic capacitances (C_c = 2.5 pF, C_e = 11 pF).

How does h_FE vary with collector current and temperature?

h_FE peaks near 2 mA I_C (420–800), declines at both lower and higher currents, and decreases with rising temperature. At 150 °C, typical h_FE is ~30% lower than at 25 °C for the same I_C, per Figure 2 in the datasheet-requiring conservative base-current design for high-temperature operation.

Is BC850C,215 qualified for automotive applications?

No-this part is explicitly marked "non-automotive qualified" in the revision history. It lacks AEC-Q101 qualification, automotive-grade screening, and extended temperature validation. For automotive use, Nexperia recommends the BC850C-Q series, which undergoes additional stress testing and lot traceability per automotive requirements.

BC850C,215 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 100 mA

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 45 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 600mV @ 5mA, 100mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 15nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 420 @ 2mA, 5V

Power - Max:: 250 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 100MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: TO-236AB

BC850C,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC850C,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC850C,215 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for BC850C,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC850C,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC850C,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC850C,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC850C,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC850C,215?

BC850C,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC850C,215 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for BC850C,215?

For technical support, including BC850C,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC850C,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC850C,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC850C,215 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that BC850C,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC850C,215?

All BC850C,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC850C,215, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The BC850C,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC850C,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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