Nexperia USA Inc. BC850C-QR

Overview

BC850C-QR from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN general-purpose transistor in SOT23 package, rated for 45 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 450–800 at 2–10 mA, used in automotive signal switching and low-power amplification circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC850C-QR datasheet, BC850C-QR pinout, BC850C-QR application, or BC850C-QR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal behavior, automotive qualification status, and validated SOT23 footprint compatibility - all critical for production-grade PCB design and AEC-compliant BOM selection.

Technical Context

This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in linear or saturation mode with V_BE ≈ 660 mV and V_CE(sat) ≤ 200 mV at I_C = 100 mA / I_B = 5 mA. Its f_T of 100 MHz supports medium-frequency amplification up to audio band.

Thermal resistance R_th(j-a) is 500 K/W on FR4 PCB (single-sided copper), and junction temperature is rated to 150 °C. Cut-off currents (I_CBO, I_EBO) remain below 5 µA and 100 nA respectively across operating temperature range.

Key Specifications

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 gull-wing leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BC847C-Q, BC850C-QR offers identical gain and voltage ratings but improved thermal performance margin due to tighter h_FE distribution; versus MMBT3904LT1G, it provides AEC-Q101 assurance and higher minimum h_FE, enabling simpler bias design in automotive ECUs.

Availability

BC850C-QR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive interior lighting control, engine control unit (ECU) signal conditioning, and body control module (BCM) relay drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term automotive lifecycle support.

Supply support for BC850C-QR 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 components and advanced packaging.

BC850C-QR belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified general-purpose transistor family, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost signal switching and amplification in automotive electronic control units and body electronics.

FAQ

Is BC850C-QR pin-compatible with BC847C series transistors?

Yes - BC850C-QR uses identical SOT23 pinout (1: Base, 2: Emitter, 3: Collector) and shares mechanical footprint with BC847C, BC848C, and BC849C. No PCB layout change is required for drop-in replacement in existing designs.

What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?

The absolute maximum peak base current is 200 mA, but for continuous DC operation, I_B must be limited to ensure I_C ≤ 100 mA and junction temperature remains ≤ 150 °C. At I_C = 100 mA and h_FE ≥ 420, I_B ≤ 237 µA is sufficient for saturation.

Does BC850C-QR support wave soldering?

Yes - Nexperia provides dedicated wave soldering footprint (Fig. 8) with 1.4 mm pad width and 4.6 mm length per terminal. Recommended preheat temperature is 100–120 °C, and peak wave temperature should not exceed 260 °C for ≤ 5 seconds.

How does h_FE vary with temperature in automotive operating range?

h_FE increases by ~0.5%/°C from −40 °C to 25 °C, then decreases gradually above 25 °C. At 150 °C junction temperature, h_FE remains ≥ 250 at I_C = 10 mA, ensuring functional gain retention in under-hood environments.