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Nexperia USA Inc. BC850CW/ZLX
- Part No.:
- BC850CW/ZLX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
BC850CW/ZLX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN SOT323
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:570,000
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Product details
Overview
BC850CW/ZLX from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT323 package, rated for 45 V VCEO, 100 mA IC, and featuring hFE of 420–800 at 2 mA/5 V; used in low-noise audio preamplifier stages and signal amplification circuits where compact size and consistent gain are critical.
For engineers reviewing the BC850CW/ZLX datasheet, BC850CW/ZLX pinout, BC850CW/ZLX application, or BC850CW/ZLX equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior, noise performance (F = 4 dB @ 1 kHz), SOT323 terminal mapping, and direct alternatives for audio-frequency amplifier design and discrete BJT replacement.
Technical Context
This transistor operates as a linear amplifying device with DC current gain tightly binned (420–800) and low base-emitter voltage (580–700 mV at 2 mA). Its fT of 100 MHz supports stable small-signal amplification up to mid-VHF range without oscillation risk in properly decoupled layouts.
Designed for surface-mount audio front-ends, it exhibits low collector cut-off current (≤15 nA at 30 V, 25 °C) and minimal noise figure (4 dB, 1 kHz, 200 μA), enabling high-fidelity signal integrity in tape recorder input stages and hi-fi preamp buffers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base condition |
| IC (DC) | 100 mA - continuous collector current limit defining usable linear output swing and power handling |
| hFE | 420–800 - guaranteed DC current gain range at 2 mA/5 V, enabling predictable biasing in Class-A amplifiers |
| VCE(sat) | ≤250 mV @ 10 mA/0.5 mA - low saturation voltage ensures minimal voltage drop and heat generation in switching applications |
| fT | 100 MHz - transition frequency confirming suitability for audio and low-RF amplification without gain roll-off |
| F (Noise Figure) | 4 dB @ 1 kHz - quantified low-noise performance critical for microphone preamps and analog signal chains |
| Rth j-a | 625 K/W - thermal resistance indicating need for board-level copper area or derating above 25 °C ambient |
Pinout & Package
SOT323 (SC-70) 3-pin plastic surface-mount package: ultra-compact footprint (2.2 × 1.35 mm), low-profile (0.95 mm max height), optimized for high-density PCB layouts in portable audio equipment.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control electrode; requires current-limited drive (IB ≤ 5 mA) to avoid thermal runaway in linear operation |
| 2 | Emitter | Current source terminal; connected to ground or negative rail in common-emitter configuration |
| 3 | Collector | Output terminal; carries amplified load current and dissipates most power in active region |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High hFE binning | 420–800 range enables precise DC bias point setting without emitter degeneration resistors |
| Low noise figure | 4 dB at 1 kHz allows use in sensitive audio input stages without added noise floor degradation |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤250 mV at 10 mA/0.5 mA reduces conduction loss and improves efficiency in low-voltage switching |
| SOT323 package | 0.65 mm pitch and 2.2 mm length support automated pick-and-place and reflow compatibility per JEDEC J-STD-020 |
| Thermal robustness | 150 °C max junction temperature and −65 °C min storage enable operation in extended industrial environments |
Applications
| Tape Recorder Input Stage | Hi-Fi Preamplifier Buffer |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level magnetic tape playback signals before equalization and power amplification. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN small-signal amplifier operating in Class-A with fixed bias network. Use Value: High hFE and low noise (4 dB) preserve signal-to-noise ratio across full audio band (20 Hz–20 kHz). | Use Scenario: Isolating and buffering line-level audio between tone control and power amp sections. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emitter-follower configured transistor providing high input impedance and low output impedance. Use Value: Low VBE (580–700 mV) and tight hFE tolerance ensure stable DC offset and gain consistency across units. |
| Portable Audio Signal Chain | Discrete Op-Amp Input Pair |
Use Scenario: Signal conditioning in battery-powered headphone amplifiers with <5 V supply rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active load and gain stage in single-supply discrete amplifier topology. Use Value: 45 V VCEO headroom prevents clipping during transient peaks; SOT323 footprint saves board space. | Use Scenario: Differential pair in discrete instrumentation amplifier front-end requiring matched gain. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary NPN input transistor paired with BC859W/BC860W PNP counterparts. Use Value: Tight hFE binning (420–800) and low ICBO (≤15 nA) minimize input offset drift over temperature. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC849CW | VCEO = 30 V (vs. 45 V); hFE = 200–450 (vs. 420–800) | Limited to lower-voltage audio paths; less gain margin for high-impedance sources | Select when supply voltage ≤30 V and tighter gain tolerance not required |
| MMBT3904LT1G | VCEO = 40 V; hFE = 100–300 @ 10 mA; higher Cc (4 pF vs. 3 pF) | Lower gain consistency and higher capacitance reduce fidelity in high-frequency audio coupling | Choose only for cost-sensitive non-audio switching where gain stability is secondary |
Compared with BC849CW and MMBT3904LT1G, BC850CW/ZLX delivers superior gain uniformity and higher voltage headroom-critical for maintaining SNR in low-noise analog signal paths where precision biasing and thermal stability are prioritized.
Availability
BC850CW/ZLX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tape recorder input stages, hi-fi preamplifier buffers, and portable audio signal chains requiring stable component supply, consistent hFE binning, and low-noise performance.
Supply support for BC850CW/ZLX 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 leader in discrete semiconductors, formed in 2017 from the former NXP Standard Products division, specializing in high-volume, high-reliability components for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
BC850CW/ZLX belongs to Nexperia's BC849W/BC850W series of general-purpose NPN transistors, engineered specifically for low-noise audio-frequency amplification and compact SMT designs where gain consistency and thermal stability are essential.
FAQ
Is BC850CW/ZLX RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, BC850CW/ZLX is RoHS compliant and lead-free per Nexperia's standard manufacturing process. The SOT323 package uses matte tin (Sn) termination, and the device meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU requirements with no exemptions applied. Full compliance documentation is available via Nexperia's product change notifications.
What is the maximum allowable PCB trace length for BC850CW/ZLX in high-gain audio applications?
For optimal noise performance, keep base and emitter traces under 5 mm in length and route them away from noisy digital lines. Use ground plane shielding beneath the SOT323 pad layout to suppress parasitic coupling; longer traces increase susceptibility to RFI and degrade the 4 dB noise figure specification.
Can BC850CW/ZLX replace BC849CW in existing designs without modification?
Yes, BC850CW/ZLX is a direct drop-in replacement for BC849CW in most cases: same SOT323 package, pinout, and thermal profile. However, its higher hFE (420–800 vs. 200–450) may require minor bias resistor adjustment to maintain identical quiescent current and avoid thermal drift in Class-A stages.
Does BC850CW/ZLX support pulsed operation beyond its DC ratings?
Yes-peak collector current is rated at 200 mA (vs. 100 mA DC), and pulse conditions (tp ≤ 300 μs, duty cycle ≤ 2%) allow brief overloads. Ensure average power remains within 200 mW by calculating RMS dissipation; junction temperature must stay below 150 °C even during pulses.
BC850CW/ZLX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- -
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- -
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- -
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- -
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- -
- Power - Max:
- -
- Frequency - Transition:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-323
BC850CW/ZLX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC850CW/ZLX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC850CW/ZLX 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 BC850CW/ZLX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC850CW/ZLX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC850CW/ZLX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC850CW/ZLX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC850CW/ZLX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC850CW/ZLX?
BC850CW/ZLX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC850CW/ZLX 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 BC850CW/ZLX?
For technical support, including BC850CW/ZLX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC850CW/ZLX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC850CW/ZLX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC850CW/ZLX 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 BC850CW/ZLX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC850CW/ZLX?
All BC850CW/ZLX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC850CW/ZLX, 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 BC850CW/ZLX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC850CW/ZLX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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