Nexperia USA Inc. BC856,215
- Part No.:
- BC856,215
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC856,215.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 65V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:59,402
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Product details
Overview
BC856,215 from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for −65 V VCEO, −100 mA IC, and DC current gain (hFE) of 125–475 at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage switching or small-signal amplification device in discrete logic interfaces, level shifters, and LED driver stages.
For engineers reviewing the BC856,215 datasheet, BC856,215 pinout, BC856,215 application, or BC856,215 equivalent, this page delivers verified pin functions, thermal resistance (500 K/W), saturation voltage (−250 to −650 mV at IC = −100 mA), noise figure (2–10 dB), and validated SOT23 footprint data - all critical for PCB layout, thermal design, and functional replacement.
Technical Context
The BC856,215 operates as a silicon PNP BJT with base-controlled current amplification, featuring an open-base collector-emitter breakdown voltage of −65 V and emitter-base breakdown of −5 V. Its hFE spread (125–475) supports consistent biasing across production lots when used in linear amplifier configurations.
Thermal performance is defined for FR4 PCB mounting (single-sided, 35 µm Cu), delivering Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W in free air. Transition frequency fT reaches 100 MHz at VCE = −5 V, IC = −10 mA, enabling use in low-frequency RF coupling and audio preamplifier stages up to ~10 MHz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −65 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in high-side switch designs. |
| IC | −100 mA: Continuous DC collector current rating; sets max load drive capability in relay drivers or buffer stages. |
| hFE | 125–475 @ VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA: Confirmed DC current gain range; enables stable bias network design without gain binning. |
| VCE(sat) | −250 to −650 mV @ IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA: Verified saturation voltage; determines on-state power loss (≤65 mW) in switching applications. |
| fT | 100 MHz @ VCE = −5 V, IC = −10 mA: Measured transition frequency; confirms suitability for audio and sub-MHz signal amplification. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W: Thermal resistance junction-to-ambient on standard FR4; informs heatsinking requirements for sustained 100 mA operation. |
| Cc | 4.5 pF @ VCB = −10 V: Collector capacitance; impacts high-frequency response and Miller effect in amplifier feedback paths. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package: 3-lead, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm body, 0.95 mm height, standard reflow footprint per Fig. 15 (sot023_fr).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires ≤200 µA peak base drive for full saturation at 100 mA collector load. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common terminal for PNP configuration; connects to higher potential rail (e.g., VCC) in high-side switch layouts. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current sink node; handles −100 mA continuous load with <650 mV drop when fully saturated. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-voltage PNP switching | Rated for −65 V VCEO and −80 V VCBO; supports 24 V and 48 V industrial control rails with margin. |
| Controlled hFE spread | 125–475 gain range ensures predictable base resistor selection across manufacturing batches without trimming. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV at IC = −100 mA reduces conduction loss in battery-powered load switches. |
| Standard SOT23 footprint | Compatible with industry-standard reflow and wave soldering footprints (sot023_fr/sot023_fw); eliminates custom land pattern design. |
| Thermal reliability | 150 °C max junction temperature and 500 K/W Rth(j-a) enable operation in enclosed industrial enclosures up to 85 °C ambient. |
Applications
| LED Driver Stage | Logic-Level Shifter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO pins with inverted logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP current sink switch controlling LED cathode connection to ground. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV ensures ≥2.65 V forward bias across LED at 20 mA, maintaining brightness consistency. |
Use Scenario: Translating 1.8 V CMOS logic outputs to 5 V TTL-compatible inputs in mixed-voltage systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-low level shifter using emitter-follower configuration with pull-up resistor. Use Value: hFE ≥125 guarantees sufficient drive strength for 5 V bus capacitance ≤50 pF with <10 ns propagation delay. |
| Relay Coil Driver | Audio Preamp Stage |
Use Scenario: Switching 48 V/30 mA relay coils in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with optocoupler-isolated control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch placing relay coil between VCC and collector, emitter tied to VCC. Use Value: −65 V VCEO provides 17 V margin above 48 V rail, suppressing inductive kickback without snubber diodes. |
Use Scenario: First-stage amplification of electret microphone signals in portable voice recorders. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier with 10 kΩ collector load and 1 µF AC coupling. Use Value: fT = 100 MHz and NF = 2–10 dB ensure flat 20 Hz–20 kHz response with SNR >65 dB at 10 mVpp input. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP general-purpose transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC857,215 | VCEO = −45 V, hFE = 125–800; otherwise identical SOT23 pinout and thermal specs. | Lower voltage rating limits use in >45 V systems; wider hFE spread increases base resistor tolerance sensitivity. | Select when higher gain is needed at lower currents (<10 mA) and system rail ≤45 V. |
| BC856B,215 | hFE = 220–475 (tighter spread), same VCEO/IC/package; marked "3B%". | Narrower gain distribution improves consistency in production-batched amplifier bias networks. | Choose for precision analog stages where hFE variation must be minimized without binning. |
Compared with BC856,215, BC857,215 trades 20 V voltage headroom for broader gain range, while BC856B,215 sacrifices some minimum gain (220 vs. 125) to tighten hFE tolerance - making it preferable for production-critical bias stability.
Availability
BC856,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, consumer audio interfaces, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for BC856,215 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-qualified and industrial-grade components.
The BC856 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding robust parametric consistency and manufacturability in SMT assembly lines.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable power dissipation for BC856,215 under standard PCB conditions?
The BC856,215 has a total power dissipation (Ptot) rating of 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on FR4 PCB with single-sided 35 µm copper. This assumes no forced airflow and standard SOT23 footprint per Nexperia's sot023_fr layout. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient at 2.0 mW/°C.
Can BC856,215 replace BC856B,215 in a production design without circuit modification?
Yes, BC856,215 is functionally interchangeable with BC856B,215 in most circuits, but hFE minimum drops from 220 to 125. If the original design relies on guaranteed hFE ≥220 for stable bias (e.g., fixed-base resistor), revalidation of quiescent point and saturation margin is required before substitution.
Does BC856,215 meet automotive qualification standards?
No. The BC856,215 is explicitly designated as non-automotive qualified per Nexperia's Rev. 9 datasheet (Section 13). For automotive applications, Nexperia offers the BC856-Q series, which undergoes AEC-Q101 stress testing and includes extended temperature and reliability validation.
What is the typical noise figure of BC856,215 and under what conditions is it measured?
The BC856,215 exhibits a noise figure of 2–10 dB, measured at IC = −200 µA, VCE = −5 V, RS = 2 kΩ, f = 1 kHz, and bandwidth = 200 Hz. This makes it suitable for low-noise preamplifier stages in audio and sensor signal conditioning where sub-10 dB NF is acceptable.
BC856,215 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:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 100 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 65 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 650mV @ 5mA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 15nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 125 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BC856,215 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC856,215 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856,215 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 BC856,215 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC856,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856,215 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856,215?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856,215 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC856,215?
BC856,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC856,215 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 BC856,215?
For technical support, including BC856,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856,215 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC856,215 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 BC856,215 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856,215?
All BC856,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856,215, 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 BC856,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC856,215:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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