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

Nexperia USA Inc. BC856A,215

Name: BC856A,215
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BC856A,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC856A,215

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: BC856A,215.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 65V 0.1A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:200,763

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Product details

Overview

BC856A,215 from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for −65 V V_CEO, −100 mA I_C, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 125–250 at V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage switching or linear amplification device in compact consumer and industrial signal-path circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC856A,215 datasheet, BC856A,215 pinout, BC856A,215 application, or BC856A,215 equivalent, this page delivers verified pin functions, real-world switching thresholds, thermal resistance data, and validated alternatives for discrete PNP BJT selection in space-constrained SMD designs.

Technical Context

The BC856A operates as a silicon PNP BJT with base-emitter and collector-base junctions optimized for stable DC gain across −55 °C to +150 °C ambient range. Its h_FE band (125–250) ensures predictable biasing in emitter-follower and common-emitter configurations without external gain stabilization.

V_CE(sat) ≤ −650 mV at I_C = −100 mA and I_B = −5 mA confirms low-saturation operation suitable for logic-level interfacing and load switching. Thermal resistance R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W on FR4 PCB defines its power handling limit under natural convection.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−65 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; enables use in 48 V rail switching and negative supply rail control.
I_C	−100 mA - Continuous collector current rating; supports medium-current digital output buffering and sensor interface stages.
h_FE	125–250 - DC current gain at V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −2 mA; provides stable bias point for fixed-gain amplifier or switch design.
V_CE(sat)	≤ −650 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at I_C = −100 mA, I_B = −5 mA; ensures <100 mW dissipation in saturated switch mode.
R_th(j-a)	500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB; limits continuous power to ~250 mW at T_amb = 25 °C.
V_EB	−5 V - Maximum reverse emitter-base voltage; constrains base drive circuitry to avoid junction damage during turn-off transients.
f_T	100 MHz - Transition frequency at V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −10 mA; supports audio-frequency amplification and fast digital switching up to ~10 MHz.

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; 2.8 mm × 1.4 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and standard reflow-compatible solder land pattern.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Current-controlled input node; requires ≤ −5 mA drive for full saturation at −100 mA collector load.
2	Emitter (E)	Common terminal for PNP configuration; connected to higher potential rail (e.g., V_CC or bias voltage).
3	Collector (C)	Output current sink node; delivers up to −100 mA to load referenced to lower-potential node (e.g., ground or negative rail).

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-voltage PNP switching	Rated for −65 V V_CEO and −80 V V_CBO; compatible with 24 V/48 V negative-rail systems and relay drivers.
Precision h_FE binning	A-grade gain band (125–250) reduces variation in bias-critical analog stages and improves batch consistency in production.
Thermally robust SMT package	SOT23 footprint with 500 K/W R_th(j-a) enables reliable operation up to +150 °C junction temperature on standard PCB layouts.
Low-noise amplification	2 dB typical noise figure at I_C = −200 µA, enabling use in preamplifier stages for sensors and audio inputs.
High-speed switching	100 MHz f_T supports clean edge response in pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming and digital signal inversion.

Applications

LED Driver Circuit

Microcontroller GPIO Expander

Use Scenario: Driving multiple 20 mA indicator LEDs from a 3.3 V microcontroller with open-drain outputs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP current sink switch controlled by inverted logic level; turns LED on when GPIO is low.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ −650 mV ensures <0.7 V drop across transistor, preserving >2.6 V forward voltage margin for red/green LEDs.

Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current boosting for 5 V peripheral interfaces connected to 3.3 V MCU I/O pins.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-low buffer stage providing −100 mA sink capability while isolating MCU from bus loading.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 125 guarantees reliable saturation with ≤ −0.8 mA base drive, minimizing GPIO current burden.

Low-Power Sensor Biasing

Power Supply Enable Switch

Use Scenario: Providing stable bias current to NTC thermistors or phototransistor amplifiers in battery-powered IoT nodes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current source configured in emitter-follower topology with feedback resistor.

Use Value: Low I_CBO (≤ −4 µA at 150 °C) maintains accuracy over temperature, reducing drift in precision analog front-ends.

Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling a 12 V auxiliary rail using a 3.3 V logic signal in industrial control modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch controlling PMOS gate drive or directly sourcing enable current to LDOs/DC-DC controllers.

Use Value: −65 V V_CEO rating accommodates transient spikes on 12 V rail, preventing latch-up during hot-plug events.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP BJT switching and amplification applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC856B,215	Higher h_FE band (220–475) and same V_CEO/I_C ratings; identical SOT23 package and pinout.	Better suited for high-gain amplifier stages where tighter bias control is required; less ideal for saturated switching due to longer storage time.	Select BC856B when gain stability dominates over switching speed; verify base drive strength to avoid overdrive-induced delay.
MMBT3906LT1G	Same PNP polarity and SOT23 package, but V_CEO = −40 V, h_FE = 100–300, and V_CE(sat) ≤ −400 mV at I_C = −10 mA.	Optimized for low-voltage (<24 V), low-current (<50 mA) logic interfacing; not rated for 48 V systems or 100 mA loads.	Choose MMBT3906LT1G only for sub-24 V rails and <50 mA loads; avoid in high-reliability 48 V industrial applications.

Compared with BC856A,215, BC856B,215 offers higher gain for analog biasing but slightly slower switching, while MMBT3906LT1G trades voltage headroom and current capacity for lower saturation loss in low-power logic buffers.

Availability

BC856A,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, low-power sensor biasing, and power supply enable switching requiring stable component supply and consistent SOT23 packaging.

Supply support for BC856A,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 logic, discrete, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BC856A belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose BJT product line, engineered for cost-effective, space-efficient switching and amplification in mass-produced SMT electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe operating voltage for BC856A,215?

The absolute maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) is −65 V with open base. Operation above this value risks permanent junction breakdown. For reliable long-term use, design within −45 V under normal conditions and ensure transient suppression for inductive loads.

Can BC856A,215 replace BC856B,215 in existing designs?

Yes, BC856A,215 is pin- and package-compatible with BC856B,215, but its lower h_FE band (125–250 vs. 220–475) may require increased base drive current to maintain saturation in high-current switching. Verify V_CE(sat) and thermal rise under worst-case load.

Is BC856A,215 suitable for audio preamplifier applications?

Yes - its 2 dB typical noise figure at I_C = −200 µA and 100 MHz f_T support low-noise small-signal amplification. Use in common-emitter or emitter-follower topologies with V_CE ≈ −5 V and I_C = −1–2 mA for optimal linearity and bandwidth.

Does BC856A,215 have automotive qualification?

No - BC856A,215 is not automotive-qualified. Nexperia explicitly states in Revision History v.9 that this part is non-automotive. For automotive use, select the −Q qualified variants (e.g., BC856AQ) which undergo extended temperature and reliability testing per AEC-Q101.

BC856A,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

BC856A,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC856A,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856A,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 BC856A,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC856A,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856A,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856A,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856A,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC856A,215?

BC856A,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC856A,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 BC856A,215?

For technical support, including BC856A,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856A,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856A,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC856A,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 BC856A,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856A,215?

All BC856A,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856A,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 BC856A,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC856A,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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