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

Diodes Incorporated BC856A-7-F

Name: BC856A-7-F
Brand: Diodes Incorporated
SKU: BC856A-7-F
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC856A-7-F

Manufacturer:: Diodes Incorporated

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: BC856A-7-F.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 65V 0.1A SOT-23-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:175,751

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Product details

Overview

BC856A-7-F from Diodes Incorporated is a PNP small-signal transistor in SOT23 package, rated for -65 V V_CEO, -80 V V_CBO, and -100 mA I_C, with h_FE = 125–250 at -2 mA/-5 V, optimized for switching and audio-frequency amplification in space-constrained consumer and industrial PCBs.

For engineers reviewing the BC856A-7-F datasheet, BC856A-7-F pinout, BC856A-7-F application, or BC856A-7-F equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed V_CEO margin for 48 V rail switching, low V_CE(sat) ≤ -300 mV at -10 mA/-0.5 mA drive, JEDEC-qualified reliability, and SOT23 compatibility with automated placement.

Technical Context

This PNP bipolar junction transistor operates in active, saturation, and cutoff regions with DC current gain (h_FE) specified across three grades (A/B/C), where BC856A delivers 125–250 at -2 mA/-5 V. Its f_T ≥ 100 MHz supports high-speed switching up to ~10 MHz edge rates.

Thermal design is constrained by R_θJA = 403 °C/W on minimal pad layout and 357 °C/W on 15 mm × 15 mm copper, with power dissipation derated linearly above +25 °C ambient. ESD robustness includes 4 kV HBM and 400 V MM ratings per JESD22-A114/A115.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	-65 V - Supports reliable switching in 48 V systems with 35 % voltage headroom.
h_FE (I_C = -2 mA)	125–250 - Enables stable biasing with ±20 % gain variation across production lot.
V_CE(sat)	≤ -300 mV @ -10 mA/-0.5 mA - Minimizes conduction loss in low-voltage logic-level switching.
f_T	100–200 MHz - Allows use in pulse-width modulation drivers and AF amplifier stages up to 20 kHz.
P_D	310 mW - Limits continuous operation to ≤ 100 mA average collector current on standard FR-4.
ESD HBM	4,000 V - Reduces risk of handling damage during manual assembly or rework.

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT23 - Surface-mount plastic package with 3-pin configuration, 0.008 g mass, UL 94V-0 flammability rating, and matte tin-plated leads compliant with MIL-STD-202 Method 208.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
E (Emitter)	Current source terminal for PNP operation	Connected to higher potential rail; sets reference for base-emitter forward bias.
B (Base)	Control input for minority-carrier injection	Receives negative-going drive signal; requires current-limiting resistor for safe turn-on.
C (Collector)	Current sink terminal	Connected to load and lower-potential node; carries full switched current with controlled saturation.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
JEDEC-qualified reliability	Qualified per AEC-Q standards for high-reliability industrial and automotive-adjacent applications.
Green compound packaging	Halogen- and antimony-free molding compound (<900 ppm Br/Cl, <1000 ppm Sb) meeting RoHS 3 compliance.
Automated insertion compatibility	SOT23 footprint and lead geometry optimized for pick-and-place machines with ≥ 0.5 mm pitch tolerance.
Low thermal resistance to leads	R_θJL = 350 °C/W enables localized heat extraction via PCB copper pour under emitter pad.

Applications

LED Driver Circuit

Level-Shifting Interface

Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO pins with inverted logic.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch providing active-low current sinking path with fast turn-off due to low C_obo = 3 pF.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ -300 mV ensures > 2.8 V LED forward voltage margin and < 0.6 mW conduction loss per channel.

Use Scenario: Translating 5 V TTL logic signals down to 3.3 V I/O domains in mixed-voltage MCU systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-transistor level shifter using emitter-follower configuration with h_FE-stabilized output impedance.

Use Value: f_T ≥ 100 MHz supports clean 10 MHz clock/data edges without added propagation delay or ringing.

Audio Preamp Stage

Power Rail Sequencing

Use Scenario: Low-noise preamplifier stage for electret microphone biasing and signal conditioning in portable audio devices.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with NF = 2–10 dB at 1 kHz, RS = 2 kΩ, enabling SNR > 65 dB.

Use Value: h_ie = 2.7 kΩ provides optimal impedance match to typical 2.2 kΩ microphone bias networks.

Use Scenario: Controlling delayed enable of secondary 3.3 V LDO after primary 5 V rail stabilizes in multi-rail power supplies.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete timing element in RC-base delay circuit triggering MOSFET gate driver for sequenced power-up.

Use Value: Guaranteed V_CEO = -65 V withstands transient overshoot on 48 V auxiliary rails during startup sequencing.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP small-signal transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BC857A-7-F	V_CEO = -45 V, h_FE = 125–250, same SOT23 package and marking K3A	Limited to ≤ 36 V systems; unsuitable for 48 V bus switching	Select when lower voltage margin suffices and tighter h_FE binning is required for analog gain stability.
MMBT856A	Same electrical specs but non-automotive grade; no AEC-Q qualification; JEDEC MO-178 package variant	Not qualified for automotive-adjacent or extended-temperature industrial use	Choose for cost-sensitive consumer applications where AEC-Q compliance is not mandated.

Compared with BC856A-7-F, BC857A-7-F trades 20 V V_CEO headroom for identical gain and package, while MMBT856A retains full electrical equivalence but omits automotive reliability validation-making BC856A-7-F the only choice for 48 V–rated, high-reliability switching.

Availability

BC856A-7-F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, level-shifting interfaces, audio preamp stages, and power rail sequencing requiring stable component supply across industrial control, consumer electronics, and embedded instrumentation programs.

Supply support for BC856A-7-F 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-reliability components for industrial, computing, and automotive markets since 1959.

The BC856A-7-F belongs to Diodes' BC856–BC858 series of general-purpose PNP transistors designed specifically for automated assembly in compact, cost-sensitive switching and amplification applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC856A-7-F?

The absolute maximum continuous collector current (I_C) is -100 mA at T_A = +25 °C. Derating applies above +25 °C ambient per the 310 mW power limit and R_θJA = 403 °C/W thermal resistance. At +85 °C ambient, usable I_C drops to approximately -65 mA to maintain junction temperature below +150 °C.

Is BC856A-7-F suitable for automotive applications?

BC856A-7-F itself is not AEC-Q200 qualified; however, its automotive-grade counterparts (e.g., BC856AQ) are documented separately. This part meets JEDEC reliability standards and is widely used in automotive-adjacent industrial systems, but formal automotive qualification requires the "Q" suffix variants with extended temperature screening and PPAP documentation.

How does the BC856A grade differ from BC856B and BC856C?

BC856A specifies h_FE = 125–250, BC856B = 220–475, and BC856C = 420–800, all measured at I_C = -2 mA and V_CE = -5 V. The "A" grade offers tighter gain tolerance for predictable biasing in analog circuits, while "B" and "C" provide higher gain for low-drive switching applications.

Can BC856A-7-F replace BC857A-7-F in existing designs?

Yes, with voltage margin consideration: BC856A-7-F has -65 V V_CEO versus -45 V for BC857A-7-F, making it a direct upgrade for 48 V systems. Pinout, package, marking (K3A), and h_FE range are identical-no layout or firmware changes needed beyond verifying worst-case V_CE stress remains within -65 V.

BC856A-7-F Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Diodes Incorporated

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

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 125 @ 2mA, 5V

Power - Max:: 300 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 200MHz

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-23-3

BC856A-7-F FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC856A-7-F through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856A-7-F 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-7-F reliable?

The price and inventory of BC856A-7-F are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856A-7-F is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856A-7-F?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856A-7-F transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC856A-7-F?

BC856A-7-F orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC856A-7-F 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-7-F?

For technical support, including BC856A-7-F datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856A-7-F requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856A-7-F is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC856A-7-F 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-7-F meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856A-7-F?

All BC856A-7-F units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856A-7-F, 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-7-F part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC856A-7-F:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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