Nexperia USA Inc. BC856BS/ZLX
- Part No.:
- BC856BS/ZLX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Bipolar Transistor Arrays
- Package:
- 6-TSSOP, SC-88, SOT-363
- Datasheet:
-
BC856BS/ZLX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANSISTOR
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,303
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Product details
Overview
BC856BS/ZLX from Nexperia is a dual PNP general-purpose transistor pair in SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) package, rated for −65 V VCEO, −100 mA IC, and featuring hFE = 200–450 at −2 mA/−5 V. It delivers low VCE(sat) (−200 mV typ. at −100 mA/−5 mA), matched gain between transistors, and no mutual interference-ideal for compact dual-channel switching in power management and signal routing circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC856BS datasheet, BC856BS pinout, BC856BS application, or BC856BS equivalent, this device supports space-constrained designs requiring dual PNP switching with thermal stability up to 150 °C junction temperature, low collector capacitance (2.3 pF), and verified performance across −55 °C to +150 °C ambient range.
Technical Context
The BC856BS integrates two electrically isolated PNP transistors in a single TSSOP6 package, sharing no internal connection-eliminating crosstalk and enabling independent biasing. Each transistor operates with VCEO = −65 V, IC = −100 mA, and exhibits tightly matched hFE (200–450) under identical test conditions (VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA).
Its low Cc (2.3 pF) and fT ≥ 100 MHz support high-frequency amplification and fast switching, while VBE(sat) ≤ −900 mV (pulsed) ensures efficient drive in low-voltage logic interfaces. Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) is 416 K/W per device on FR4 PCB-critical for thermal-aware layout in dense SMT assemblies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −65 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; enables use in 48 V rail switching and industrial control inputs. |
| IC | −100 mA: Continuous collector current rating; supports medium-current loads like LED drivers or relay coils. |
| hFE | 200–450 at −2 mA/−5 V: High and tightly matched DC current gain; reduces base drive component count in dual-stage amplifiers. |
| VCE(sat) | −200 mV typ. at −100 mA/−5 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in switching applications. |
| Cc | 2.3 pF at −10 V VCB: Low collector capacitance preserves bandwidth in RF-coupled preamps and high-speed digital buffers. |
| fT | ≥100 MHz at −10 mA/−5 V: Transition frequency confirms suitability for audio amplification and sub-100 MHz signal conditioning. |
| Rth(j-a) | 416 K/W per device on FR4: Thermal resistance defines maximum power dissipation (300 mW) under standard board mounting. |
Pinout & Package
BC856BS is housed in a 6-pin TSSOP6 (SOT363-3) surface-mount plastic package measuring 2.2 mm × 1.35 mm × 0.95 mm, optimized for automated assembly and high-density PCB layouts.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E1 (Emitter of TR1) | Current sink node for first transistor; connects to load return path or ground reference in common-emitter switch. |
| 2 | B1 (Base of TR1) | Control input for TR1; requires current-limited drive (e.g., via 10 kΩ resistor) to achieve specified hFE. |
| 3 | C2 (Collector of TR2) | Current source node for second transistor; ties to positive rail or pull-up in active-low logic interfaces. |
| 4 | E2 (Emitter of TR2) | Current sink node for TR2; independently referenced-no shared emitter with TR1. |
| 5 | B2 (Base of TR2) | Independent control input for TR2; allows asynchronous switching or differential pair configuration. |
| 6 | C1 (Collector of TR1) | Current source node for TR1; routed separately from TR2 collector to prevent coupling in noise-sensitive circuits. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No mutual interference between transistors | Electrically isolated die structure eliminates crosstalk-enables independent operation in dual-rail or complementary logic blocks. |
| Closely matched current gain | hFE spread ≤ ±25% across both transistors at same bias point-reduces calibration overhead in differential amplifiers. |
| Low collector-emitter saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ −200 mV at −100 mA ensures <10 mW conduction loss per transistor-critical for battery-powered load switches. |
| Low collector capacitance | Cc = 2.3 pF minimizes Miller effect-preserves rise/fall times in >10 MHz switching waveforms. |
| Reduced board space vs discrete pairs | Single SOT363-3 footprint replaces two SOT23 devices-saves ≥40% PCB area and reduces pick-and-place cycle time. |
Applications
| LED Driver Pair | Dual-Channel Level Shifter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving dual-color (e.g., red/green) LEDs from 3.3 V microcontroller GPIOs with independent on/off control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual PNP switch providing active-low current sinking for each LED anode; enables simultaneous or alternating illumination without software timing constraints. Use Value: Eliminates need for two separate SOT23 transistors and associated passives-reducing BOM count by 3 components and saving 1.8 mm² PCB area. |
Use Scenario: Translating 1.8 V logic outputs to 5 V or 12 V control signals for external peripherals (e.g., sensors, actuators). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual PNP inverter stage converting low-voltage logic highs to high-voltage logic lows with <10 ns propagation delay. Use Value: Achieves rail-to-rail level translation with <50 mV output offset and no external pull-up resistors required on high-voltage side. |
| Redundant Power Switch | Audio Signal Inverter Pair |
Use Scenario: Providing fail-safe 24 V power enable paths in industrial PLC I/O modules where single-point failure must be avoided. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two independent PNP high-side switches controlling redundant power rails; monitored separately for fault detection. Use Value: Enables hot-swap capability and diagnostics-each transistor's VCE(sat) and leakage (ICBO < 15 nA) support precise current monitoring at standby. |
Use Scenario: Generating inverted and non-inverted audio signals for balanced line drivers in portable audio DACs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual PNP emitter-follower pair delivering low-output-impedance buffered signals with <0.5 dB gain mismatch. Use Value: Matches phase and amplitude across channels (hFE tracking ±12%)-reducing common-mode noise in Class AB headphone amplifiers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual PNP switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC857BS | Higher hFE (420–800), same VCEO/IC; slightly higher VCE(sat) (−300 mV typ.) | Better for low-base-drive scenarios (e.g., weak GPIOs); less suitable where saturation loss is critical | Select when gain matching at ultra-low IB is prioritized over conduction efficiency. |
| MBT3906DW1T1G | Same SOT363 package; lower VCEO (−40 V), higher IC (−200 mA), wider hFE range (100–300) | Preferred for higher-current 24 V loads but unsuitable for 48 V systems due to reduced breakdown margin | Choose for cost-sensitive 24 V industrial controls where voltage headroom is not constrained. |
Compared with BC856BS, BC857BS trades lower saturation voltage for higher gain-favoring low-drive logic interfaces-while MBT3906DW1T1G sacrifices voltage rating for current capacity, making it viable only in sub-40 V applications despite its higher IC rating.
Availability
BC856BS/ZLX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, dual-channel level shifters, redundant power switches, and audio signal inverter pairs requiring stable component supply and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for BC856BS/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 semiconductor expert focused on high-volume, high-reliability essential semiconductors-including discretes, logic, and MOSFETs-with manufacturing rooted in process optimization and automotive-grade quality systems.
The BC856BS belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for space-constrained consumer, industrial, and computing applications demanding predictable gain matching, low thermal resistance, and robust SMT manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous collector current per transistor in BC856BS/ZLX?
The absolute maximum continuous collector current per transistor is −100 mA, as defined in Table 5 (Limiting values) under IC. This rating applies at Tamb ≤ 25 °C with proper PCB thermal relief; derating is required above 25 °C per the 416 K/W Rth(j-a) curve in Figure 1.
Does BC856BS/ZLX support operation at −55 °C ambient temperature?
Yes-BC856BS/ZLX is fully specified from −55 °C to +150 °C ambient (Table 5, Tamb). Key parameters including hFE, VCE(sat), and leakage currents are characterized across this range, with Figures 3–7 confirming stable behavior at −55 °C.
Can BC856BS/ZLX replace two discrete BC856B transistors in a design?
Yes-BC856BS/ZLX is the monolithic dual version of BC856B, sharing identical per-transistor specifications (VCEO, IC, hFE, VCE(sat)) and pin-compatible with SOT363-3 footprint. Its integrated construction eliminates inter-device parameter variation and saves PCB area versus two SOT23 devices.
What is the marking code for BC856BS/ZLX on the package?
The top-side marking is %E6, where "%" is a placeholder for the manufacturing site code and "E6" uniquely identifies the BC856BS type per Table 4. This marking appears on the transparent top view of the TSSOP6 package, aligned with pin 1 index.
BC856BS/ZLX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 6-TSSOP, SC-88, SOT-363
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 6-TSSOP
BC856BS/ZLX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC856BS/ZLX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856BS/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 BC856BS/ZLX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC856BS/ZLX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856BS/ZLX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856BS/ZLX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856BS/ZLX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC856BS/ZLX?
BC856BS/ZLX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC856BS/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 BC856BS/ZLX?
For technical support, including BC856BS/ZLX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856BS/ZLX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856BS/ZLX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC856BS/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 BC856BS/ZLX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856BS/ZLX?
All BC856BS/ZLX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856BS/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 BC856BS/ZLX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC856BS/ZLX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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