Nexperia USA Inc. BC856BW/DG/B4X
- Part No.:
- BC856BW/DG/B4X
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
BC856BW/DG/B4X.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP SOT323
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:9,245
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Product details
Overview
BC856BW/DG/B4X from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT323 (SC-70) package, rated for −65 V VCEO, −100 mA IC, and DC current gain (hFE) of 220–475 at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA. It serves as a low-power switching or linear amplification device in compact consumer, industrial, and communication signal-path circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC856BW/DG/B4X datasheet, BC856BW/DG/B4X pinout, BC856BW/DG/B4X application, or BC856BW/DG/B4X equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal limits, package geometry, real-world use cases, and validated alternative transistors - all aligned to Nexperia's Rev. 4 (10 July 2023) product data sheet.
Technical Context
This PNP BJT operates with an emitter-base breakdown voltage of −5 V and collector-base breakdown voltage of −80 V, enabling robust biasing in negative-rail configurations. Its fT of 100 MHz supports high-frequency small-signal amplification up to audio and low-speed RF bands.
VCE(sat) reaches −250 mV at IC = −100 mA / IB = −5 mA, confirming low-loss switching capability; VBE(sat) is −850 mV under same conditions, supporting predictable base drive design. Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) is 625 K/W on standard FR4 PCB, defining power derating above 25 °C ambient.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −65 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with open base; defines rail compatibility in negative-supply logic and interface stages. |
| IC | −100 mA continuous: Absolute maximum DC collector current; sets upper bound for load-driving capability in discrete switch designs. |
| hFE | 220–475 at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA: Confirmed DC current gain range; enables stable bias network design for amplification or saturated switching. |
| VCE(sat) | −250 mV max at IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA: Low saturation voltage ensures minimal power loss and heat generation during on-state operation. |
| Ptot | 200 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C: Total power dissipation limit on standard FR4 PCB; dictates thermal margin for continuous operation. |
| fT | 100 MHz: Transition frequency at VCE = −5 V, IC = −10 mA; confirms suitability for audio amplifiers and clock buffer pre-drivers. |
| Rth(j-a) | 625 K/W: Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on single-sided FR4; determines temperature rise per watt and derating slope above 25 °C. |
Pinout & Package
SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mounted package: 1.35 mm × 2.2 mm footprint, 0.4 mm pitch, 0.9 mm height; optimized for high-density PCB layouts and reflow soldering.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal for forward-biased PNP operation; requires negative base current relative to emitter to turn on. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Current source terminal in PNP configuration; connected to higher potential (e.g., VCC or bias rail) in common-emitter setups. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Current sink terminal; output node where load connects to ground or lower-potential rail in switching applications. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-voltage PNP switching | Rated for −65 V VCEO and −80 V VCBO, enabling reliable operation in 24 V and 48 V negative-rail systems. |
| High-current-gain binning | hFE = 220–475 (BC856BW grade), reducing base drive requirements and improving noise immunity in amplifier stages. |
| Ultra-small SMD footprint | SOT323 (SC-70) package saves >50% board area vs. SOT23; supports miniaturized wearables and IoT sensor nodes. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ −250 mV at full 100 mA load, minimizing conduction loss and self-heating in battery-powered switches. |
| Thermally characterized | Rth(j-a) = 625 K/W specified on FR4 PCB; enables accurate junction temperature estimation without custom thermal modeling. |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Level-Shifting Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving low-current indicator LEDs from microcontroller GPIO pins with active-low logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch controlling LED anode connection to positive rail; provides inversion and current amplification. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ −250 mV ensures <10 mW dissipation at 20 mA, eliminating need for heatsinking in space-constrained panels. |
Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V logic signals to 5 V or 12 V domains in mixed-voltage embedded subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete level shifter using common-emitter configuration with pull-up resistor on collector. Use Value: hFE ≥ 220 guarantees clean signal edge integrity up to 1 MHz, avoiding timing skew in UART or SPI lines. |
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | Power Supply Enable Switch |
|
Use Scenario: Low-noise voltage amplification of microphone or sensor outputs in portable audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased for Class-A operation with emitter degeneration. Use Value: NF = 2–10 dB at 1 kHz enables SNR >70 dB in 20–20 kHz band, meeting consumer-grade audio fidelity targets. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary power rails (e.g., 3.3 V LDO input) via MCU-controlled enable line. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch placing BC856BW between main supply and downstream regulator input. Use Value: −65 V VCEO rating allows direct control of 24 V industrial supplies, eliminating need for gate drivers or optocouplers. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC857BW | VCEO = −45 V (vs. −65 V); identical hFE range (220–475) and SOT323 package. | Not suitable for 48 V or higher negative-rail switching; acceptable for 5–24 V logic and signal paths. | Select when system VCC ≤ 36 V and cost optimization is prioritized over voltage headroom. |
| BC846BW | NPN complement; same hFE bin (220–475), −65 V VCEO, but opposite polarity and pinout (C-B-E vs. E-B-C). | Requires circuit topology change (e.g., low-side vs. high-side switch); incompatible in existing PNP layouts. | Choose only for new NPN-based designs where complementary symmetry or sourcing current is required. |
Compared with BC857BW, BC856BW offers 20 V higher VCEO headroom critical for industrial 24/48 V systems; versus BC846BW, it preserves high-side switching topology and eliminates redesign of bias networks and PCB layout.
Availability
BC856BW/DG/B4X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, level-shifting interfaces, audio pre-amplifier stages, and power supply enable switches requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for BC856BW/DG/B4X 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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
BC856BW belongs to Nexperia's BC856xW series of general-purpose PNP transistors, engineered for compact, cost-effective switching and amplification in space-constrained, low-power applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature for BC856BW/DG/B4X?
The BC856BW/DG/B4X has a maximum junction temperature (Tj) of 150 °C and storage temperature range of −65 °C to +150 °C. Its thermal resistance Rth(j-a) is 625 K/W on standard FR4 PCB, so at 200 mW dissipation and 25 °C ambient, junction temperature rises to approximately 150 °C - the absolute limit. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient.
Is BC856BW/DG/B4X RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, BC856BW/DG/B4X is RoHS compliant and lead-free, consistent with Nexperia's standard qualification for all BC856xW series transistors. The device meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and is manufactured using lead-free solderable terminations compatible with standard reflow profiles.
How does BC856BW differ from BC856AW in performance?
BC856BW has hFE = 220–475 at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA, while BC856AW is binned 125–250. Both share identical VCEO (−65 V), IC (−100 mA), and package (SOT323). The BW grade enables lower base drive current and improved noise margin in amplification and precision switching.
Can BC856BW/DG/B4X be used in automotive applications?
No - BC856BW/DG/B4X is not automotive-qualified. Nexperia explicitly states in its legal disclaimers that unless a data sheet expressly declares automotive qualification, the product is unsuitable for automotive use. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing, extended temperature validation, and failure-in-time (FIT) reporting required for vehicle systems.
BC856BW/DG/B4X Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- -
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 600mV @ 5mA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 15nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 220 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- -
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-323
BC856BW/DG/B4X FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC856BW/DG/B4X through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856BW/DG/B4X 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 BC856BW/DG/B4X reliable?
The price and inventory of BC856BW/DG/B4X are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856BW/DG/B4X is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856BW/DG/B4X?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856BW/DG/B4X transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC856BW/DG/B4X?
BC856BW/DG/B4X orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC856BW/DG/B4X 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 BC856BW/DG/B4X?
For technical support, including BC856BW/DG/B4X datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856BW/DG/B4X requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856BW/DG/B4X is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC856BW/DG/B4X 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 BC856BW/DG/B4X meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856BW/DG/B4X?
All BC856BW/DG/B4X units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856BW/DG/B4X, 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 BC856BW/DG/B4X part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC856BW/DG/B4X:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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