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

Nexperia USA Inc. BC856BW/ZLX

Name: BC856BW/ZLX
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BC856BW/ZLX
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC856BW/ZLX

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: SC-70, SOT-323

Datasheet:: BC856BW/ZLX.pdf

Description:: TRANS SOT323

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:3,320

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Product details

Overview

BC856BW/ZLX from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT323 (SC-70) package, rated for −65 V V_CEO, −100 mA I_C, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 220–475 at V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −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/ZLX datasheet, BC856BW/ZLX pinout, BC856BW/ZLX application, or BC856BW/ZLX equivalent, key selection criteria include its SOT323 footprint compatibility, guaranteed h_FE range, V_CEO rating, saturation voltage performance, and thermal resistance in FR4 PCB mounting.

Technical Context

This PNP BJT operates with open-base collector-emitter breakdown of −65 V and emitter-base breakdown of −5 V, supporting reliable cutoff and active-region biasing in low-voltage analog and digital interface stages. Its f_T of 100 MHz enables stable small-signal amplification up to audio and low-RF frequencies.

The device exhibits V_CE(sat) ≤ −600 mV at I_C = −100 mA / I_B = −5 mA and V_BE(sat) ≤ −850 mV under same conditions, confirming robust low-loss switching capability. Thermal resistance R_th(j-a) is 625 K/W on standard FR4, defining power derating limits in ambient-constrained designs.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−65 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines high-side switch headroom in 48 V and lower systems.
I_C	−100 mA - Continuous collector current rating; supports logic-level load switching and pre-driver stages.
h_FE	220–475 @ V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −2 mA - Tight DC gain bin ensures predictable bias stability in amplifier and switch bias networks.
V_CE(sat)	≤ −600 mV @ I_C = −100 mA, I_B = −5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in switching applications.
R_th(j-a)	625 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB; determines maximum power dissipation at given ambient temperature.
f_T	100 MHz - Transition frequency confirms usable bandwidth for audio amplification and digital signal conditioning up to ~10 MHz.

Pinout & Package

SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; dimensions: 2.2 mm × 1.35 mm × 0.95 mm (L × W × H), 0.65 mm lead pitch; optimized for high-density PCB layouts and reflow soldering.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor to limit I_B and ensure proper h_FE-based current amplification.
2	Emitter (E)	Common terminal for PNP configuration; connected to higher-potential rail in high-side switch or amplifier common-emitter topologies.
3	Collector (C)	Output current terminal; sinks current from load to emitter; polarity must be observed (negative voltage/current relative to emitter).

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-profile SMT package	SOT323 footprint saves >60% board area vs. SOT23; enables miniaturized portable and wearable electronics.
Guaranteed h_FE bin (220–475)	Reduces need for gain-trimming resistors in production amplifiers and improves batch consistency in switching thresholds.
−65 V V_CEO rating	Supports operation across 24 V and 48 V industrial bus systems with margin for transient spikes and inductive kickback.
V_CE(sat) ≤ −600 mV	Enables <100 mW conduction loss at 100 mA, critical for thermally constrained battery-powered sensor nodes.
FR4-optimized thermal design	625 K/W R_th(j-a) validated on standard 35 µm copper PCB - allows accurate thermal modeling without custom heatsinking.

Applications

LED Driver Stage

Level-Shifting Interface

Use Scenario: Driving discrete indicator LEDs or low-current LED arrays from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller GPIO pins.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch configured in common-emitter mode, sinking current from LED anode to ground-referenced supply rail.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ −600 mV ensures ≥90% efficiency at 20 mA drive, while h_FE ≥ 220 guarantees full saturation with ≤100 µA base drive.

Use Scenario: Translating logic signals between 5 V legacy peripherals and 3.3 V MCU I/O ports in mixed-voltage embedded systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-low level shifter using PNP emitter-follower or common-base configuration for bidirectional voltage translation.

Use Value: −5 V V_EBO rating prevents damage during negative-going transitions; f_T = 100 MHz supports clean edge integrity up to 10 Mbps data rates.

Signal Amplifier Stage

Power Supply Enable Switch

Use Scenario: Low-noise pre-amplification of sensor outputs (e.g., thermistor, photodiode) before ADC sampling in battery-operated IoT nodes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier biased in linear region, leveraging h_FE stability over −55 °C to +150 °C.

Use Value: NF = 2–10 dB at 1 kHz enables sub-10 µV RMS noise contribution; low C_c = 3 pF preserves bandwidth in high-Z source configurations.

Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary 12 V or 24 V subsystem rails (e.g., sensors, radios) via MCU-controlled high-side switch.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP switch with base driven through current-limiting resistor and optional pull-up for fail-safe off-state.

Use Value: −65 V V_CEO provides 2× safety margin against load-dump transients; I_CM = −200 mA supports short-duration inrush current handling.

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	V_CEO = −45 V, identical h_FE (220–475), same SOT323 package	Lower voltage rating restricts use to ≤36 V systems; otherwise functionally interchangeable in low-voltage logic interfaces	Select when system max voltage is ≤40 V and cost optimization is prioritized over margin
BC846BW	NPN complement; same h_FE bin, V_CEO = +65 V, SOT323 package	Requires inverted control logic and low-side switching topology; unsuitable for high-side or emitter-follower roles	Choose only for NPN-specific circuit architectures where polarity reversal is acceptable and beneficial

Compared with BC857BW, BC856BW/ZLX offers 20 V higher V_CEO margin for industrial transients; versus BC846BW, it enables high-side switching without level-shifting circuitry, reducing component count in power domain control.

Availability

BC856BW/ZLX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver stages, level-shifting interfaces, signal amplifier stages, and power supply enable switches requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric binning, and long-term SMT manufacturing support.

Supply support for BC856BW/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 for automotive, industrial, mobile, and computing markets.

The BC856W series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for space-constrained, cost-sensitive applications demanding proven reliability, tight parameter bins, and seamless SMT manufacturability.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable continuous collector current for BC856BW/ZLX?

The absolute maximum continuous collector current (I_C) is −100 mA at T_amb ≤ 25 °C on standard FR4 PCB. Derating is required above 25 °C per the thermal resistance of 625 K/W; at 70 °C ambient, maximum I_C drops to approximately −70 mA to maintain junction temperature below 150 °C.

Does BC856BW/ZLX have a specified transition frequency (f_T)?

Yes, f_T is specified as 100 MHz at V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −10 mA, and f = 100 MHz. This value is measured and guaranteed per Nexperia's product data sheet Rev. 4 (July 2023), confirming suitability for audio-frequency amplification and fast digital switching up to ~10 MHz.

Can BC856BW/ZLX replace BC856B in existing SOT323 footprints?

Yes - BC856BW/ZLX uses the identical SOT323 (SC-70) package with matching mechanical dimensions, pinout (1=B, 2=E, 3=C), and soldering footprint. The "W" suffix denotes the SC-70 variant, and "ZLX" is a Nexperia internal tape-and-reel packaging code; electrical specs align fully with BC856BW.

What is the emitter-base breakdown voltage (V_(BR)EBO) specification?

V_(BR)EBO is −5 V minimum, tested with IC = 0 A and IE = −100 µA. This rating ensures robustness against reverse-bias stress during power sequencing or ESD events, and defines the maximum permissible reverse voltage applied between emitter and base terminals.

BC856BW/ZLX Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: SC-70, SOT-323

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:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-323

BC856BW/ZLX FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC856BW/ZLX through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856BW/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 BC856BW/ZLX reliable?

The price and inventory of BC856BW/ZLX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856BW/ZLX is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856BW/ZLX?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856BW/ZLX transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC856BW/ZLX?

BC856BW/ZLX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC856BW/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 BC856BW/ZLX?

For technical support, including BC856BW/ZLX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856BW/ZLX requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856BW/ZLX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC856BW/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 BC856BW/ZLX meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856BW/ZLX?

All BC856BW/ZLX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856BW/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 BC856BW/ZLX part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC856BW/ZLX:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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