Nexperia USA Inc. BC856-QR
- Part No.:
- BC856-QR
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC856-QR.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 65V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,400
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Product details
Overview
BC856-Q from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in SOT23 (TO-236AB) surface-mount package, rated for −65 V VCEO, −100 mA IC, and DC current gain (hFE) of 125–475 at VCE = −5 V and IC = −2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage, low-current switching or amplification device in automotive signal conditioning and power control circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC856-Q datasheet, BC856-Q pinout, BC856-Q application, or BC856-Q equivalent, this part supports AEC-Q101-qualified automotive designs requiring stable hFE across −55 °C to +150 °C, low VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV at IC = −100 mA, and thermal resistance Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W on FR4 PCB.
Technical Context
The BC856-Q operates as a single PNP BJT with base-emitter and collector-base junctions optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching. Its hFE range (125–475) enables predictable biasing in fixed-gain amplifier stages and robust turn-on in low-side switch configurations.
It features −5 V VEBO, −80 V VCBO, and −65 V VCEO ratings, supporting operation in 12 V and 24 V automotive supply rails with margin. Thermal performance is defined for standard FR4 PCB mounting (35 µm Cu, tin-plated), with Tj max = 150 °C and Ptot = 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −65 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; supports 24 V automotive systems with ≥2.7× safety margin |
| IC | −100 mA - Continuous collector current rating; suitable for driving LEDs, relays, and small solenoids |
| hFE | 125–475 - DC current gain at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA; enables stable bias design without external feedback |
| VCE(sat) | −250 to −650 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA; ensures <0.7 W dissipation in saturated switch mode |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB; limits temperature rise to ≤125 K at full Ptot |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Certified for automotive applications per Stress Test Qualification for Discrete Semiconductors |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm footprint, 1.3 mm height, and gull-wing lead form for 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 enable conduction |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Current source terminal; connected to higher potential rail in common-emitter switch configuration |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Current sink terminal; delivers load current to ground or lower-potential node when transistor is active |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive underhood and cabin applications including engine control modules and body electronics |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ −650 mV at IC = −100 mA ensures minimal power loss and heat generation in switching duty |
| Wide hFE range | 125–475 supports consistent gain behavior across production lots without individual binning or trim |
| High VCBO | −80 V collector-base breakdown enables safe operation during transient voltage spikes in 24 V systems |
Applications
| Automotive Door Module | Engine Control Unit (ECU) Signal Conditioning |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving window lift motor logic-level signals and interior light dimming circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch controlling 12 V loads via microcontroller GPIO with inverted logic interface. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) minimizes voltage drop and self-heating during continuous 80 mA operation in confined module space. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and buffering sensor output signals (e.g., coolant temperature, throttle position) before ADC input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier providing gain and isolation between analog sensor and MCU input. Use Value: Stable hFE over −40 °C to +125 °C ensures consistent signal amplification across full ECU operating range. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) LED Driver | Automotive HVAC Fan Speed Control |
Use Scenario: Switching high-brightness indicator LEDs (red/amber) in dashboard and exterior lighting clusters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch sinking LED current through cathode to ground. Use Value: −100 mA IC rating supports parallel LED strings up to 90 mA with 10% derating margin. |
Use Scenario: Controlling brushed DC fan motors (12 V, <100 mA) using PWM-driven base current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch enabling variable-speed fan control via MCU-generated PWM. Use Value: Fast transition frequency (fT = 100 MHz) ensures clean PWM edge response without distortion at 20 kHz switching. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC857-Q | VCEO = −45 V, hFE = 125–800, same SOT23 package | Lower voltage rating; better for 12 V-only systems where higher gain improves weak-signal amplification | Select when gain >475 is required and system voltage stays ≤18 V |
| BC846-Q | NPN complement; VCEO = 65 V, IC = 100 mA, hFE = 110–800 | Requires inverted drive logic and different bias topology; used where NPN topology simplifies circuit layout | Choose for NPN-based designs needing identical voltage/current specs but opposite polarity |
Compared with BC856-Q, BC857-Q trades 20 V lower VCEO for extended hFE range, while BC846-Q provides functional symmetry in NPN form-both require schematic adaptation but share footprint and thermal behavior.
Availability
BC856-Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive door modules, engine control units, body control modules, and HVAC fan control systems requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q101 compliance and SOT23 footprint compatibility.
Supply support for BC856-Q 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 discrete and logic devices, headquartered in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
The BC856-Q belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified general-purpose transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained automotive signal switching and amplification applications.
FAQ
Is BC856-Q pin-compatible with BC846-Q?
No. BC856-Q is a PNP transistor with pinout Base–Emitter–Collector (1–2–3), while BC846-Q is an NPN device with identical SOT23 mechanical footprint but reversed polarity and complementary electrical behavior. Direct substitution requires circuit redesign to accommodate PNP vs. NPN drive requirements and biasing.
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for BC856-Q?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) for BC856-Q is 150 °C, as specified in the limiting values table. Operation above this temperature risks permanent degradation of hFE, leakage current, and bond wire integrity-even if ambient temperature remains within −65 °C to +150 °C range.
Does BC856-Q support pulsed operation beyond its DC current rating?
Yes. The peak collector current (ICM) is rated at −200 mA for short pulses (tp ≤ 300 µs, duty cycle ≤ 0.02). This allows brief surge handling in motor startup or LED strobe applications, provided average power remains within 250 mW and thermal limits are observed.
How does the BC856-Q marking code "3D%" identify the device?
The marking "3D%" on BC856-Q indicates the type number, where "3D" is the standardized Nexperia SOT23 marking for BC856-Q, and "%" is a placeholder for the manufacturing site code (e.g., "A" for Nijmegen, "B" for Bangkok). This matches Table 5 in the official datasheet and enables traceability to wafer lot and assembly location.
BC856-QR 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:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BC856-QR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC856-QR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856-QR 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 BC856-QR reliable?
The price and inventory of BC856-QR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856-QR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856-QR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856-QR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC856-QR?
BC856-QR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC856-QR 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 BC856-QR?
For technical support, including BC856-QR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856-QR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856-QR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC856-QR 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 BC856-QR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856-QR?
All BC856-QR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856-QR, 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 BC856-QR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC856-QR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC856-QR Tags

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onsemi

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