Nexperia USA Inc. BC856S/ZLF
- Part No.:
- BC856S/ZLF
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Bipolar Transistor Arrays
- Package:
- 6-TSSOP, SC-88, SOT-363
- Datasheet:
-
BC856S/ZLF.pdf
- Description:
- TRANSISTOR
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,391
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Product details
Overview
BC856S/ZLF from Nexperia is a dual PNP general-purpose transistor pair in a SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) package, rated for −65 V VCEO, −100 mA IC, and featuring matched hFE (110 min at −2 mA), low VCE(sat) (−300 mV max at −100 mA), and isolated operation-used in compact dual-switching circuits such as level-shifting stages in industrial I/O modules.
For engineers reviewing the BC856S/ZLF datasheet, BC856S/ZLF pinout, BC856S/ZLF application, or BC856S/ZLF equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated dual-transistor pin mapping, thermal derating curves, and real-world switching use cases-not generic transistor guidance.
Technical Context
The BC856S/ZLF integrates two electrically isolated PNP transistors on a single die within a 6-pin TSSOP package, enabling independent biasing without mutual interference. Its design supports complementary dual-switch configurations where matched current gain (hFE ≥ 110 per transistor) and tight VBE tracking (−650 mV typ at −2 mA) reduce imbalance in push-pull or differential amplifier front-ends.
Thermal performance is defined by two distinct Rth(j-a) values: 568 K/W (standard footprint) and 500 K/W (enhanced pad), reflecting its dependence on PCB layout. Power dissipation is rated up to 250 mW per transistor or 400 mW per device under optimized mounting-critical for space-constrained logic interface designs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −65 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open-defines off-state blocking capability in high-side switch applications. |
| IC | −100 mA: Continuous collector current rating-supports medium-current digital output drivers and relay coil interfaces. |
| hFE | 110 min at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA: Minimum DC current gain ensures predictable base drive requirements in linear and switching modes. |
| VCE(sat) | −300 mV max at IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and heat generation in saturated-switch operation. |
| Cc | 2.5 pF max at VCB = −10 V: Low collector capacitance preserves high-frequency response in amplification and fast-switching circuits. |
| fT | 100 MHz typ at VCE = −5 V, IC = −10 mA: Transition frequency confirms suitability for audio-frequency amplification and low-MHz digital signal conditioning. |
Pinout & Package
SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) is a 6-lead surface-mount plastic package measuring 2.2 mm × 1.35 mm × 0.95 mm, with gull-wing leads and a pin 1 index marker. It supports reflow and wave soldering per IPC-7095 guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter of TR1 | Low-impedance current sink node for first transistor-connects directly to load return path in high-side switch topology. |
| 2 | Base of TR1 | Control input for TR1-requires current-limited drive (e.g., via 10 kΩ resistor) to achieve specified hFE-based switching. |
| 3 | Collector of TR2 | High-voltage output node for second transistor-used as active pull-up in dual-rail logic translators or mirrored current sources. |
| 4 | Emitter of TR2 | Independent emitter reference for TR2-enables separate biasing from TR1, eliminating cross-talk in analog sensing pairs. |
| 5 | Base of TR2 | Dedicated control terminal for TR2-allows asynchronous switching or differential input configuration without shared base resistance. |
| 6 | Collector of TR1 | Main output collector for TR1-routed to supply rail in high-side driver applications, supporting up to −65 V standoff. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No mutual interference between transistors | Electrically isolated die structure eliminates crosstalk-enables independent switching in safety-critical dual-redundant outputs. |
| Closely matched current gain | hFE matching across TR1/TR2 ensures balanced current sharing in parallel or differential configurations-reduces calibration overhead. |
| Low collector-emitter saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ −300 mV at full rated current-lowers conduction loss and thermal stress in battery-powered or thermally constrained modules. |
| Low collector capacitance | Cc ≤ 2.5 pF-preserves rise/fall time integrity in 1–10 MHz digital signal routing and avoids unintended resonance in feedback paths. |
Applications
| Industrial I/O Level Shifting | Dual-Rail Logic Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Converting 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO signals to drive 12 V/24 V field devices in PLC backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual PNP pair acts as independent high-side switches-one channel for enable, one for fault indication-with no shared base node. Use Value: Eliminates need for two discrete SOT23 transistors and associated passives, reducing board area by 40% while maintaining isolation. |
Use Scenario: Bidirectional voltage translation between 5 V and 3.3 V domains in sensor hub subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TR1 and TR2 operate as complementary pull-up elements in an open-collector bus translator, each biased separately. Use Value: Matched hFE and VBE ensure symmetrical rise times (<15 ns difference) across both voltage domains. |
| Compact Relay Driver | Analog Current Mirror |
|
Use Scenario: Driving small-signal relays (e.g., 12 V, 40 mA coil) from low-power MCU pins in HVAC control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One transistor handles main coil drive; the second provides diagnostic feedback via emitter sensing. Use Value: Shared thermal environment enables accurate temperature-compensated current monitoring without external sense resistors. |
Use Scenario: Generating matched bias currents for op-amp input stages in precision instrumentation front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TR1 and TR2 configured as diode-connected and active transistors in a two-transistor current mirror. Use Value: On-die matching reduces current error to <±3% over −40 °C to +85 °C-no trimming required. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual PNP transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC857S | VCEO = −45 V (vs. −65 V); hFE min = 200 at −2 mA-higher gain but lower voltage rating. | Not suitable for 60 V rail applications; preferred in low-voltage, high-gain amplification where headroom is limited. | Select when circuit operates ≤40 V and requires tighter hFE tolerance; verify VCEO margin against worst-case transients. |
| MBT3906DW1T1G | Same SOT363 package; VCEO = −40 V, hFE min = 100-lower voltage rating and wider hFE spread (100–300). | Acceptable for 5–24 V logic-level switching but unsuitable for industrial 48 V systems requiring −65 V standoff. | Choose for cost-sensitive consumer electronics where absolute maximum ratings exceed design needs by ≥2×. |
Compared with BC856S/ZLF, BC857S trades voltage robustness for higher gain in low-voltage designs, while MBT3906DW1T1G offers broader hFE variation and reduced breakdown margin-making BC856S/ZLF optimal for 48–60 V industrial switching where reliability and matching are prioritized.
Availability
BC856S/ZLF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial I/O modules, relay driver circuits, dual-rail logic interfaces, and analog current mirrors requiring stable component supply and consistent parametric matching across production batches.
Supply support for BC856S/ZLF 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, with leadership in automotive-qualified and industrial-grade components.
The BC856S/ZLF belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for space-constrained industrial control and interface applications where dual-transistor integration, thermal stability, and parametric consistency are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous power dissipation per transistor for BC856S/ZLF on a standard FR4 PCB?
The BC856S/ZLF is rated for 250 mW per transistor when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB (single-sided, 35 μm copper, tin-plated, standard footprint). This value drops linearly above 25 °C ambient per the 568 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance curve shown in Figure 1 of the datasheet.
Can BC856S/ZLF be used in linear amplification mode, and what is its typical fT?
Yes-BC856S/ZLF supports linear operation with a typical transition frequency (fT) of 100 MHz at VCE = −5 V and IC = −10 mA. Its low VCE(sat) and matched hFE make it suitable for low-noise preamplifier stages up to 10 MHz, provided biasing remains within the recommended operating conditions.
How are the two transistors isolated internally, and does this affect thermal coupling?
The transistors share a common silicon die but feature electrically isolated collector and emitter terminals-no internal connection exists between TR1 and TR2. Thermally, they are coupled: junction temperatures track closely under load, which enables matched thermal drift in current mirror applications but requires derating if both transistors operate simultaneously at full rating.
What marking code identifies BC856S/ZLF on the package?
The BC856S/ZLF is marked with "5F%" on the top surface of the SOT363-3 package, where "%" is a placeholder for the manufacturing site code. This marking aligns with Nexperia's standardized SOT363-3 labeling scheme and is visible under 20× magnification.
BC856S/ZLF 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:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 6-TSSOP
BC856S/ZLF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC856S/ZLF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856S/ZLF 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 BC856S/ZLF reliable?
The price and inventory of BC856S/ZLF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856S/ZLF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856S/ZLF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856S/ZLF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC856S/ZLF?
BC856S/ZLF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC856S/ZLF 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 BC856S/ZLF?
For technical support, including BC856S/ZLF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856S/ZLF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856S/ZLF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC856S/ZLF 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 BC856S/ZLF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856S/ZLF?
All BC856S/ZLF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856S/ZLF, 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 BC856S/ZLF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC856S/ZLF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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