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

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,150
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Product details
Overview
BC856S/ZLH from Nexperia is a dual PNP general-purpose transistor pair in SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) package, rated for −65 V VCEO, −100 mA IC, and 110 minimum hFE at −2 mA/−5 V. It delivers matched current gain, low VCE(sat) (−100 mV typ. at −10 mA), and <2.5 pF collector capacitance - used in compact dual-switching or differential amplification circuits on space-constrained PCBs.
For engineers reviewing the BC856S/ZLH datasheet, BC856S/ZLH pinout, BC856S/ZLH application, or BC856S/ZLH equivalent, this device supports high-density analog switching, rail-to-rail signal inversion, and matched-pair biasing where thermal coupling and parameter tracking between transistors are critical.
Technical Context
The BC856S/ZLH integrates two electrically isolated PNP transistors in a single ultra-small surface-mount package, eliminating mutual interference while enabling tightly coupled operation via shared thermal mass. Its design targets discrete logic-level switching and small-signal amplification with guaranteed hFE matching across both devices.
It operates within −65 °C to +150 °C ambient range, supports pulsed IC up to −100 mA with ≤300 µs pulse width, and maintains stable VBE (−650 mV typ.) and fT (100 MHz) under standard bias conditions - making it suitable for high-frequency switching in portable and industrial control modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −65 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines rail tolerance in negative-supply switching stages. |
| IC | −100 mA: Continuous DC collector current per transistor; supports medium-current load switching without external heatsinking. |
| hFE | 110 min @ −2 mA/−5 V: Ensures predictable current amplification in bias networks and linear amplifier configurations. |
| VCE(sat) | −100 mV typ. @ −10 mA/−0.5 mA: Enables low-loss saturation in digital logic interfaces and power-efficient level shifting. |
| Cc | 2.5 pF max @ −10 V: Limits high-frequency signal degradation in RF-coupled or fast-switching applications. |
| fT | 100 MHz @ −10 mA/−5 V: Supports stable small-signal amplification up to VHF band in oscillator or buffer designs. |
| Ptot (per device) | 400 mW @ 25 °C with 1 cm² collector pad: Allows higher power dissipation than standard SOT363 when thermally enhanced. |
Pinout & Package
SOT363-3 (TSSOP6) plastic surface-mount package: 1.3 mm × 2.2 mm footprint, 0.65 mm pitch, 0.95 mm max height, FR4-compatible reflow profile.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter of TR1 | Low-impedance current sink node for first transistor; connects directly to local ground or bias reference. |
| 2 | Base of TR1 | Control input for TR1; requires current-limited drive due to typical VBE = −650 mV. |
| 3 | Collector of TR2 | High-side output node for second transistor; routed to supply rail or load return path. |
| 4 | Emitter of TR2 | Current sink for TR2; electrically independent from E1 but thermally coupled for gain tracking. |
| 5 | Base of TR2 | Independent control input; enables asynchronous or complementary switching with TR1. |
| 6 | Collector of TR1 | Primary output node for TR1; shares package thermal path with C2 for matched thermal response. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Matched hFE | Guaranteed close current gain tracking between TR1 and TR2 improves accuracy in differential pairs and current mirrors. |
| Low VCE(sat) | −100 mV typical at −10 mA enables >95% efficiency in low-voltage logic-level switching (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V rails). |
| No mutual interference | Electrically isolated transistors prevent crosstalk in mixed-signal routing - critical for noise-sensitive analog front-ends. |
| Reduced board space | Dual-transistor integration cuts component count by 50% vs. discrete SOT23 solutions, saving ≥3.5 mm² PCB area. |
| Low collector capacitance | 2.5 pF max minimizes Miller effect in high-speed switching, preserving edge integrity up to 100 MHz. |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Digital Logic Level Shifter |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving dual-color common-anode LEDs from microcontroller GPIO pins with active-low control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual PNP switch providing simultaneous, independent current sinking for red/green segments. Use Value: Matched hFE ensures consistent brightness; low VCE(sat) minimizes voltage drop across each LED path. |
Use Scenario: Translating 1.8 V logic outputs to 5 V-compatible inputs in mixed-voltage MCU systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary PNP pair configured as emitter-follower level shifter with rail-referenced pull-ups. Use Value: 100 MHz fT supports clean 10–20 ns rise/fall times; low Cc prevents signal distortion at 1–5 MHz data rates. |
| Differential Amplifier Bias Network | Compact Relay Driver |
|
Use Scenario: Providing matched bias currents to emitter-coupled pair in instrumentation amplifier input stage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual PNP current source with thermally coupled junctions for drift compensation. Use Value: Tight hFE matching (<±10%) and shared thermal mass reduce offset drift over temperature. |
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V coil relays from 3.3 V microcontroller outputs using open-collector interface. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-gain PNP switch with integrated base resistor alternatives (via external RB). Use Value: −65 V VCEO safely clamps relay flyback spikes; 400 mW thermal rating handles 100 ms coil energization pulses. |
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 @ −2 mA - higher gain but lower voltage rating. | Not suitable for −60 V rail environments; preferred in low-voltage precision biasing where gain stability dominates. | Select BC857S only if system VCC ≤ 30 V and hFE > 180 is required for low-base-drive designs. |
| MBT3906DW1T1G | Same SOT363 package; VCEO = −40 V, hFE = 100–300 - wider gain spread, no guaranteed matching. | Lacks specified hFE matching; acceptable for non-critical dual switching but not for differential circuits. | Choose MBT3906DW1T1G when cost is prioritized over parameter correlation and thermal tracking. |
Compared with BC856S/ZLH, BC857S trades voltage headroom for higher gain, while MBT3906DW1T1G sacrifices matching guarantees for broader availability - making BC856S/ZLH optimal for thermally sensitive, rail-tolerant dual-transistor functions.
Availability
BC856S/ZLH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, digital level shifters, differential amplifier bias networks, and compact relay drivers requiring stable component supply and tight parameter correlation.
Supply support for BC856S/ZLH 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 belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for space-constrained consumer, industrial, and computing applications demanding matched performance and robust thermal behavior.
FAQ
Is BC856S/ZLH pin-compatible with BC846S or BC847S?
No. BC856S/ZLH uses a PNP/PNP configuration in SOT363-3 with pinout E1-B1-C2-E2-B2-C1, whereas BC846S/BC847S are NPN/NPN pairs with reversed polarity and different internal mapping. Swapping them causes functional failure due to inverted current flow and incorrect terminal assignments.
What is the maximum allowable continuous power dissipation per transistor at 70 °C ambient?
At 70 °C ambient, the derated Ptot per transistor is approximately 280 mW, calculated using the 500 K/W Rth(j-a) value and Tj(max) = 150 °C. This assumes standard FR4 mounting with 35 μm copper and no extended thermal pad - exceeding this risks thermal runaway.
Can BC856S/ZLH be used in linear amplifier mode with VCE = −3 V and IC = −5 mA?
Yes. At VCE = −3 V and IC = −5 mA, hFE remains >110 and VCE(sat) is well below operating VCE, ensuring active-region operation. The device exhibits stable fT and low distortion in this bias point, confirmed by Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 in the datasheet.
Does the marking code '5F%' indicate RoHS compliance and halogen-free status?
Yes. Per Nexperia's standard marking convention, '5F%' denotes BC856S in RoHS-compliant, halogen-free packaging per IEC 61249-2-21. The '%' placeholder identifies the manufacturing site, and full compliance documentation is available in Nexperia's material declarations portal.
BC856S/ZLH 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/ZLH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC856S/ZLH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC856S/ZLH 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/ZLH reliable?
The price and inventory of BC856S/ZLH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC856S/ZLH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC856S/ZLH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC856S/ZLH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC856S/ZLH?
BC856S/ZLH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC856S/ZLH 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/ZLH?
For technical support, including BC856S/ZLH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC856S/ZLH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC856S/ZLH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC856S/ZLH 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/ZLH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC856S/ZLH?
All BC856S/ZLH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC856S/ZLH, 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/ZLH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC856S/ZLH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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