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Nexperia USA Inc. BC857,215
- Part No.:
- BC857,215
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC857,215.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 45V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:56,196
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Product details
Overview
BC857,215 from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for −45 V VCEO, −100 mA IC, and DC current gain (hFE) of 125–800 at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage, low-current switching or linear amplification device in compact consumer and industrial PCBs.
For engineers reviewing the BC857,215 datasheet, BC857,215 pinout, BC857,215 application, or BC857,215 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, SOT23 terminal mapping, real-world use cases in level-shifting and signal inversion, and validated alternative transistors with documented hFE and voltage rating differences.
Technical Context
The BC857,215 operates as a silicon PNP BJT with base-controlled current amplification. Its hFE range (125–800) supports both saturated switching (IC/IB ≥ 20) and active-region amplification, while its −45 V VCEO and −50 V VCBO ratings define safe operating limits in low-to-moderate voltage rails.
Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) is 500 K/W on FR4 PCB, and VCE(sat) reaches −650 mV at IC = −100 mA / IB = −5 mA - confirming suitability for low-power digital logic interfacing and analog biasing where thermal margin and saturation voltage are design-critical.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V: Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base condition; sets upper rail limit for PNP switch operation. |
| IC | −100 mA continuous: Absolute max collector current; defines load-driving capability in switching applications. |
| hFE | 125–800 at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA: Wide DC current gain range enables flexible bias network design across temperature and production lots. |
| VCE(sat) | −650 mV max at IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA: Confirms low conduction loss in saturated switch mode, critical for power efficiency. |
| VBE(sat) | −850 mV max at IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA: Determines minimum base drive voltage required to achieve full saturation. |
| fT | 100 MHz at VCE = −5 V, IC = −10 mA: Indicates usable bandwidth for small-signal amplification up to audio and low-RF frequencies. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm footprint, 0.45 mm thickness, standard reflow-compatible pad layout per Fig. 15.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires external resistor-based biasing to set operating point in switching or amplification mode. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common terminal for PNP configuration; connected to higher potential rail in typical common-emitter switch layouts. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current terminal; sinks current from load to emitter when base is forward-biased relative to emitter. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-voltage PNP switching | Rated for −45 V VCEO, enabling use in 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V logic-level and power-rail interfaces. |
| Wide hFE spread | 125–800 gain range accommodates production variation without requiring gain-bin-specific circuit redesign. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV ensures minimal power dissipation and voltage drop in high-duty-cycle switching. |
| SOT23 footprint compatibility | Standard TO-236AB outline allows drop-in replacement with BC847, MMBT3906, and other industry-standard PNP SOT23 transistors. |
Applications
| Logic Level Shifting | Signal Inversion |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V microcontroller output to drive a 5 V peripheral input requiring active-low enable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch configured in common-emitter topology, turning ON when MCU pin is LOW. Use Value: Enables rail-to-rail voltage translation without external level-shifter ICs; VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV guarantees clean low-state output. |
Use Scenario: Inverting an analog sensor signal referenced to 3.3 V supply before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier in common-emitter configuration with fixed emitter resistor and collector load. Use Value: hFE stability over −55 °C to +150 °C ensures consistent gain across industrial temperature ranges. |
| LED Current Control | Power Rail Enable |
Use Scenario: Driving a 20 mA indicator LED from a 5 V rail using GPIO-controlled base current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink switch with base resistor limiting IB to ensure IC ≈ 20 mA. Use Value: −100 mA IC rating provides 5× headroom for LED surge currents; VBE(sat) ≤ −850 mV simplifies base drive calculation. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling a 3.3 V subsystem by controlling its LDO's EN pin with a 1.8 V FPGA output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch where emitter connects to 3.3 V, collector feeds EN pin, base driven via pull-up/pull-down. Use Value: −45 V VCEO exceeds system rail voltage, eliminating risk of breakdown during power sequencing transients. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMBT3906 | VCEO = −40 V, hFE = 100–300 (lower max gain), VCE(sat) = −400 mV @ IC = −10 mA | Better saturation performance at light loads; less suitable for high-gain bias networks. | Select when lower VCE(sat) at <10 mA is prioritized over wide hFE range. |
| BC847 | NPN complement; VCEO = +45 V, same SOT23 package and pinout (reversed polarity) | Used in complementary push-pull stages or NPN-biased circuits; not functionally substitutable without topology change. | Choose only for NPN roles; direct replacement requires circuit redesign due to polarity inversion. |
Compared with MMBT3906, BC857,215 offers higher hFE and greater VCEO margin but slightly higher VCE(sat) at full load; versus BC847, it provides matched footprint and thermal behavior but opposite polarity - making it ideal for PNP-specific biasing and high-side switching where NPN alternatives cannot be substituted.
Availability
BC857,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for consumer electronics power management, industrial sensor interface modules, and automotive body-control unit auxiliary circuits requiring stable component supply and long-term SMT assembly support.
Supply support for BC857,215 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 standard-grade components.
The BC856/BC857/BC858 series was designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained general-purpose switching and amplification in consumer, industrial, and computing applications - emphasizing SOT23 compatibility, broad hFE coverage, and robust thermal performance on standard FR4 PCBs.
FAQ
What is the maximum junction temperature for BC857,215?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C, as defined in Table 6 of the Nexperia datasheet Rev. 9. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal relief and ambient conditions within −65 °C to +150 °C. Derating is required above Tamb = 25 °C per the Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W thermal resistance value.
Is BC857,215 automotive-qualified?
No. Per Section 13 Revision History and Legal Information in the datasheet, BC857,215 is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified. Nexperia discontinued automotive qualification for this series as of Rev. 8 (2021); automotive alternatives must be selected from the −Q qualified product line (e.g., BC857B-Q).
How does BC857 differ from BC857A/B/C variants?
BC857 (unmarked suffix) has hFE = 125–800; BC857A = 125–250; BC857B = 220–475; BC857C = 420–800 - all at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA. Voltage ratings (VCEO, VCBO) and package are identical. The '215' ordering code corresponds to the standard BC857 variant without gain binning.
Can BC857,215 replace BC856 in existing designs?
Yes, with verification. BC856 has VCEO = −65 V and same SOT23 pinout, but BC857,215's lower −45 V rating may limit use in higher-voltage rails. All other parameters (IC, hFE, VCE(sat)) are comparable. Designers must confirm that worst-case VCE stress remains below −45 V in the target application.
BC857,215 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):
- 45 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:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BC857,215 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC857,215 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC857,215 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 BC857,215 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC857,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC857,215 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC857,215?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC857,215 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC857,215?
BC857,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC857,215 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 BC857,215?
For technical support, including BC857,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC857,215 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC857,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC857,215 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 BC857,215 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC857,215?
All BC857,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC857,215, 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 BC857,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC857,215:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC857,215 Tags
-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi
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MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi
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MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co
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MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
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BC846BLT1G
onsemi
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BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.
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SMMBT3904LT1G
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MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co
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MMBTA06LT1G
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MMBT2222ALT1G
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