Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

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

Nexperia USA Inc. BC857,235

Name: BC857,235
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BC857,235
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: BC857,235

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BC857,235.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 45V 0.1A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:6,746

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

BC857,235 from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for −45 V V_CEO, −100 mA I_C, and offering h_FE of 125–800 at V_CE = −5 V and I_C = −2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage switching or linear amplification device in signal routing, level translation, and discrete logic interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BC857,235 datasheet, BC857,235 pinout, BC857,235 application, or BC857,235 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, terminal roles, thermal behavior, real-world use cases, and validated alternatives - all specific to the BC857 variant with 3H% top-side marking and standard industrial qualification.

Technical Context

The BC857 operates as a silicon PNP BJT with base-controlled current amplification, requiring reverse-biased collector-base and emitter-base junctions for active-mode operation. Its DC current gain spans 125–800 depending on grade (standard BC857 vs. BC857B/C), and saturation voltage remains ≤ −650 mV at I_C = −100 mA and I_B = −5 mA.

Thermal resistance is 500 K/W junction-to-ambient on FR4 PCB (single-sided, 35 µm Cu), and maximum junction temperature is 150 °C. Absolute maximum ratings include −50 V V_CBO, −45 V V_CEO, −5 V V_EBO, and 250 mW P_tot at T_amb ≤ 25 °C.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−45 V - Maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in open-base configuration; defines safe operating range for low-voltage PNP switching.
I_C	−100 mA - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets upper limit for load-driving capability in amplifier or switch mode.
h_FE	125–800 - DC current gain at V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −2 mA; determines base drive requirements and small-signal amplification stability.
V_CE(sat)	≤ −650 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at I_C = −100 mA, I_B = −5 mA; impacts conduction loss and minimum output voltage swing.
f_T	100 MHz - Transition frequency at V_CE = −5 V, I_C = −10 mA, f = 100 MHz; indicates usable bandwidth for RF or high-speed switching applications.
R_th(j-a)	500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB; informs derating needs above 25 °C ambient.

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads, 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm footprint, 0.45 mm nominal lead pitch, and 0.9 mm max height. Designed for reflow and wave soldering per IPC-7095 guidelines.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Current-controlled input node; requires negative bias relative to emitter to forward-bias base-emitter junction and enable conduction.
2	Emitter (E)	Common reference terminal for PNP operation; connected to higher potential rail in typical common-emitter switch configurations.
3	Collector (C)	Output current terminal; sinks current from load toward emitter when transistor is active or saturated.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Low-voltage PNP switching	Rated for −45 V V_CEO, enabling use in 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V rail-referenced logic and power control circuits.
Wide h_FE range	125–800 gain spread across BC857 variants supports both precision biasing (high-h_FE) and robust overdrive (low-h_FE) design strategies.
Low saturation voltage	V_CE(sat) ≤ −650 mV at full 100 mA load ensures minimal voltage drop and heat generation in saturated switch applications.
SOT23 footprint compatibility	Standardized 3-pin SOT23 outline enables drop-in replacement with BC847 (NPN complement) and broad PCB layout reuse across discrete BJT families.

Applications

LED Driver Circuit

Level Translation Interface

Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from microcontroller GPIO pins with active-low logic.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch sinking current from V_CC through LED to ground; base driven by inverted MCU output.

Use Value: Enables direct connection without external pull-up resistors; V_CE(sat) ≤ −650 mV ensures >2.3 V forward bias across red/green LEDs at 5 V supply.

Use Scenario: Translating 1.8 V logic-high signals to 5 V domain in mixed-voltage digital systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP configured as emitter-follower with base tied to 1.8 V source and emitter outputting ~1.1 V below V_CC.

Use Value: Provides rail-to-rail compatible level shift without timing delay or signal inversion; h_FE ≥ 125 ensures stable bias under capacitive loading.

Discrete Logic Inverter

Current Mirror Reference

Use Scenario: Building non-inverting buffer stages or Schmitt-trigger inputs using discrete components.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with collector load resistor; provides voltage inversion and gain for analog threshold detection.

Use Value: h_FE up to 800 allows precise gain setting with minimal base current error; f_T = 100 MHz supports sub-100 ns edge response.

Use Scenario: Establishing matched bias currents in analog front-ends or op-amp compensation networks.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One transistor in a two-device mirror pair, with identical geometry and thermal coupling to minimize ΔI_OUT.

Use Value: Tight h_FE binning (BC857B/C) reduces mirror ratio error; low V_CE(sat) minimizes compliance voltage headroom requirement.

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
BC857B,235	h_FE = 220–475 (tighter bin); same V_CEO, I_C, package, and pinout.	Better predictability in bias-critical linear amplifiers; less margin needed for worst-case gain variation.	Select when circuit stability depends on consistent current gain across temperature and production lots.
BC847,215	NPN complement; identical SOT23 package, V_CEO = 45 V, I_C = 100 mA, h_FE = 110–800.	Used where sourcing (vs. sinking) current or positive logic control is required.	Choose for complementary stage design, e.g., push-pull outputs or differential pairs needing matched NPN/PNP characteristics.

Compared with BC857,235, the BC857B,235 offers tighter h_FE tolerance for predictable biasing, while BC847,215 provides functional symmetry in NPN form - enabling dual-transistor topologies without redesigning layout or drive logic.

Availability

BC857,235 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, level translation interfaces, discrete logic inverters, and current mirror references requiring stable component supply across industrial and consumer electronics programs.

Supply support for BC857,235 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 essential efficiency-enhancing components, delivering high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BC857 belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding proven performance, wide gain distribution, and seamless SMT integration.

FAQ

What is the marking code for BC857,235 on the device body?

The BC857 variant is marked with "3H%" on the top surface of the SOT23 package, where "%" is a placeholder for the manufacturing site code. This marking is standardized per Nexperia's ordering information table and distinguishes it from BC857A (3E%), BC857B (3F%), and BC857C (3G%).

Can BC857,235 replace BC856 or BC858 in existing designs?

BC857,235 is not a direct replacement for BC856 (−65 V V_CEO) or BC858B (−30 V V_CEO) due to its −45 V V_CEO rating. Substitution requires verifying that maximum system collector-emitter voltage stays within −45 V; exceeding this risks premature breakdown or parametric shift.

What is the maximum power dissipation at 70 °C ambient temperature?

At T_amb = 70 °C, BC857,235's P_tot must be derated linearly from 250 mW at 25 °C using R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W. The maximum allowable power is 250 mW − (500 K/W × (70 − 25) K) = 25 mW - confirming strict thermal management is required above 25 °C.

Is BC857,235 qualified for automotive applications?

No. BC857,235 is a standard industrial-grade part, explicitly excluded from automotive qualification per Nexperia's revision history (v.9 notes "non-automotive qualification"). For AEC-Q101-compliant equivalents, consult Nexperia's BC857-Q series or automotive-specific PNP transistors.

BC857,235 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

BC857,235 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC857,235 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC857,235 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 BC857,235 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC857,235 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC857,235 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC857,235?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC857,235 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC857,235?

BC857,235 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC857,235 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 BC857,235?

For technical support, including BC857,235 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC857,235 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC857,235 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC857,235 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 BC857,235 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC857,235?

All BC857,235 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC857,235, 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 BC857,235 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC857,235:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

Tech Hub

2026-09-03 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-01 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

2026-08-28 SR Latch Explained: NOR and NAND Circuits, Truth Tables, and Applications

An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

2026-08-27 Latch Circuit: SR and D Latches, Truth Tables, Timing, and Applications

Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

2026-08-21 What Is an LED Driver? Types, Circuits, Dimming, and Selection

An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…

2026-08-18 Operational Amplifier (Op Amp): Basics, Configurations, Feedback and Applications

Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

2026-08-14 Jumper Cables: How to Use, Connect and Choose Them Safely

Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…