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Nexperia USA Inc. BC857A,215
- Part No.:
- BC857A,215
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC857A,215.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 45V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:19,615
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Product details
Overview
BC857A,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 125–250 at VCE = −5 V and IC = −2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage switching or small-signal amplification device in discrete logic interfaces and power management stages of consumer and industrial PCBs.
For engineers reviewing the BC857A,215 datasheet, BC857A,215 pinout, BC857A,215 application, or BC857A,215 equivalent, this page delivers verified pin functions, real-world gain and saturation voltage behavior, thermal resistance under standard FR4 mounting, and validated alternatives for cost- or performance-driven redesigns.
Technical Context
This PNP BJT operates with emitter-base forward bias and collector-base reverse bias in active or saturation mode. Its hFE range (125–250) supports predictable current-controlled switching across ambient temperatures from −55 °C to +150 °C, and its VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV at IC = −100 mA / IB = −5 mA enables low-loss on-state operation in low-power loads.
Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) is 500 K/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB (single-sided, 35 µm Cu), limiting continuous power dissipation to 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C. The device exhibits Cc = 4.5 pF and fT = 100 MHz, confirming suitability for audio-frequency and low-speed digital signal conditioning-not RF or high-speed switching.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in PNP switch configurations |
| IC | −100 mA - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets max load drive capability without derating |
| hFE | 125–250 @ VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA - Predictable current amplification for stable biasing in amplifier or switch driver stages |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ −650 mV @ IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and heat generation in on-state switching |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB; determines required board copper area for thermal management |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency confirms usable bandwidth up to ~10 MHz for small-signal amplification |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and gull-wing lead form compatible with reflow and wave soldering per IPC-7095.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor to limit IB and ensure reliable turn-on/turn-off |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common terminal for PNP configuration; connected to higher potential rail in high-side switch applications |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current path; sinks current from load to ground or lower-potential node when transistor is on |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-voltage PNP switching | Rated for −45 V VCEO; suitable for 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V rail-level control in embedded systems |
| Predictable DC current gain | hFE = 125–250 ensures consistent base drive requirements across production lots |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV at full rated current reduces conduction loss and self-heating |
| Standard SOT23 footprint | Compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow processes; eliminates need for custom land patterns |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Level-Shifting Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from microcontroller GPIO pins operating at 3.3 V logic levels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch configured in common-emitter topology, sinking LED current to ground when base is pulled low. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV ensures ≥2.65 V forward voltage remains across LED at full current, guaranteeing visible brightness. |
Use Scenario: Translating 1.8 V logic outputs to 5 V-compatible inputs in mixed-voltage MCU subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Inverter-based level shifter using BC857A as active pull-up device with open-drain input stage. Use Value: hFE ≥125 provides sufficient gain to fully saturate at low base current, enabling <100 ns propagation delay. |
| Power Rail Enable Switch | Audio Signal Amplifier Stage |
|
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling a 3.3 V LDO output via microcontroller control in battery-powered IoT sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch controlling LDO EN pin; emitter tied to 3.3 V rail, collector to EN, base driven by GPIO. Use Value: −45 V VCEO and −100 mA IC margin safely cover LDO enable current (<10 µA) and transient rail overshoot. |
Use Scenario: Pre-amplifying microphone signals in portable audio recorders before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier biased at IC = −2 mA, VCE = −5 V for linear operation. Use Value: fT = 100 MHz and NF = 2–10 dB support clean amplification up to 20 kHz with minimal added noise. |
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,215 | hFE = 220–475 (higher gain band); identical VCEO, IC, and package | Better suited for low-base-drive circuits where precise gain matching is less critical than sensitivity | Select when higher hFE improves system efficiency without requiring tighter bias tolerance |
| MMBT3906LT1G | VCEO = −40 V, IC = −200 mA, hFE = 100–300; same SOT23 package but different pinout (E-C-B vs B-E-C) | Higher current rating allows driving heavier loads, but pinout reversal requires PCB layout change | Choose only if load current exceeds 100 mA and board revision accommodates pinout swap |
Compared with BC857A,215, BC857B,215 offers broader gain tolerance for relaxed bias design, while MMBT3906LT1G delivers higher current capacity at the cost of mandatory layout update due to reversed pin assignment.
Availability
BC857A,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, level-shifting interfaces, power rail enable switches, and audio signal amplifier stages requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for BC857A,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 essential semiconductors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
BC857A,215 belongs to Nexperia's BC856/BC857/BC858 family of general-purpose PNP transistors designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding proven reliability and standardized SMT compatibility.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage for BC857A,215?
The absolute maximum collector-emitter voltage (VCEO) for BC857A,215 is −45 V with the base open. This rating applies across the full operating temperature range (−55 °C to +150 °C) and must not be exceeded to prevent permanent device damage. Derating is recommended above +25 °C ambient per the thermal characteristics table.
Does BC857A,215 have a specified transition frequency (fT)?
Yes, BC857A,215 has a typical transition frequency (fT) of 100 MHz, measured at VCE = −5 V and IC = −10 mA with f = 100 MHz. This value confirms its usability in audio-frequency amplification and low-speed digital signal conditioning, but not in RF or >10 MHz switching applications.
Can BC857A,215 replace BC857B,215 without circuit modification?
No-while both share identical package, voltage, and current ratings, BC857A,215 has hFE = 125–250 versus BC857B,215's hFE = 220–475. Substituting without verifying bias network stability may cause incomplete saturation or excessive base current draw in gain-critical designs.
What is the thermal resistance from junction to ambient (Rth(j-a)) for BC857A,215?
BC857A,215 has a typical Rth(j-a) of 500 K/W when mounted on a standard FR4 PCB (single-sided, 35 µm copper, tin-plated, standard SOT23 footprint). This value assumes free-air convection and defines the thermal bottleneck for continuous 250 mW power dissipation at Tamb ≤ 25 °C.
BC857A,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
BC857A,215 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC857A,215 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC857A,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 BC857A,215 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC857A,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC857A,215 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC857A,215?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC857A,215 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC857A,215?
BC857A,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC857A,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 BC857A,215?
For technical support, including BC857A,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC857A,215 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC857A,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC857A,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 BC857A,215 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC857A,215?
All BC857A,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC857A,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 BC857A,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC857A,215:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC857A,215 Tags
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MMBT3906LT1G
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MMBT3906-7-F
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MMBT2222A-7-F
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BC846BLT1G
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