Nexperia USA Inc. BC857AW-QX
- Part No.:
- BC857AW-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
BC857AW-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 45V 0.1A SOT-323
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BC857AW-Q from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in SOT323 (SC-70) 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-power switching or linear amplification device in automotive signal conditioning and sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC857AW-Q datasheet, BC857AW-Q pinout, BC857AW-Q application, or BC857AW-Q equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, −45 V breakdown rating, 250 max hFE, SOT323 thermal resistance (625 K/W), and base-emitter saturation voltage of −850 mV at IC = −100 mA / IB = −5 mA.
Technical Context
This PNP BJT operates with open-base collector-emitter breakdown at −45 V and exhibits guaranteed hFE range of 125–250 under standard test conditions (VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA). Its emitter-base breakdown voltage is −5 V, and maximum power dissipation is 200 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on FR4 PCB.
The device supports pulsed operation up to 200 mA peak collector current and features low noise figure (2–10 dB at IC = −200 µA, f = 1 kHz), making it suitable for low-level analog signal handling in constrained automotive environments.
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 designs. |
| IC | −100 mA - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets load-driving capability in bias networks and level shifters. |
| hFE | 125–250 - DC current gain at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA; determines base drive requirements for predictable saturation. |
| VCE(sat) | −250 to −600 mV - Collector-emitter saturation voltage at IC = −100 mA / IB = −5 mA; impacts conduction loss in switching applications. |
| VBE(sat) | −850 mV - Base-emitter saturation voltage at IC = −100 mA / IB = −5 mA; informs minimum base drive voltage needed. |
| Rth(j-a) | 625 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR4 PCB; governs temperature rise under 200 mW power dissipation. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Meets stress-test requirements for automotive discrete semiconductors; supports under-hood and body-control use. |
Pinout & Package
SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mounted package: 1.35 mm × 1.8 mm footprint, 0.4 mm nominal thickness, 3-lead configuration optimized for high-density automotive PCB layouts.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires ≥−850 mV forward bias relative to emitter to achieve saturation. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common reference terminal for PNP operation; connected to higher potential rail in typical switch configurations. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current path; sinks up to −100 mA continuously when base is sufficiently biased. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD22 standards. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ −600 mV ensures <12 mW conduction loss at −100 mA, critical for thermally constrained modules. |
| Controlled hFE binning | 125–250 range enables consistent base resistor selection across production lots without recalibration. |
| Small-outline packaging | SOT323 footprint reduces board area by >50% vs. SOT23 while maintaining solder joint reliability in reflow processes. |
| Low leakage performance | ICBO ≤ −4 µA at 150 °C ensures stable off-state behavior in high-temperature engine control units. |
Applications
| Automotive Door Module Switching | Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving LED status indicators and small solenoid loads in door control units subject to vibration and wide ambient temperature swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch controlling 12 V loads with microcontroller GPIO-level base drive. Use Value: −45 V VCEO withstands load-dump transients; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures 15-year field reliability. |
Use Scenario: Amplifying low-current output from NTC thermistors in coolant temperature sensing circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear amplifier stage providing gain before ADC input, operating at −5 V supply. Use Value: 250 max hFE enables precise gain setting; −5 V VEBO prevents reverse-bias damage during sensor cable disconnect events. |
| Body Control Unit Level Shifting | Occupant Detection System Bias Network |
|
Use Scenario: Translating 3.3 V logic signals to 5 V or 12 V domains for relay and lamp drivers in BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-low level shifter using emitter-follower or common-emitter topology. Use Value: −250 mV min VCE(sat) maintains tight logic thresholds; SOT323 allows placement near MCU pins. |
Use Scenario: Providing stable bias current to piezoresistive pressure sensors in seat occupancy detection systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current source configured with emitter resistor and base voltage reference. Use Value: Low ICBO (<−4 µA at 150 °C) prevents drift in milliamp-level bias currents over vehicle lifetime. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC857BW-Q | hFE = 220–475; same VCEO, VCE(sat), and package | Higher gain enables lower base drive current but tighter tolerance control required | Select when designing for minimal GPIO loading in battery-sensitive modules |
| BC847AW-Q | NPN complement; identical hFE range (125–250), VCEO = +45 V, same SOT323 package | Used in high-side vs. low-side switching topologies; not drop-in electrically | Choose for complementary pair designs or where NPN sourcing is preferred in signal chains |
Compared with BC857AW-Q, BC857BW-Q offers higher and wider hFE for reduced base current demand, while BC847AW-Q provides matched gain in an NPN configuration-requiring circuit topology changes but enabling symmetrical design reuse.
Availability
BC857AW-Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive door modules, engine sensor interfaces, body control unit level shifting, and occupant detection systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for BC857AW-Q 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 components and energy-efficient solutions.
The BC857AW-Q belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified general-purpose transistor family, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective switching and amplification in automotive body electronics and powertrain subsystems.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for BC857AW-Q?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C, validated per IEC 60134 limiting values. This rating applies under continuous operation at ≤200 mW dissipation on FR4 PCB with standard footprint; derating is required above 25 °C ambient per Rth(j-a) = 625 K/W.
Is BC857AW-Q pin-compatible with BC857W-Q?
Yes-both share identical SOT323 (SC-70) pinout (Base–Emitter–Collector on pins 1–2–3) and mechanical dimensions. However, BC857W-Q has broader hFE (125–800) and lower VCEO (−45 V same), so substitution requires verification of gain-dependent circuit stability.
Does BC857AW-Q support wave soldering?
Yes-Nexperia provides dedicated wave soldering footprint data (Fig. 16) with 3.65 mm × 2.1 mm land pattern and recommended transport direction. Thermal profile must respect peak temperature ≤260 °C and dwell time ≤5 s to avoid package delamination.
How does the marking code "3E%" identify BC857AW-Q?
Per Table 5, "3E%" is the standardized top-side marking, where "3E" denotes BC857AW-Q and "%" is a placeholder for manufacturing site code (e.g., "3E1" = production at Nexperia's Hamburg facility). This enables lot traceability and authenticity verification.
BC857AW-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- 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:
- 600mV @ 5mA, 100mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 15nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 125 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 200 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-323
BC857AW-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC857AW-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC857AW-QX 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 BC857AW-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC857AW-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC857AW-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC857AW-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC857AW-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC857AW-QX?
BC857AW-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC857AW-QX 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 BC857AW-QX?
For technical support, including BC857AW-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC857AW-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC857AW-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC857AW-QX 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 BC857AW-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC857AW-QX?
All BC857AW-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC857AW-QX, 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 BC857AW-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC857AW-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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