Nexperia USA Inc. BC857B,215

Overview

BC857B,215 from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, designed for low-voltage switching and linear amplification at ≤100 mA collector current. It features V_CEO = −45 V, h_FE = 220–475 at V_CE = −5 V / I_C = −2 mA, and V_CE(sat) ≤ −650 mV at I_C = −100 mA / I_B = −5 mA - used in discrete logic-level signal inversion and load control in industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the BC857B,215 datasheet, BC857B,215 pinout, BC857B,215 application, or BC857B,215 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed h_FE range, SOT23 thermal resistance (R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W), V_CEO derating at elevated ambient temperature, and compatibility with standard FR4 PCB reflow profiles.

Technical Context

This PNP BJT operates in active, saturation, and cutoff regions with fixed base-emitter forward biasing. Its DC current gain (h_FE) is specified at V_CE = −5 V and I_C = −2 mA, and its saturation behavior is characterized at I_C/I_B = 20 - enabling predictable switching thresholds in emitter-follower and common-emitter configurations.

Thermal performance is defined for mounting on single-sided FR4 PCBs (35 µm Cu, tin-plated), with T_j(max) = 150 °C and P_tot = 250 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. The device exhibits C_c = 4.5 pF at V_CB = −10 V and f_T = 100 MHz at V_CE = −5 V / I_C = −10 mA, supporting moderate-frequency analog and digital signal handling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; 2.8 mm × 1.4 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and standard reflow-compatible pad layout per Figure 15 of datasheet Rev. 9.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP general-purpose transistor applications.

Compared with BC857B,215, BC857BW,115 trades thermal performance for footprint reduction, while MMBT3906LT1G offers lower saturation voltage at reduced current gain and voltage rating - making BC857B,215 optimal for balanced analog/digital use at ≤100 mA with SOT23 manufacturability.

Availability

BC857B,215 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, microcontroller GPIO expansion, consumer appliance power sequencing, and automotive non-safety subsystem control requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for BC857B,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 core expertise in automotive, industrial, and mobile applications.

The BC856/BC857/BC858 family delivers standardized PNP/NPN general-purpose transistors optimized for cost-effective, space-constrained switching and amplification in mass-produced electronics - emphasizing manufacturability, parametric consistency, and SMT compatibility.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC857B,215?

The absolute maximum continuous collector current (I_C) is −100 mA at T_amb ≤ 25 °C on a standard FR4 PCB. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient: linear reduction to zero at 150 °C junction temperature, governed by R_th(j-a) = 500 K/W and P_tot = 250 mW.

Does BC857B,215 have automotive qualification?

No. Per Nexperia's Rev. 9 datasheet (July 2022), BC857B,215 is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified. It is not tested to AEC-Q101 standards. For automotive use, Nexperia recommends its −Q qualified variants such as BC857B-Q.

How does the h_FE range of BC857B,215 compare to BC857C?

BC857B,215 has h_FE = 220–475 at V_CE = −5 V / I_C = −2 mA, whereas BC857C offers 420–800 in the same test condition. The higher minimum gain of BC857C improves base drive predictability in low-current analog stages, but BC857B provides broader saturation margin at higher I_C.

Can BC857B,215 be used in common-base configuration?

Yes. Its V_CBO = −50 V and f_T = 100 MHz support common-base operation for moderate-frequency current buffering. However, the datasheet does not specify common-base parameters (e.g., α, r_ib); design validation must rely on measured h_FE and V_CE(sat) data under actual bias conditions.