Nexperia USA Inc. BC857C,235
- Part No.:
- BC857C,235
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC857C,235.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 45V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BC857C,235 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 420–800 at VCE = −5 V and IC = −2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage, low-current switching or amplification element in discrete signal path stages of consumer power management, sensor interface, and logic-level translation circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC857C,235 datasheet, BC857C,235 pinout, BC857C,235 application, or BC857C,235 equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed hFE range, SOT23 thermal resistance (500 K/W), VCEO derating above 25 °C, and compatibility with standard reflow soldering footprints per IPC-7351.
Technical Context
This PNP BJT operates in active or saturation mode with base-emitter forward bias and collector-base reverse bias. Its hFE variation across temperature (−55 °C to +150 °C) and collector current (100 µA to 100 mA) is characterized in Figures 10–13, enabling predictable gain stability in linear amplifier designs.
VCE(sat) remains ≤ −650 mV at IC = −100 mA and IB = −5 mA, supporting efficient low-side switch operation. Transition frequency fT reaches 100 MHz at VCE = −5 V and IC = −10 mA, confirming suitability for audio-frequency and low-speed digital signal conditioning.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V - Maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition; defines safe operating voltage headroom in PNP high-side or level-shift configurations. |
| IC | −100 mA - Continuous DC collector current rating; sets upper limit for load drive capability in switching applications. |
| hFE | 420–800 @ VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA - Guaranteed DC current gain range; enables precise base resistor calculation for predictable switching thresholds. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ −650 mV @ IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating during on-state operation. |
| fT | 100 MHz @ VCE = −5 V, IC = −10 mA - Confirms usable bandwidth for audio preamplifiers and sub-MHz digital signal buffering. |
| Ptot | 250 mW @ Tamb ≤ 25 °C - Total power dissipation limit on FR4 PCB; requires thermal derating above ambient temperature. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard single-sided FR4; informs heatsinking requirements for sustained operation. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; compact 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and standard IPC-7351 reflow land pattern (0.6 mm pad width, 0.5 mm pitch).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal accepting forward-biased current to enable conduction between emitter and collector; requires series resistor to limit IB and ensure saturation. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Current source terminal in PNP configuration; connected to higher potential rail (e.g., VCC) in high-side switch or common-emitter amplifier topologies. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Current sink terminal; delivers controlled output current to load when base is biased; polarity must respect PNP voltage conventions (VE > VC). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed hFE binning | BC857C offers 420–800 hFE at 2 mA, enabling consistent gain matching without post-manufacture sorting. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ −650 mV at full-rated 100 mA ensures <130 mW conduction loss, reducing thermal stress in space-constrained PCB layouts. |
| Standard SOT23 footprint | Compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow processes using JEDEC-standard land patterns (e.g., sot023_fr). |
| Wide temperature range | Specified operation from −65 °C to +150 °C junction temperature supports industrial and automotive-adjacent environments. |
| Low noise figure | 2–10 dB NF at 1 kHz confirms suitability for low-level analog signal amplification where signal integrity is critical. |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Microcontroller GPIO Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving 20 mA indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs with current limiting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch configured in common-emitter mode, sinking LED current to ground while isolating MCU pins from load transients. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ −650 mV ensures >90% efficiency at 20 mA, minimizing MCU pin stress and enabling direct drive without external level shifters. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting 1.8 V logic signals to 5 V domains in mixed-voltage embedded systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-low translator using BC857C as saturated switch, with base driven by low-voltage GPIO and collector pulled up to 5 V. Use Value: 420–800 hFE guarantees reliable turn-on with minimal base current (≤5 µA), preserving GPIO drive strength and timing margins. |
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | Power Supply Enable Control |
|
Use Scenario: Amplifying microphone or sensor signals in battery-powered portable audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with emitter degeneration resistor, leveraging stable hFE and low 10 dB noise figure. Use Value: fT = 100 MHz and low VBE variation (<100 mV over −55 °C to +150 °C) maintain flat frequency response and gain stability across operating conditions. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 12 V auxiliary rails in industrial controllers via 3.3 V logic commands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch controlling PMOS gate or relay coil, with emitter tied to 12 V and collector driving load. Use Value: −45 V VCEO provides 3× safety margin over 12 V rail, while 250 mW Ptot rating supports continuous 100 mA enable current without heatsinking. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847C | NPN complement; identical hFE (420–800), same SOT23 package, but opposite polarity and VCEO = +45 V. | Requires circuit topology inversion (e.g., low-side vs. high-side switching); unsuitable for direct replacement without schematic revision. | Select only when NPN configuration aligns with system grounding, load placement, and control logic polarity. |
| MMBT3906 | Same PNP polarity; hFE = 100–300 (lower gain), VCEO = −40 V, VCE(sat) ≤ −400 mV @ IC = −50 mA - lower voltage rating and wider hFE spread. | Acceptable for less critical switching where gain tolerance >300 is acceptable; not recommended for precision amplification. | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs gain consistency, or when legacy design reuse mandates MMBT3906 footprint compatibility. |
Compared with BC857C,235, BC847C requires full circuit redesign due to polarity reversal, while MMBT3906 trades guaranteed high hFE for broader availability and lower unit cost-making BC857C optimal for gain-critical, high-reliability PNP switching where consistent performance is mandatory.
Availability
BC857C,235 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO interfaces, audio pre-amplifier stages, and power supply enable control requiring stable component supply across industrial, consumer, and embedded development cycles.
Supply support for BC857C,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 high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified and industrial-grade components.
The BC857 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, robust switching and amplification in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications across consumer and industrial markets.
FAQ
What is the maximum junction temperature for BC857C,235?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C, as defined in Table 6 of the Nexperia datasheet. Operation above this threshold risks permanent parametric degradation or failure. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient, based on Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W and actual PCB copper area.
Can BC857C,235 be used in linear amplifier configurations?
Yes-its hFE stability across collector current (Fig. 10), low noise figure (2–10 dB), and predictable VBE behavior (Fig. 11) support Class-A and emitter-degenerated amplifier designs. Biasing must maintain VCE ≥ 1 V to avoid saturation and ensure linearity.
Is BC857C,235 automotive-qualified?
No-this variant is non-automotive qualified, as confirmed in Section 13 (Revision History) and Legal Information. Nexperia offers separate −Q automotive-grade versions (e.g., BC857C-Q); use of BC857C,235 in safety-critical vehicle systems violates manufacturer warranty and compliance requirements.
How does the marking code '3G%' identify BC857C,235?
The top-side laser marking '3G%' corresponds to BC857C per Table 5, where '3G' is the device-specific identifier and '%' denotes the manufacturing site code. This matches Nexperia's standardized SOT23 marking convention and enables traceability to production lot and wafer batch.
BC857C,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:
- 420 @ 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
BC857C,235 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC857C,235 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC857C,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 BC857C,235 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC857C,235 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC857C,235 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC857C,235?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC857C,235 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC857C,235?
BC857C,235 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC857C,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 BC857C,235?
For technical support, including BC857C,235 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC857C,235 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC857C,235 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC857C,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 BC857C,235 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC857C,235?
All BC857C,235 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC857C,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 BC857C,235 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC857C,235:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC857C,235 Tags

-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated

-
BC846BLT1G
onsemi

-
BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co

-
MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi

-
MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
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