Nexperia USA Inc. BC857C/DG/B4R
- Part No.:
- BC857C/DG/B4R
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BC857C/DG/B4R.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 45V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BC857C/DG/B4R from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, rated for −45 V VCEO, −100 mA IC, and 420–800 hFE at VCE = −5 V and IC = −2 mA. It serves as a low-voltage, low-current switching or linear amplification device in compact consumer and industrial PCBs.
For engineers reviewing the BC857C/DG/B4R datasheet, BC857C/DG/B4R pinout, BC857C/DG/B4R application, or BC857C/DG/B4R equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated SOT23 pin mapping, real-world use cases in level-shifting and signal inversion, and confirmed alternative transistors with documented hFE and voltage trade-offs.
Technical Context
This PNP BJT operates in active, saturation, and cutoff regions with guaranteed DC current gain of 420–800 under standard test conditions (VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA). Its −45 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage and −50 V collector-base rating support reliable operation in low-to-mid voltage bias networks.
Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) is 500 K/W on FR4 PCB with standard footprint, and maximum power dissipation is 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C. Saturation voltages are specified at −250 mV to −650 mV (VCEsat) and −850 mV (VBEsat) under pulsed IC/IB = 20 conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in open-base configuration |
| IC | −100 mA - Continuous DC collector current limit; defines max load drive capability in switching mode |
| hFE | 420–800 - DC current gain range at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA; determines base drive sizing for saturation |
| VCEsat | −250 mV to −650 mV - Collector-emitter voltage in saturation at IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA; impacts conduction loss |
| Ptot | 250 mW - Total power dissipation on FR4 PCB at 25 °C ambient; constrains thermal design margin |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE = −5 V, IC = −10 mA; sets upper bound for small-signal amplification bandwidth |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mounted package with 3 leads; 1.9 mm × 1.1 mm body, 0.45 mm nominal thickness, and standard reflow footprint per Fig. 15.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal; requires current-limited drive to achieve target IC based on hFE range |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Current source terminal; connected to higher potential rail in PNP common-emitter configurations |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Current sink terminal; ties to load or lower-potential node; must remain ≤ −45 V relative to emitter |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-voltage PNP switching | Rated for −45 V VCEO, enabling use in 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V rail-level logic and power control |
| High DC current gain | 420–800 hFE at IC = −2 mA supports minimal base drive current in low-power sensor interfaces |
| Standard SOT23 footprint | Compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow processes; matches JEDEC TO-236AB mechanical outline |
| Thermally robust packaging | 500 K/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR4 ensures stable operation up to 150 °C junction temperature |
Applications
| Logic Level Shifting | Signal Inversion |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Converting 3.3 V microcontroller output to interface with 5 V legacy peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch configured in common-emitter topology to invert and translate logic levels. Use Value: Low VCEsat (< −650 mV) ensures clean high-state output; hFE ≥ 420 allows direct GPIO drive without external buffer. |
Use Scenario: Generating complementary enable signals for dual-rail power sequencing in embedded systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-low inverter stage driving enable inputs of PMICs or LDOs. Use Value: Fast fT (100 MHz) and low Cc (4.5 pF) minimize propagation delay; SOT23 size saves board space in dense power domains. |
| LED Current Control | Small-Signal Amplification |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED driver for status indicators in battery-powered IoT nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode current source with emitter resistor feedback. Use Value: Tight hFE tolerance (420–800) enables predictable current setting; −100 mA IC rating covers typical indicator LEDs (20–30 mA). |
Use Scenario: Pre-amplifier stage for analog sensor outputs (e.g., thermistor, photodiode) in data acquisition modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier with fixed bias network and capacitive coupling. Use Value: 100 MHz fT supports audio-band and low-MHz sensor signals; low NF (2–10 dB) preserves SNR in low-level analog paths. |
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; same hFE range (420–800), but opposite polarity and +45 V VCEO | Requires circuit topology reversal (e.g., high-side vs. low-side switching); not drop-in replaceable | Select when NPN topology aligns with existing bias network or when sourcing current from ground is preferred. |
| MMBT3906 | Same PNP polarity; −40 V VCEO, −200 mA IC, hFE 100–300 - lower gain, higher current, tighter VCEO margin | Better suited for higher-load switching; less suitable for precision gain-dependent analog stages | Choose for cost-sensitive, high-volume switching where gain variation is acceptable and −40 V rating suffices. |
Compared with BC857C/DG/B4R, BC847C requires full circuit redesign due to polarity inversion, while MMBT3906 trades gain consistency for higher current capacity and reduced voltage headroom-making BC857C optimal for gain-critical, low-power PNP roles in space-constrained designs.
Availability
BC857C/DG/B4R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for logic level translation, LED driver circuits, signal inversion, and small-signal amplification requiring stable component supply across production batches and extended lifecycle windows.
Supply support for BC857C/DG/B4R 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, industrial, and mobile applications.
The BC857 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, space-efficient switching and amplification in consumer, computing, and industrial PCBs.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature for BC857C/DG/B4R?
The BC857C/DG/B4R has a maximum junction temperature (Tj) of 150 °C and storage temperature range of −65 °C to +150 °C. Its thermal resistance is 500 K/W on standard FR4 PCB, so ambient temperature must be derated accordingly to avoid exceeding Tj at full 250 mW dissipation.
Is BC857C/DG/B4R pin-compatible with other SOT23 PNP transistors?
Yes - BC857C/DG/B4R uses standard SOT23 (TO-236AB) pinout: Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Emitter, Pin 3 = Collector. This matches industry-standard PNP SOT23 transistors including MMBT3906 and PN2907A, enabling footprint reuse in layout.
How does BC857C differ from BC857B in terms of DC current gain?
BC857C guarantees hFE of 420–800 at VCE = −5 V and IC = −2 mA, whereas BC857B specifies 220–475 under identical conditions. The C-grade offers higher and wider gain range, improving predictability in gain-dependent biasing and amplification circuits.
Can BC857C/DG/B4R be used in automotive applications?
No - BC857C/DG/B4R is not automotive-qualified. Per Nexperia's revision history (Rev. 9, July 2022), this part is designated for industrial and consumer use only. Automotive alternatives require explicit −Q qualification and separate AEC-Q101 testing, which this variant lacks.
BC857C/DG/B4R 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
BC857C/DG/B4R FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC857C/DG/B4R through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC857C/DG/B4R 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/DG/B4R reliable?
The price and inventory of BC857C/DG/B4R are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC857C/DG/B4R is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC857C/DG/B4R?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC857C/DG/B4R transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC857C/DG/B4R?
BC857C/DG/B4R orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC857C/DG/B4R 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/DG/B4R?
For technical support, including BC857C/DG/B4R datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC857C/DG/B4R requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC857C/DG/B4R is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC857C/DG/B4R 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/DG/B4R meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC857C/DG/B4R?
All BC857C/DG/B4R units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC857C/DG/B4R, 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/DG/B4R part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC857C/DG/B4R:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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