Nexperia USA Inc. BC857CW,115
- Part No.:
- BC857CW,115
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
BC857CW,115.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 45V 0.1A SOT-323
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BC857CW,115 from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT323 (SC-70) 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 compact consumer and industrial signal-path circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BC857CW,115 datasheet, BC857CW,115 pinout, BC857CW,115 application, or BC857CW,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed hFE range, SOT323 thermal resistance (625 K/W), VCESAT ≤ −250 mV at IC = −100 mA/IB = −5 mA, and −5 V VEBO rating for emitter-base reverse tolerance.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon PNP BJT with base-controlled current amplification. Its hFE binning (C-grade) ensures tight DC gain distribution (420–800), enabling predictable biasing in linear amplifier stages and reliable saturation in digital switch configurations.
Designed for surface-mount use on FR4 PCBs, it features a 3-pin SOT323 outline with defined thermal resistance (Rth(j-a) = 625 K/W under standard mounting), and absolute maximum ratings including −45 V VCEO, −5 V VEBO, and 200 mW Ptot at Tamb ≤ 25 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines safe operating range in PNP common-emitter switch applications. |
| IC | −100 mA - Continuous collector current limit; supports low-power logic-level switching and small-signal amplification. |
| hFE | 420–800 @ VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA - Guaranteed DC current gain range enables stable bias design without external gain compensation. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ −250 mV @ IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and heat generation in saturated-switch operation. |
| VEBO | −5 V - Emitter-base reverse breakdown voltage; allows safe operation with modest negative base drive or floating-base conditions. |
| fT | 100 MHz @ VCE = −5 V, IC = −10 mA - Transition frequency confirms usability in audio-frequency and low-MHz signal amplification. |
Pinout & Package
SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mounted package: 1.3 mm × 1.8 mm footprint, 0.95 mm height, 3-lead configuration with gull-wing leads optimized for reflow soldering on FR4 PCBs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Current-controlled input node; requires appropriate base resistor to set IB for desired IC and saturation margin. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Common terminal for PNP current flow; connected to higher potential (e.g., VCC) in typical switch configurations. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output current terminal; sinks current toward lower-potential load (e.g., ground or logic-low node). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed hFE binning (C-grade) | 420–800 at VCE = −5 V, IC = −2 mA - Enables consistent DC bias point across production lots without trimming. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ −250 mV @ IC = −100 mA, IB = −5 mA - Reduces conduction loss and self-heating in high-duty-cycle switching. |
| SOT323 footprint | 1.3 × 1.8 mm, 0.95 mm height - Supports high-density PCB layouts and automated assembly in space-constrained designs. |
| Thermal performance | Rth(j-a) = 625 K/W on standard FR4 - Allows direct thermal estimation for ambient-limited operation up to 150 °C junction temperature. |
Applications
| LED Driver Circuit | Microcontroller GPIO Expander |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving discrete indicator LEDs from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontroller outputs with current limiting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP switch controlling LED anode connection to supply rail; base driven by MCU GPIO through current-limiting resistor. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) ensures minimal voltage drop across transistor, maximizing forward voltage available to LED for consistent brightness. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current boosting for legacy 5 V peripherals interfaced with modern 3.3 V MCUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-high level shifter where BC857CW,115 inverts and amplifies weak GPIO signals to drive higher-current loads. Use Value: Guaranteed hFE ≥ 420 ensures robust current gain even at low IB, eliminating need for additional buffer stages. |
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | Power Supply Enable Switch |
|
Use Scenario: Low-noise small-signal amplification in battery-powered portable audio front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier stage with emitter degeneration, biased via base divider network. Use Value: fT = 100 MHz and NF ≤ 10 dB at 1 kHz support clean amplification up to ~100 kHz with minimal added noise. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling auxiliary power rails (e.g., sensor bias, RF module VCC) in embedded systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch controlled by system controller to gate power delivery to downstream circuitry. Use Value: −45 V VCEO and −100 mA IC rating provide margin for 24 V or 36 V auxiliary supplies with fault-tolerant headroom. |
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,115 | hFE = 220–475 (lower gain range); same VCEO, IC, package | Suitable for less sensitive bias networks where tighter gain control is not required | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs need for high hFE consistency |
| BC847CW,115 | NPN complement; identical hFE range (420–800), VCEO = +45 V, same SOT323 package | Used in low-side switching or NPN amplifier topologies requiring polarity inversion | Choose for NPN-based designs where complementary behavior or existing NPN layout reuse is prioritized |
Compared with BC857BW,115, the BC857CW,115 offers higher and narrower hFE for improved bias stability; versus BC847CW,115, it provides PNP polarity essential for high-side switching and inverted logic interfaces.
Availability
BC857CW,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver circuits, microcontroller GPIO expansion, audio pre-amplifier stages, and power supply enable switches requiring stable component supply and SOT323 footprint compatibility.
Supply support for BC857CW,115 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 specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with core competencies in efficiency, miniaturization, and automotive-grade reliability.
The BC857 series belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, space-efficient switching and amplification in consumer, industrial, and communications equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum junction temperature for BC857CW,115?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C, as specified in the Limiting Values table. Operation above this temperature risks permanent device degradation. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient per the Rth(j-a) = 625 K/W thermal resistance value.
Can BC857CW,115 be used in linear amplifier configurations?
Yes - its hFE stability across IC (420–800 at IC = −2 mA) and fT = 100 MHz support Class-A and Class-AB small-signal amplification up to ~100 kHz. Ensure VCE remains within −5 V to −20 V for optimal linearity and avoid exceeding Ptot = 200 mW.
Is BC857CW,115 automotive qualified?
No - this part is not automotive-qualified. The datasheet explicitly states "Non-automotive qualified products" and excludes compliance with AEC-Q101 stress testing. Use only in commercial or industrial applications unless independently validated for automotive environments.
What is the marking code for BC857CW,115 on the package?
The top-side marking is "3G%", where "%" is a placeholder for the manufacturing site code. This matches Table 5 in the datasheet and distinguishes it from BC857AW ("3E%") and BC857BW ("3F%"), confirming C-grade hFE binning.
BC857CW,115 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:
- 420 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 200 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-323
BC857CW,115 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC857CW,115 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC857CW,115 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 BC857CW,115 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC857CW,115 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC857CW,115 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC857CW,115?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC857CW,115 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC857CW,115?
BC857CW,115 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC857CW,115 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 BC857CW,115?
For technical support, including BC857CW,115 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC857CW,115 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC857CW,115 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC857CW,115 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 BC857CW,115 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC857CW,115?
All BC857CW,115 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC857CW,115, 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 BC857CW,115 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC857CW,115:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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