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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

Nexperia USA Inc. BC859C,235

Name: BC859C,235
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BC859C,235
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC859C,235

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BC859C,235.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP 30V 0.1A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:9,880

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Product details

Overview

BC859C,235 from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in SOT23 package, rated for −45 V V_CEO, −100 mA I_C, and featuring h_FE of 420–800 at −2 mA/−5 V. It serves as an amplifying or switching element in low-noise audio input stages, bias networks, and signal conditioning circuits operating below 100 MHz.

For engineers reviewing the BC859C,235 datasheet, BC859C,235 pinout, BC859C,235 application, or BC859C,235 equivalent, this device is selected for low-voltage PNP amplification where DC gain stability, low noise figure (<4 dB), and compact SOT23 footprint are critical-especially in portable audio front-ends and discrete biasing topologies.

Technical Context

This PNP BJT operates with emitter-base forward bias and collector-base reverse bias in active or saturation mode. Its f_T of 100 MHz supports audio-frequency amplification and low-speed switching up to ~10 MHz, while its −75 mV to −300 mV V_CEsat ensures efficient conduction under moderate load conditions.

Thermal resistance R_th(j-a) is 500 K/W on FR4 PCB, limiting continuous power dissipation to 250 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. Junction temperature must remain ≤ 150 °C, requiring derating above ambient 25 °C per the linear thermal curve defined in the datasheet.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−45 V: Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in open-base configuration; defines safe operating range in common-emitter amplifier designs.
h_FE	420–800 @ −2 mA/−5 V: High DC current gain enables low-base-drive designs for signal amplification and current sourcing.
V_CEsat	−75 to −300 mV @ −10 mA/−0.5 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and voltage drop in switching applications.
f_T	100 MHz: Transition frequency confirms usable bandwidth for audio preamplifiers and low-frequency RF stages.
F_noise	<4 dB @ 200 μA/5 V/2 kΩ: Low noise figure qualifies it for high-fidelity audio input stages where signal integrity is critical.
R_th(j-a)	500 K/W: Thermal resistance determines required PCB copper area and ambient limits for reliable 250 mW operation.

Pinout & Package

BC859C,235 is housed in a plastic surface-mounted SOT23 (TO-236AB) package, measuring 2.9 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm, with gull-wing leads optimized for reflow soldering on FR4 PCBs.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base	Control terminal; forward-biased with respect to emitter to enable current flow from emitter to collector.
2	Emitter	Current source terminal in PNP configuration; connected to higher potential (e.g., V_CC) in common-emitter setups.
3	Collector	Current sink terminal; output node where amplified or switched current is delivered to load or next stage.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
High h_FE grade	420–800 ensures stable bias point with minimal base current variation across production lots.
Low V_CEsat	−75 mV typical at light load reduces conduction loss and improves efficiency in linear regulator pass elements.
Low-noise performance	<4 dB noise figure at audio frequencies enables use in microphone preamps and line-level amplifiers without added noise degradation.
SOT23 footprint	Standardized 3-pin surface-mount package allows automated assembly and compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Applications

Audio Input Amplifier

Discrete Bias Network

Use Scenario: Front-end amplification of electret microphone or line-level analog signals in portable audio devices.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP small-signal amplifier providing voltage gain and impedance transformation in common-emitter topology.

Use Value: High h_FE and low noise figure preserve SNR while enabling single-supply operation with emitter-degeneration biasing.

Use Scenario: Setting precise quiescent current in Class-A headphone amplifier output stages.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-source element establishing stable DC bias for complementary NPN/PNP output pairs.

Use Value: Tight h_FE tolerance and low V_BE drift (−2 mV/K) ensure thermal stability of bias current over temperature.

Low-Speed Switch

Signal Level Shifter

Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling LED indicators or pull-up networks in battery-powered IoT sensor nodes.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch controlling current path between V_CC and load with logic-level base drive.

Use Value: −300 mV V_CEsat at −100 mA ensures <10 mW conduction loss and supports 3.3 V/5 V logic-compatible control.

Use Scenario: Translating 1.8 V logic signals to 3.3 V domain in mixed-voltage microcontroller interfaces.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active-low level shifter using emitter-follower configuration with resistor biasing.

Use Value: Fast turn-on/off due to low C_c (4.5 pF) and f_T > 100 MHz supports clean edge transitions up to 10 MHz.

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
BC857C,215	V_CEO = −45 V, h_FE = 420–800, same SOT23 package but lower V_CB0 (−50 V vs −30 V for BC859C).	Higher collector-base breakdown margin suits designs with transient voltage exposure.	Select when enhanced collector-base ruggedness is required without changing layout or bias network.
MMBT3906LT1G	V_CEO = −40 V, h_FE = 100–300, slightly lower gain and wider h_FE spread than BC859C, same SOT23.	Lower gain uniformity may require recalibration of bias resistors in precision amplifiers.	Choose for cost-sensitive volume production where moderate gain variation is acceptable.

Compared with BC859C,235, BC857C offers superior V_CB0 for transient-prone environments, while MMBT3906LT1G trades gain consistency for broader supply-chain availability-making BC859C optimal for noise-critical, gain-stable audio front-ends.

Availability

BC859C,235 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio input amplifiers, discrete bias networks, low-speed switches, and signal level shifters requiring stable component supply and consistent h_FE grading.

Supply support for BC859C,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 leader in high-volume discrete, logic, and PowerMOS semiconductors, serving automotive, industrial, computing, and consumer markets with robust, scalable components.

BC859C belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for reliability and consistency in analog signal conditioning, biasing, and low-power switching applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC859C,235?

The absolute maximum DC collector current is −100 mA, specified under T_amb ≤ 25 °C with proper PCB thermal relief. At higher ambient temperatures, current must be derated linearly per the datasheet's thermal curve to maintain junction temperature ≤ 150 °C and prevent permanent damage.

Is BC859C,235 pin-compatible with BC849 or BC850?

No-BC849 and BC850 are NPN complements in the same SOT23 package, sharing identical pinout (1=base, 2=emitter, 3=collector), but BC859C is PNP with reversed polarity. Swapping them without circuit redesign will cause functional failure due to inverted current flow and bias requirements.

Does BC859C,235 support high-frequency switching above 10 MHz?

Its f_T is 100 MHz, but practical switching performance is limited by stored charge and minority-carrier lifetime. For clean square-wave switching above 10 MHz, external base-resistor optimization and careful layout are required; it is not recommended for >20 MHz digital clock distribution or RF power switching.

How does the marking code "4C*" relate to BC859C,235?

The marking "4C*" on the device body identifies it as BC859C, where "4C" denotes the type and gain grade, and "*" indicates manufacturing location (e.g., "C" = China). This matches Nexperia's official marking scheme and confirms authenticity when verified against the SOT23 outline and pin 1 orientation.

BC859C,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):: 30 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:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: TO-236AB

BC859C,235 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC859C,235 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC859C,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 BC859C,235 reliable?

The price and inventory of BC859C,235 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC859C,235 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC859C,235?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC859C,235 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC859C,235?

BC859C,235 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC859C,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 BC859C,235?

For technical support, including BC859C,235 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC859C,235 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC859C,235 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC859C,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 BC859C,235 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC859C,235?

All BC859C,235 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC859C,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 BC859C,235 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC859C,235:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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