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

Nexperia USA Inc. BC860CW/ZLX

Name: BC860CW/ZLX
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BC860CW/ZLX
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC860CW/ZLX

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: SC-70, SOT-323

Datasheet:: BC860CW/ZLX.pdf

Description:: TRANS SOT323

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:2,435

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Product details

Overview

BC860CW/ZLX from Nexperia is a PNP general-purpose bipolar junction transistor in SOT323 package, rated for −45 V V_CEO, −50 V V_CBO, and −100 mA I_C, with DC current gain (h_FE) of 420–800 at −2 mA I_C, used in low-noise audio preamplifier stages and signal switching in portable consumer electronics.

For engineers reviewing the BC860CW/ZLX datasheet, BC860CW/ZLX pinout, BC860CW/ZLX application, or BC860CW/ZLX equivalent, key selection criteria include its PNP polarity, SOT323 footprint compatibility, guaranteed h_FE range, low V_CE(sat) (≤−300 mV @ −10 mA/−0.5 mA), and noise figure of 4 dB at 1 kHz.

Technical Context

This device operates as a medium-gain, low-voltage PNP switch or linear amplifier with base-emitter turn-on voltage of 600–750 mV at −2 mA I_C. Its f_T of 100 MHz supports audio-frequency and low-speed digital switching up to ~10 MHz.

Thermal resistance R_{th j-a} is 625 K/W on FR4 PCB, limiting continuous power dissipation to 200 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. Cutoff currents are ultra-low: ICBO ≤ −15 nA at −30 V V_CB, IEBO ≤ −100 nA at −5 V V_EB.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	−45 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition; defines usable supply headroom in PNP emitter-follower or switch topologies
h_FE	420–800 @ −2 mA I_C, −5 V V_CE - ensures stable biasing across production lots without manual gain binning
V_CE(sat)	≤ −300 mV @ −10 mA I_C/−0.5 mA I_B - enables low-loss switching in battery-powered logic-level interfaces
f_T	100 MHz - supports high-fidelity audio amplification and fast edge response in pulse applications
Noise Figure	4 dB @ 1 kHz, 200 μA I_C, 2 kΩ source - meets low-noise requirements for microphone preamps and tape playback circuits
C_c	5 pF @ −10 V V_CB, 1 MHz - minimizes Miller effect in common-emitter gain stages
P_tot	200 mW @ T_amb ≤ 25 °C - sets thermal derating curve for compact SOT323 layout in space-constrained PCBs

Pinout & Package

SOT323 (SC-70) plastic surface-mount package: 1.35 mm × 1.75 mm × 0.95 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, gull-wing leads, JEDEC-compliant outline.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base	Current-controlled input node; requires series resistor to limit I_B ≤ −200 mA peak per Absolute Maximum Ratings
2	Emiter	PNP current source terminal; connects to higher potential rail in common-emitter or common-base configurations
3	Collector	Output current sink node; voltage swing limited to −45 V relative to emitter under DC operation

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Guaranteed h_FE range	420–800 ensures predictable DC bias stability without external feedback or trimming in discrete amplifier designs
Low V_CE(sat)	≤ −300 mV at moderate drive enables efficient switching in low-voltage PNP load switches (e.g., LED anode control)
Ultra-low ICBO	≤ −15 nA at −30 V V_CB maintains leakage-critical performance in high-impedance sensor interface front-ends
Optimized for audio	4 dB noise figure and 100 MHz f_T support full-range analog signal amplification with minimal distortion in portable audio gear

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage

Portable Device Power Switch

Use Scenario: First-stage amplification of electret microphone output in Bluetooth earbuds or voice-recording pens.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP common-emitter low-noise voltage amplifier with emitter degeneration for linearity.

Use Value: 4 dB noise figure and 420–800 h_FE ensure clean signal capture at sub-100 μA quiescent current, minimizing battery drain.

Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 3.3 V rail to RF module or display backlight in wearables.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side PNP switch controlling power path via base drive from MCU GPIO.

Use Value: ≤ −300 mV V_CE(sat) limits conduction loss to <1 mW at 10 mA load, extending battery life over thousands of cycles.

Tape Playback Amplifier

Hi-Fi Tone Control Circuit

Use Scenario: Signal buffering between magnetic playback head and equalization network in mini-cassette recorders.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emitter-follower impedance matcher preserving frequency response up to 15 kHz.

Use Value: 5 pF collector capacitance and 100 MHz f_T prevent high-frequency roll-off in analog audio signal chains.

Use Scenario: Adjustable bass/treble boost stage in portable stereo amplifiers using passive RC networks.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter gain block with variable emitter resistor for adjustable Q and gain.

Use Value: Tight h_FE spread (420–800) ensures consistent tone-shaping behavior across production units without calibration.

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	V_CEO = −45 V, h_FE = 220–475, same SOT323 package	Lower gain range reduces bias stability margin in high-precision amplifiers	Prefer when cost sensitivity outweighs gain consistency requirements
MMBT3906	V_CEO = −40 V, h_FE = 100–300, TO-236 (SOT-23) package	Different footprint requires PCB redesign; lower f_T (250 MHz but measured at different conditions) and higher noise	Select only if legacy SOT-23 layout reuse is mandatory and gain tolerance >300 is acceptable

Compared with BC857BW and MMBT3906, BC860CW/ZLX delivers superior h_FE consistency and lower noise-critical for battery-powered audio front-ends-while maintaining identical SOT323 mounting and −45 V operational ceiling.

Availability

BC860CW/ZLX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable audio preamplifiers, wearable power management subsystems, and tape playback circuitry requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence resilience.

Supply support for BC860CW/ZLX 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 production of discrete semiconductors, with expertise in automotive-grade reliability, wafer-scale efficiency, and scalable packaging technologies.

BC860CW/ZLX belongs to Nexperia's BC8xxW family of general-purpose transistors, engineered for cost-sensitive, high-reliability consumer and industrial signal conditioning applications where consistent gain, low noise, and SOT323 space efficiency are essential.

FAQ

Is BC860CW/ZLX pin-compatible with BC857BW?

Yes-both use identical SOT323 package with base-emitter-collector pinout (1-2-3). However, BC860CW/ZLX has higher h_FE (420–800 vs. 220–475) and tighter gain distribution, so direct substitution may require verifying bias point stability in existing circuits.

What is the maximum operating temperature for continuous use?

The BC860CW/ZLX has a maximum junction temperature (T_j) of 150 °C and storage temperature range of −65 °C to +150 °C. At ambient temperatures up to +85 °C, derated power dissipation must stay below 120 mW to maintain T_j ≤ 150 °C on standard FR4 PCB.

Does BC860CW/ZLX support pulsed operation beyond DC ratings?

Yes-peak collector current I_CM is rated at −200 mA for pulses ≤300 μs with duty cycle ≤2%, enabling short-duration surge handling in transient protection or pulse-width modulation circuits not possible under DC conditions.

How does the marking code '4G∗' relate to BC860CW/ZLX?

The marking '4G∗' on the device body identifies it as BC860CW ('G' = 'C' grade gain bin); the asterisk indicates manufacturing location-'-' for Hong Kong, 't' for Malaysia-as specified in Nexperia's original BC859W/BC860W datasheet revision of 1999 Apr 12.

BC860CW/ZLX Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: SC-70, SOT-323

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: -

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: -

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: -

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: -

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: -

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: -

Power - Max:: -

Frequency - Transition:: -

Operating Temperature:: -

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-323

BC860CW/ZLX FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC860CW/ZLX through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC860CW/ZLX 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 BC860CW/ZLX reliable?

The price and inventory of BC860CW/ZLX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC860CW/ZLX is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC860CW/ZLX?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC860CW/ZLX transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC860CW/ZLX?

BC860CW/ZLX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC860CW/ZLX 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 BC860CW/ZLX?

For technical support, including BC860CW/ZLX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC860CW/ZLX requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC860CW/ZLX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC860CW/ZLX 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 BC860CW/ZLX meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC860CW/ZLX?

All BC860CW/ZLX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC860CW/ZLX, 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 BC860CW/ZLX part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC860CW/ZLX:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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