My Inquiry
My Account
Nexperia USA Inc. BC868-25,115
SOT89.jpg)
- Part No.:
- BC868-25,115
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
BC868-25,115.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 20V 2A SOT-89
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,944
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BC868-25,115 from Nexperia is a medium-power NPN bipolar junction transistor in SOT89 (SC-62) package, rated for 20 V VCEO, 2 A continuous collector current, and DC current gain (hFE) of 160–375 at VCE = 1 V and IC = 500 mA. It serves as a low-side switch or driver stage in power management circuits, with verified thermal performance up to 150 °C junction temperature.
For engineers reviewing the BC868-25,115 datasheet, BC868-25,115 pinout, BC868-25,115 application, or BC868-25,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2 A DC current capability, 0.6 V VCE(sat) at IC = 2 A / IB = 200 mA, SOT89 thermal pad compatibility, and hFE binning for predictable linear or switching gain control.
Technical Context
This transistor operates as a single-element NPN switch or amplifier with fixed polarity and no integrated biasing or protection. Its gain profile is specified across IC = 5 mA to 2 A and Tamb = –55 °C to +150 °C, supporting stable operation in battery-powered and thermally constrained environments.
It features a maximum VCEO of 20 V and VCBO of 32 V, enabling use in 12 V rail switching and low-voltage regulator feedback paths. Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) ranges from 93 K/W (6 cm² collector pad) to 250 K/W (standard FR4 footprint), directly linking PCB layout to safe operating area.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 20 V - Maximum sustainable collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper limit for 12 V system switching. |
| IC (continuous) | 2 A - Continuous collector current rating at Tamb ≤ 25 °C; requires thermal pad for full utilization. |
| hFE @ IC = 500 mA | 160–375 - Guaranteed DC current gain range at VCE = 1 V; enables precise base drive sizing for saturation. |
| VCE(sat) @ IC = 2 A | ≤ 0.6 V - Confirmed saturation voltage at high current; limits conduction loss to ≤1.2 W in switch mode. |
| Ptot (6 cm² pad) | 1.35 W - Total power dissipation with optimized copper area; sets practical thermal ceiling for SOT89 layout. |
| fT | 40–170 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE = 5 V, IC = 50 mA; supports audio and low-speed digital switching. |
| Rth(j-a) (std footprint) | 250 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4; mandates derating above 25 °C ambient. |
Pinout & Package
SOT89 (SC-62) plastic surface-mount package: 4.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.5 mm body, 1.5 mm lead pitch, integrated collector tab for thermal conduction. Mounting requires solder land per Figure 10 (reflow) or Figure 11 (wave).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (E) | Emitter | Reference node for current flow; connected to ground or low-side return path in switch configurations. |
| 2 (C) | Collector | Main current output terminal; electrically and thermally tied to exposed metal tab for heat sinking. |
| 3 (B) | Base | Control input requiring current-limited drive; typical IB = 200 mA for full saturation at IC = 2 A. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High-current capability | 2 A continuous IC with validated thermal derating curves for FR4 PCBs - enables replacement of TO-92 devices in space-constrained designs. |
| Gain-binned variant | hFE = 160–375 at IC = 500 mA - reduces base drive variability across production batches for consistent switching thresholds. |
| Low saturation voltage | VCE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V at IC = 2 A / IB = 200 mA - minimizes power loss in high-duty-cycle low-side switches. |
| Thermally enhanced package | SOT89 collector tab with 93 K/W Rth(j-a) on 6 cm² copper - delivers >2× power handling vs. standard SOT23 without footprint increase. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable LDO or emitter-follower regulator delivering up to 1.5 A load current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power series pass element controlling output voltage via base bias network. Use Value: 20 V VCEO accommodates input margins for 12 V systems; 0.6 V VCE(sat) ensures ≥11.4 V output headroom at full load. |
Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for discrete N-channel MOSFETs in motor control or DC-DC converter half-bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-amplifying switch translating microcontroller GPIO into high-peak gate charge pulses. Use Value: 3 A ICM peak rating supports fast turn-on of 10 nF gate capacitance at 100 kHz; SOT89 thermal pad sustains repetitive pulse loads. |
| Low-Side Switches | Battery-Driven Devices |
Use Scenario: Load switch for LED strings, solenoids, or fans in industrial control panels with 12–24 V supply rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current, low-loss switching element controlled by logic-level signal through base resistor. Use Value: Verified 2 A DC current at Tj ≤ 150 °C allows direct drive of 24 W resistive loads without heatsink under forced-air conditions. |
Use Scenario: Power-path control in portable medical monitors, handheld test equipment, or rechargeable power tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-polarity protection or battery disconnect switch placed between cell pack and main DC bus. Use Value: 5 V VEBO rating permits safe operation with Li-ion cells (max 4.2 V); SOT89 footprint fits compact battery management PCBs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN medium-power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC868-40,115 | hFE = 250–630 at IC = 500 mA - higher and wider gain band than BC868-25. | Preferred where tighter base drive tolerance is needed across temperature, e.g., precision current mirrors. | Select when design requires higher minimum hFE to ensure saturation with weak or variable base drive sources. |
| BC817-40,115 | Same SOT23 package; lower IC = 500 mA, VCEO = 45 V, hFE = 250–630 - smaller package, higher voltage, lower current. | Suitable for signal-level amplification or low-current switching where board space is critical. | Choose only if current demand is ≤500 mA and voltage exceeds 20 V; not a drop-in replacement due to package and thermal limits. |
Compared with BC868-25,115, the BC868-40 offers higher guaranteed gain for robust base drive margin, while BC817-40 trades current capacity and thermal performance for smaller size and higher voltage - neither replicates the 2 A / SOT89 thermal combination of the original.
Availability
BC868-25,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear voltage regulators, MOSFET drivers, and low-side switches requiring stable component supply in industrial and consumer electronics production.
Supply support for BC868-25,115 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 focused on high-volume, high-reliability essential semiconductors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BC868 series belongs to Nexperia's medium-power discrete transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, thermally robust switching and amplification in space-constrained power management applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable base current for BC868-25,115?
The absolute maximum base current (IB) is 0.4 A continuous, with peak rating of 0.4 A for pulses ≤1 ms. For reliable saturation at IC = 2 A, Nexperia specifies IB = 200 mA - exceeding this risks excessive base-emitter heating and long-term parameter shift.
Can BC868-25,115 be used in automotive applications?
No - BC868-25,115 is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified in the revision history (Rev. 9, July 2023). It lacks AEC-Q101 qualification, automotive-grade screening, and extended temperature validation beyond 150 °C junction. Automotive alternatives must be selected from Nexperia's -Q qualified portfolio.
How does PCB layout affect BC868-25,115's power handling?
Power dissipation varies from 0.50 W (standard footprint) to 1.35 W (6 cm² collector pad) - a 2.7× difference. The collector tab must be soldered to a dedicated copper pour; insufficient pad area causes rapid thermal runaway above 0.75 W, per Figure 1's derating curves.
Is BC868-25,115 pin-compatible with BC846 or BC546 series transistors?
No - BC868-25 uses SOT89 (3-pin, collector-tab-down) while BC846/BC546 use SOT23 or TO-92 packages with different pinouts (E-B-C vs. E-C-B). Electrical parameters also differ significantly: BC846 has IC = 100 mA and VCEO = 65 V, making it unsuitable as a functional or physical substitute.
BC868-25,115 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-243AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 2 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 20 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 600mV @ 200mA, 2A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 160 @ 500mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 170MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-89
BC868-25,115 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC868-25,115 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC868-25,115 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 BC868-25,115 reliable?
The price and inventory of BC868-25,115 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC868-25,115 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC868-25,115?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC868-25,115 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC868-25,115?
BC868-25,115 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC868-25,115 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 BC868-25,115?
For technical support, including BC868-25,115 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC868-25,115 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC868-25,115 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC868-25,115 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 BC868-25,115 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC868-25,115?
All BC868-25,115 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC868-25,115, 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 BC868-25,115 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC868-25,115:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC868-25,115 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
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
