My Inquiry
My Account
Nexperia USA Inc. BC868-25-QX
SOT89.jpg)
- Part No.:
- BC868-25-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
BC868-25-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 20V 2A SOT-89
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,352
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BC868-25-QX from Nexperia is a 20 V, 2 A NPN medium power transistor in SOT89 (SC-62) package, optimized for linear voltage regulation, MOSFET gate driving, and low-side switching. It delivers hFE = 160–375 at VCE = 1 V / IC = 500 mA, supports 3 A peak collector current, and is AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive use.
For engineers reviewing the BC868-25-QX datasheet, BC868-25-QX pinout, BC868-25-QX application, or BC868-25-QX equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, junction-to-ambient resistance under three PCB mounting conditions, and validated automotive-grade reliability data - all critical for power stage design in battery-powered and automotive systems.
Technical Context
This NPN bipolar transistor operates as a medium-power amplifying or switching device with fixed emitter-base and collector-emitter junctions. Its DC current gain is binned to 160–375 at 500 mA, enabling predictable base drive sizing in saturated-switching applications like load control and regulator pass elements.
Thermal performance is defined across three PCB mounting configurations: standard footprint (Rth(j-a) = 250 K/W), 1 cm² collector pad (132 K/W), and 6 cm² pad (93 K/W). Saturation voltage remains ≤0.6 V at IC = 2 A / IB = 200 mA, supporting efficient low-VCE(sat) operation in high-current linear and switching modes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in low-side switch or LDO pass transistor use. |
| IC | 2 A continuous - Sustained collector current rating; sets maximum DC load capability without forced cooling. |
| hFE | 160–375 at VCE = 1 V, IC = 500 mA - Confirmed DC current gain bin; enables precise base resistor calculation for saturation control. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤0.6 V at IC = 2 A, IB = 200 mA - Verified saturation voltage; determines conduction loss and thermal rise in switching applications. |
| Ptot | 1.35 W with 6 cm² copper pad - Maximum dissipation under optimal PCB layout; informs heatsinking requirements for linear-mode operation. |
| fT | 40–170 MHz - Transition frequency range; confirms suitability for audio-frequency amplification and PWM-driven switching up to ~10 MHz. |
| Rth(j-a) | 93–250 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance across mounting variants; directly impacts temperature rise under given power dissipation. |
Pinout & Package
SOT89 (SC-62) surface-mount plastic package: 4.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.5 mm body, 1.5 mm lead pitch, single-sided FR4 PCB mountable with collector tab for thermal enhancement.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter | Current return path; connected to ground or low-side reference in common-emitter configurations. |
| 2 | Collector | Main power output terminal; soldered to large copper area for thermal management and current routing. |
| 3 | Base | Control input; requires current-limited drive (e.g., via series resistor) to achieve target IC/IB ratio. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under stress test conditions including HTGB, HTRB, and temperature cycling - ensures reliability in engine bay and ADAS modules. |
| High hFE bin (160–375) | Reduces required base drive current by ≥2× vs. generic 85–375 bins, lowering MCU GPIO loading and driver-stage component count. |
| 3 A peak collector current | Supports short-duration surge loads (tp ≤ 1 ms), enabling robustness against inrush currents in motor drivers and power supply soft-start circuits. |
| Low VCE(sat) (≤0.6 V) | Limits conduction loss to ≤1.2 W at 2 A, reducing thermal burden in space-constrained linear regulators and battery protection switches. |
| Three-tier thermal resistance spec | Enables accurate junction temperature prediction across real-world PCB layouts - from minimal footprint to enhanced thermal pads. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Used as pass transistor in adjustable linear regulators delivering up to 2 A output current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN pass element controlling output voltage via base bias; operates in active region with continuous conduction. Use Value: Delivers stable output with <0.6 V dropout at full load, minimizing heat generation compared to lower-hFE alternatives. |
Use Scenario: Driving the gate of N-channel power MOSFETs in half-bridge or synchronous buck converters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side NPN switch sinking gate charge during turn-off; complements PNP or logic-level driver stages. Use Value: Fast turn-off enabled by 3 A peak current capability and low VCE(sat), reducing MOSFET switching losses. |
| Automotive Low-Side Switches | Battery-Powered Load Control |
Use Scenario: Controlling 12 V/24 V solenoids, relays, and LED arrays in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated NPN switch connecting load to ground; driven by microcontroller GPIO or CAN/LIN interface IC. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 150 °C Tj rating ensure operational integrity in under-hood environments up to 125 °C ambient. |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling power rails in portable medical devices, handheld tools, and IoT sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current load switch placed between battery and subsystem; controlled via enable signal with current limiting. Use Value: 2 A continuous rating and low thermal resistance allow direct PCB-mount operation without external heatsink in compact enclosures. |
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-QX | hFE bin 250–630 at same test conditions; higher gain but tighter tolerance band. | Better suited for ultra-low-base-drive designs where precise current mirroring or minimal GPIO loading is required. | Select when base drive current must be minimized below 150 µA at 500 mA load, accepting reduced gain consistency at extremes. |
| ZTX851 | TO-92 package; VCEO = 60 V, IC = 3 A, hFE = 100–800; no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Higher voltage headroom and TO-92 through-hole compatibility, but unsuitable for automotive production without requalification. | Choose only for non-automotive prototyping or legacy through-hole boards where 60 V breakdown and manual assembly are priorities. |
Compared with BC868-40-QX, BC868-25-QX offers broader hFE tolerance for cost-sensitive designs with marginally higher base drive; versus ZTX851, it trades voltage headroom and package format for AEC-Q101 compliance and superior thermal performance in SMT layouts.
Availability
BC868-25-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear voltage regulators, MOSFET drivers, and automotive low-side switches requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 traceability, and SOT89 thermal performance.
Supply support for BC868-25-QX 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 essential efficiency technologies, delivering high-performance, reliable discrete and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
BC868-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified medium-power transistor product line, engineered for robust linear and switching operation in automotive power management and battery-connected systems.
FAQ
Is BC868-25-QX pin-compatible with BC868-40-QX?
Yes - both share identical SOT89 (SC-62) package and pinout (Emitter–Collector–Base on pins 1–2–3). The only functional difference is the hFE bin: BC868-25-QX is 160–375, while BC868-40-QX is 250–630. No layout or schematic change is needed for substitution.
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature during continuous operation?
The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150 °C per IEC 60134. For continuous operation at 2 A, junction temperature must remain ≤150 °C - achievable with ≥6 cm² copper pad (Rth(j-a) = 93 K/W) and ambient ≤85 °C, or with active airflow or heatsinking in tighter layouts.
Does BC868-25-QX support pulsed operation beyond its DC ratings?
Yes - it supports 3 A peak collector current for single pulses ≤1 ms (duty cycle ≤0.02), and base current pulses up to 0.4 A. Transient thermal impedance curves (Fig. 2–4) confirm safe operation under short overloads typical in motor commutation and inrush limiting.
Can BC868-25-QX replace BC817-40 in existing designs?
No - BC817-40 uses SOT23 package (smaller, lower power), has VCEO = 45 V but only IC = 500 mA and Ptot = 300 mW. Substituting BC868-25-QX requires PCB footprint redesign (SOT89), thermal validation, and verification of gain-driven base resistor values due to higher hFE and current capability.
BC868-25-QX 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:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-89
BC868-25-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC868-25-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC868-25-QX 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-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC868-25-QX 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-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC868-25-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC868-25-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC868-25-QX?
BC868-25-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC868-25-QX 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-QX?
For technical support, including BC868-25-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC868-25-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC868-25-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC868-25-QX 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-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC868-25-QX?
All BC868-25-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC868-25-QX, 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-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC868-25-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC868-25-QX 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…
