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Nexperia USA Inc. BC868-QX
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- Part No.:
- BC868-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
BC868-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 20V 2A SOT-89
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,359
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Product details
Overview
BC868-Q from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN medium power transistor in SOT89 (SC-62) package, rated for 20 V VCEO, 2 A continuous IC, and 3 A pulsed ICM. It delivers hFE of 85–375 at VCE = 1 V, IC = 500 mA, and supports linear voltage regulation, MOSFET driving, and low-side switching in automotive power management systems.
For engineers reviewing the BC868-Q datasheet, BC868-Q pinout, BC868-Q application, or BC868-Q equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, thermal derating curves, junction-to-ambient resistance values under three PCB mounting conditions, and validated alternatives for automotive-grade discrete power control design.
Technical Context
The BC868-Q operates as a general-purpose NPN bipolar junction transistor optimized for medium-power linear and switching applications. Its 20 V VCEO rating and 2 A IC support robust operation in 12 V automotive supply rails, while its 40–170 MHz fT enables stable performance up to high-frequency switching edges in driver stages.
Thermal design is defined by three Rth(j-a) values: 250 K/W (standard footprint), 132 K/W (1 cm² collector pad), and 93 K/W (6 cm² collector pad), directly correlating with FR4 PCB copper area allocation. The device's 150 °C Tj max and AEC-Q101 qualification confirm suitability for under-hood automotive environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines rail compatibility with 12 V automotive systems. |
| IC (continuous) | 2 A - Continuous DC collector current limit; sets maximum steady-state load drive capability. |
| ICM (pulsed) | 3 A - Peak single-pulse current (tp ≤ 1 ms); supports short-term surge handling in switch-mode drivers. |
| hFE @ VCE=1 V, IC=500 mA | 85–375 - Current gain range enabling predictable base drive sizing for low-side switch saturation. |
| VCE(sat) @ IC=2 A, IB=200 mA | ≤ 0.6 V - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in power switching nodes. |
| Rth(j-a) (6 cm² pad) | 93 K/W - Thermal resistance enabling ~1.35 W total power dissipation at Tamb = 25 °C with adequate copper area. |
| fT | 40–170 MHz - Transition frequency supporting stable amplification and fast switching in gate-drive buffer stages. |
Pinout & Package
SOT89 (SC-62) plastic surface-mount package: 4.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.5 mm body, 1.5 mm lead pitch, with integrated heat-dissipating tab on Pin 2 (collector).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter (E) | Reference node for current flow; connected to ground or low-side return path in switch configurations. |
| 2 | Collector (C) | Main power output terminal; thermally coupled to PCB copper pad for heat extraction; connects to load or VCC. |
| 3 | Base (B) | Control input requiring current-limited drive; typical IB = 100–200 mA for full saturation at IC = 2 A. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive temperature cycling, humidity, and mechanical stress per JESD22 standards. |
| High IC/ICM capability | 2 A continuous / 3 A pulsed operation enables direct drive of medium-current loads without external buffering. |
| Two hFE selections | BC868-Q (85–375) and BC868-25-Q (160–375) allow precise base drive optimization across production batches. |
| Thermally enhanced SOT89 | Exposed collector tab enables >1.3 W dissipation with 6 cm² copper pad-critical for space-constrained automotive modules. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤0.6 V at 2 A ensures <1.2 W conduction loss, reducing thermal burden in always-on power regulators. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 5 V/3.3 V linear regulators for infotainment microcontrollers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN series pass element controlling output voltage via base bias from error amplifier. Use Value: 20 V VCEO accommodates input transients up to 16 V; 2 A IC supports ≥1.5 A regulated output with margin. |
Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for N-channel power MOSFETs in BLDC motor control half-bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side level-shifting switch turning on high-side MOSFET gate via bootstrap capacitor recharge path. Use Value: 3 A ICM handles peak bootstrap charging current; 40–170 MHz fT ensures fast turn-on edge fidelity. |
| Low-Side Switches | Battery-Driven Devices |
Use Scenario: Load switch for 12 V cabin lighting or HVAC actuators in automotive body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ground-referenced switching element controlled by MCU GPIO through current-limiting resistor. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification guarantees reliability over -40 °C to +125 °C ambient; 0.6 V VCE(sat) limits power loss to <1.2 W at 2 A. |
Use Scenario: Power enable switch in portable diagnostic tools powered by 12 V vehicle battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ON/OFF control transistor isolating downstream circuitry during sleep mode to minimize quiescent current. Use Value: 5 V VEBO rating prevents emitter-base breakdown during reverse-battery fault events; 100 nA ICBO ensures ultra-low leakage in standby. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC869-Q | NPN complement with identical VCEO, IC, and SOT89 package but inverted polarity; hFE range matches BC868-Q. | Used in complementary push-pull output stages or PNP-based circuits where BC868-Q cannot be substituted directly. | Select only when dual-polarity output or mirrored current sourcing is required-not a drop-in replacement. |
| ZTX851 | Higher VCEO (60 V), lower hFE (20–200), TO-92 package; no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Suitable for industrial non-automotive 24 V systems requiring higher voltage margin but not automotive temperature or reliability compliance. | Choose only for non-automotive designs where 60 V headroom outweighs need for AEC-Q101 validation and SMT assembly compatibility. |
Compared with BC868-Q, BC869-Q serves complementary circuit roles rather than functional substitution, while ZTX851 trades automotive qualification and SMT fit for higher voltage tolerance and through-hole mounting-making both unsuitable as direct replacements without board-level redesign.
Availability
BC868-Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, linear voltage regulators, and MOSFET driver circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for BC868-Q 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-enhancing components, with leadership in logic, discrete, and MOSFET technologies.
The BC868-Q belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for automotive power control, load switching, and analog signal conditioning in harsh-environment ECUs.
FAQ
Is BC868-Q suitable for automotive under-hood applications?
Yes. BC868-Q is fully qualified to AEC-Q101 standards, with guaranteed operation from −55 °C to +150 °C junction temperature and validated performance across thermal cycling, humidity, and mechanical shock tests required for engine bay and transmission control units.
What is the recommended PCB layout for thermal performance?
For 1.35 W dissipation, use a 6 cm² copper pad connected to Pin 2 (collector) with ≥2 thermal vias to inner ground planes. Maintain ≥0.5 mm clearance from adjacent traces, and follow Nexperia's SOT89 reflow footprint (Fig. 10) with 1.5 mm pitch and 2.25 mm solder land width.
How does hFE variation affect base drive design?
With hFE spanning 85–375 at IC = 500 mA, base current must be sized for worst-case low-gain condition (85). For 2 A IC, design IB ≥ 23.5 mA to ensure saturation across all units, using a 1 kΩ resistor from 5 V MCU GPIO to achieve ~4.3 mA-so add active drive or reduce RB to ≤220 Ω.
Can BC868-Q replace BC846 in existing designs?
No. BC846 is a low-power general-purpose transistor (100 mA IC, 65 V VCEO, TO-92), while BC868-Q is a medium-power automotive-grade part (2 A IC, 20 V VCEO, SOT89). Substitution would require PCB redesign, thermal analysis, and qualification due to higher current, different package, and stricter automotive requirements.
BC868-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:
- 85 @ 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-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BC868-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC868-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-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BC868-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-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BC868-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC868-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BC868-QX?
BC868-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BC868-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-QX?
For technical support, including BC868-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC868-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BC868-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BC868-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-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC868-QX?
All BC868-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC868-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-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BC868-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BC868-QX Tags
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