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

Diodes Incorporated BC868TA

Name: BC868TA
Brand: Diodes Incorporated
SKU: BC868TA
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BC868TA

Manufacturer:: Diodes Incorporated

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-243AA

Datasheet:: BC868TA.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 20V 1A SOT-89-3

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:3,735

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Product details

Overview

BC868TA from Nexperia is an NPN silicon planar medium-power transistor in SOT89 package, rated for 1 A continuous collector current, 20 V V_CEO, and 1 W power dissipation at 25°C - designed for Class B audio output stages up to 3 W and general-purpose AF amplification.

For engineers reviewing the BC868TA datasheet, BC868TA pinout, BC868TA application, or BC868TA equivalent, key selection factors include its h_FE range (50–375 depending on grade), low V_CE(sat) of 0.5 V at 1 A/100 mA drive, and f_T of 60 MHz - critical for mid-frequency audio driver and switching applications requiring stable gain and fast turn-off.

Technical Context

This transistor operates as a linear amplifier or saturated switch in low-to-medium frequency analog circuits. Its complementary pair BC869 enables push-pull configurations, and its SOT89 thermal pad supports PCB copper pour for improved 1 W power handling at elevated ambient temperatures.

The device exhibits graded h_FE bins (BC868-16: h_FE = 50–160; BC868-25: h_FE = 85–250), with V_BE(on) specified at 1.0 V under 1 A I_C/1 V V_CE, confirming robust base drive capability for reliable saturation in switching use cases.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	20 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage before breakdown in common-emitter configuration
I_C (continuous)	1 A - usable DC collector current with adequate heatsinking at T_amb = 25°C
P_tot	1 W - total power dissipation limit at 25°C ambient; derates linearly above 25°C
V_CE(sat)	0.5 V @ I_C = 1 A, I_B = 100 mA - ensures low conduction loss in switching mode
f_T	60 MHz @ I_C = 10 mA, V_CE = 5 V - supports stable gain up to mid-audio and low-RF frequencies
h_FE (BC868-25)	85–250 @ I_C = 500 mA, V_CE = 1 V - enables predictable current amplification in bias-sensitive stages

Pinout & Package

SOT89 package with exposed thermal pad; standard 3-pin configuration (Collector, Base, Emitter) oriented as C-C-B-E per marking diagram - pin 1 = Collector, pin 2 = Collector (tab), pin 3 = Base, pin 4 = Emitter (SOT89-3 variant uses pins 1–3 only; tab is Collector).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1 / Tab	Collector	Primary high-current output node; thermally coupled to PCB copper for 1 W dissipation
Pin 2	Base	Current-controlled input terminal; requires ~100 mA drive for full saturation at 1 A I_C
Pin 3	Emitter	Reference node for common-emitter operation; tied to ground or low-impedance return path

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Medium-power SOT89 package	Enables surface-mount integration with 1 W thermal capability via PCB copper pour
Graded h_FE options	BC868-16 (50–160) and BC868-25 (85–250) support consistent bias design across production lots
Low V_CE(sat)	0.5 V at full 1 A load reduces power loss and heat generation in switching applications
Complementary pairing	BC869 PNP counterpart allows matched push-pull output stage implementation

Applications

Audio Output Stage

DC-DC Converter Switch

Use Scenario: Class B emitter-follower driver in portable audio amplifiers delivering up to 3 W into 8 Ω loads.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power NPN switch/amplifier providing current gain and low-output-impedance drive.

Use Value: Low V_CE(sat) minimizes quiescent heating; h_FE ≥85 ensures stable bias under varying temperature.

Use Scenario: Main switching transistor in 5–12 V input, 1 A buck converter operating below 100 kHz.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch controlling inductor current path during ON phase.

Use Value: 1 A I_C rating and 0.5 V V_CE(sat) enable >85% efficiency at 1 A load without forced cooling.

Linear Voltage Regulator Pass Element

Signal-Level AF Amplifier

Use Scenario: Series pass transistor in adjustable 3-terminal linear regulator supplying 500 mA at 5–12 V output.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Continuously biased active element dissipating variable power based on input-output differential.

Use Value: 1 W P_tot and -65°C to +150°C T_j range allow operation under worst-case dropout conditions.

Use Scenario: First-stage preamplifier in battery-powered microphone interface with 20–20 kHz bandwidth.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter small-signal amplifier with fixed bias network.

Use Value: 60 MHz f_T and h_FE >100 ensure flat gain response and low distortion across audio band.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar medium-power NPN transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
ZTX653	Higher V_CEO (60 V), lower h_FE (20–150), TO-92 package	Less suitable for compact SMT layouts; better for higher-voltage industrial controls	Select when >20 V supply rails or through-hole assembly required
MMBT4401	Same SOT-23 package, lower P_tot (350 mW), h_FE 100–300	Not rated for 1 A continuous current or 1 W dissipation	Choose only for <300 mA signal-switching roles where board space is critical

Compared with ZTX653 and MMBT4401, BC868TA uniquely balances 1 A current capability, 1 W power handling in SOT89, and graded h_FE - making it optimal for space-constrained, medium-power audio and power-switching designs where thermal performance and gain consistency matter.

Availability

BC868TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio output stages, DC-DC converter switches, linear regulator pass elements, and signal-level AF amplifiers requiring stable component supply across production volumes.

Supply support for BC868TA 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 discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified and industrial-grade components.

BC868TA belongs to Nexperia's medium-power bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, thermally robust analog and switching applications in consumer, industrial, and automotive electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BC868TA?

The BC868TA is rated for 1 A continuous collector current at T_amb = 25°C with sufficient PCB copper area for heat spreading. Derating is required above 25°C ambient - approximately 12.5 mA/°C reduction beyond 25°C, reaching zero at 105°C case temperature per the 1 W P_tot limit.

Is BC868TA pin-compatible with BC869?

No - BC868TA (NPN) and BC869 (PNP) are complementary types with identical SOT89 pinout (C-B-E), but opposite polarity. They share mechanical compatibility for push-pull layouts, yet cannot be substituted electrically without circuit redesign due to reversed current flow and bias requirements.

Does BC868TA require a heatsink in 1 W operation?

Not a discrete heatsink - the SOT89 package relies on PCB copper pour connected to the collector tab for thermal conduction. A minimum 100 mm² copper area (2 oz/ft²) is recommended to maintain junction temperature within -65°C to +150°C limits at full 1 W dissipation in still air.

What h_FE grade does BC868TA correspond to?

BC868TA denotes the standard version without suffix; per Nexperia documentation, it maps to the BC868-25 grade with h_FE ranging from 85 to 250 at I_C = 500 mA and V_CE = 1 V - verified by production test data and marked as "CDC" on the device body.

BC868TA Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Diodes Incorporated

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-243AA

Packaging:: Digi-Reel®

Product Status:: Obsolete

Transistor Type:: NPN

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 1 A

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 20 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 500mV @ 100mA, 1A

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: -

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 85 @ 500mA, 1V

Power - Max:: 1 W

Frequency - Transition:: 60MHz

Operating Temperature:: -65°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-89-3

BC868TA FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BC868TA through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BC868TA 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 BC868TA reliable?

The price and inventory of BC868TA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BC868TA is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BC868TA?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BC868TA transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BC868TA?

BC868TA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BC868TA 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 BC868TA?

For technical support, including BC868TA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BC868TA requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BC868TA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BC868TA 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 BC868TA meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BC868TA?

All BC868TA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BC868TA, 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 BC868TA part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BC868TA:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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