Nexperia USA Inc. BCP51-16-QX
- Part No.:
- BCP51-16-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
BCP51-16-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 45V 1A SOT-223
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,000
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Product details
Overview
BCP51-16-QX from Nexperia is a PNP medium-power bipolar junction transistor in SOT223 (SC-73) package, rated for −45 V VCEO, −1 A continuous collector current, and 100–250 DC current gain (hFE) at VCE = −2 V and IC = −150 mA. It serves as a high-side switch or linear regulator pass element in automotive power management systems.
For engineers reviewing the BCP51-16-QX datasheet, BCP51-16-QX pinout, BCP51-16-QX application, or BCP51-16-QX equivalent, this device is selected for stable high-current switching in thermally constrained PCB layouts where AEC-Q101 qualification, 1.35 W max power dissipation (with 6 cm² copper pad), and low VCE(sat) (≤ −0.5 V @ IC = −500 mA / IB = −50 mA) are critical.
Technical Context
This PNP transistor operates in linear and saturation regions with verified thermal resistance of 93 K/W (junction-to-ambient, 6 cm² copper pad) and transition frequency fT = 145 MHz at VCE = −5 V, IC = −50 mA. Its base-emitter voltage is −1 V typical at IC = −500 mA, supporting robust drive in MOSFET gate driver stages.
The device features pulsed peak collector current capability of −2 A (tp ≤ 1 ms), emitter-base breakdown voltage of −5 V, and collector capacitance of 15 pF - enabling use in moderate-speed switching and analog amplification with predictable bandwidth and charge storage behavior.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with open base; defines upper rail limit in high-side switch configurations. |
| IC (continuous) | −1 A: Continuous DC collector current rating; supports ≥1 A load switching in automotive body control modules. |
| hFE | 100–250 @ VCE = −2 V, IC = −150 mA: Confirmed DC current gain range ensures predictable base drive sizing for stable biasing. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ −0.5 V @ IC = −500 mA, IB = −50 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in linear regulators and power switches. |
| Ptot | 1.35 W @ Tamb ≤ 25 °C with 6 cm² copper pad: Enables higher power operation than standard SOT223 parts without forced cooling. |
| fT | 145 MHz: Transition frequency confirms suitability for >10 MHz signal amplification and fast-switching gate driving. |
| Rth(j-a) | 93 K/W (6 cm² pad): Verified thermal resistance enables accurate junction temperature estimation under real PCB layout conditions. |
Pinout & Package
SOT223 (SC-73) surface-mount plastic package with 4 leads, 2.3 mm pitch, and 6.5 mm × 3.5 mm × 1.65 mm body dimensions; collector terminals (pins 2 and 4) share internal connection and serve as thermal interface to PCB copper pour.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control input requiring −50 mA base current to saturate at −500 mA collector load; connects to driver IC or microcontroller GPIO via current-limiting resistor. |
| 2 | Collector | Main current path terminal; electrically and thermally tied to pin 4; must be soldered to ≥6 cm² copper area for full 1.35 W rating. |
| 3 | Emiter | High-side reference node; connects to positive supply rail in high-side switch topology; carries full load current. |
| 4 | Collector | Redundant collector terminal; identical function and internal connection to pin 2; used for enhanced thermal conduction and mechanical stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Stress-tested per automotive discrete semiconductor standard; supports deployment in engine control units and ADAS power stages without additional qualification. |
| Three hFE bins | BCP51-16-QX offers 100–250 hFE, enabling precise gain matching across production batches for consistent current mirror or amplifier performance. |
| Enhanced thermal pad | SOT223 footprint includes dual collector pins and optimized thermal pad layout, delivering 37% lower Rth(j-a) vs. standard SOT223 when using 6 cm² copper. |
| High peak current | −2 A single-pulse rating (tp ≤ 1 ms) supports inrush current handling in battery protection circuits and motor startup stages. |
| Low VBE | −1 V typical at IC = −500 mA reduces base drive power loss and eases compatibility with 3.3 V/5 V logic-level drivers. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | High-Side Switches |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Adjustable 5–12 V linear regulator for infotainment system peripherals with <100 mV ripple tolerance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pass transistor controlling output voltage via feedback loop; operates in linear region with constant VCE ≈ 2–3 V. Use Value: 100–250 hFE enables stable closed-loop gain; −0.5 V VCE(sat) minimizes dropout voltage under 1 A load. |
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed high-side power switch for automotive HVAC blower motor control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching element turning on/off motor power rail; driven into saturation during active state. Use Value: Dual collector pins and 1.35 W rating sustain 1 A continuous current with <50 °C junction rise on 6 cm² copper; AEC-Q101 ensures reliability over 15-year vehicle life. |
| Battery-Driven Devices | MOSFET Drivers |
Use Scenario: Reverse-polarity protection and load switch in portable diagnostic tool powered by Li-ion battery pack. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP-based ideal diode controller and enable switch; blocks reverse current and controls power-up sequencing. Use Value: −5 V VEBO rating prevents emitter-base breakdown during hot-swap events; −100 nA IEBO ensures ultra-low quiescent current in standby mode. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting gate driver stage for N-channel high-side MOSFET in 48 V DC-DC converter half-bridge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-amplifying stage translating logic-level PWM to high-current gate charge/discharge pulses. Use Value: 145 MHz fT supports clean 500 kHz switching edges; −2 A ICM handles 1.5 A peak gate current without saturation distortion. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP medium-power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCP52-16-Q | Same SOT223 package and hFE bin, but NPN polarity; VCEO = +45 V, IC = +1 A. | Requires inverted control logic and low-side switching topology; unsuitable for high-side or linear regulator roles. | Select only when circuit architecture mandates NPN configuration and ground-referenced switching. |
| ZTX951 | TO-92 package; VCEO = −60 V, IC = −1 A, hFE = 100–300; no AEC-Q101 qualification; Rth(j-a) ≈ 200 K/W. | Limited to non-automotive, low-power, through-hole designs; cannot support 1 A continuous with thermal constraints. | Use only for prototyping or cost-sensitive consumer applications where AEC-Q101 and SMT assembly are not required. |
Compared with BCP52-16-Q and ZTX951, the BCP51-16-QX uniquely combines AEC-Q101 compliance, SOT223 thermal performance (93 K/W), and PNP high-side functionality - making it irreplaceable in automotive-grade linear regulation and battery-isolation circuits where polarity, qualification, and power density are jointly constrained.
Availability
BCP51-16-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial power supplies, and battery management systems requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for BCP51-16-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 mobile markets.
The BCP51-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified medium-power transistor product line, engineered specifically for automotive power management functions including high-side switching, linear regulation, and MOSFET gate driving under harsh thermal and vibration conditions.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for BCP51-16-QX?
The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150 °C, as specified in the limiting values table. Operation above this threshold causes permanent degradation. Derating curves show that at 100 °C ambient, the device supports ≤0.85 W continuous dissipation with a 6 cm² copper pad - requiring thermal design verification using Rth(j-a) = 93 K/W.
Does BCP51-16-QX support pulsed operation beyond its DC current rating?
Yes - the datasheet specifies a peak collector current (ICM) of −2 A for single pulses ≤1 ms. This enables short-duration inrush current handling in motor drives and hot-swap circuits, provided duty cycle remains below 2% and pulse repetition allows sufficient junction cooling between events.
How does the dual-collector SOT223 pinout improve thermal performance?
Pins 2 and 4 are internally connected to the same collector region and provide redundant solder interfaces to the PCB thermal pad. This doubles the copper attachment area and reduces thermal resistance by up to 37% compared to single-collector SOT223 variants - directly enabling the 1.35 W rating with 6 cm² copper.
Is BCP51-16-QX pin-compatible with earlier BCP51 variants like BCP51-10-Q?
Yes - all BCP51-Q series parts share identical SOT223 pinout (pin 1 = base, pins 2/4 = collector, pin 3 = emitter) and mechanical footprint. The only difference is hFE binning (100–250 for -16-QX vs. 63–160 for -10-Q); electrical substitution is permissible if gain requirements allow margin.
BCP51-16-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 1 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 500mV @ 50mA, 500mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 100 @ 150mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 650 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 145MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
BCP51-16-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCP51-16-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP51-16-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 BCP51-16-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BCP51-16-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCP51-16-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP51-16-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP51-16-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCP51-16-QX?
BCP51-16-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCP51-16-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 BCP51-16-QX?
For technical support, including BCP51-16-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP51-16-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP51-16-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCP51-16-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 BCP51-16-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP51-16-QX?
All BCP51-16-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP51-16-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 BCP51-16-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCP51-16-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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