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

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,000
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Product details
Overview
BCP51-16TF 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 hFE at VCE = −2 V and IC = −150 mA. It serves as a high-side switch or linear regulator pass element in automotive-grade power management circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BCP51-16TF datasheet, BCP51-16TF pinout, BCP51-16TF application, or BCP51-16TF equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, thermal performance on FR4 PCBs (Rth(j-a) down to 70 K/W), peak current capability (−2 A), and guaranteed hFE minimum of 100 - critical for stable biasing in MOSFET driver stages.
Technical Context
This PNP transistor operates with open-base collector-emitter breakdown voltage of −45 V and emitter-base breakdown voltage of −5 V, enabling robust operation in 12 V and 24 V automotive supply rails. Its pulsed transition frequency reaches 100 MHz, supporting moderate-speed switching in power control loops.
The device features four-terminal SOT223 construction with dual collector leads (pins 2 and 4) for enhanced thermal conduction and current handling. Thermal resistance varies significantly with PCB layout: Rth(j-a) ranges from 209 K/W (standard footprint, single-layer) to 70 K/W (4-layer board with 1 cm² collector pad), directly impacting safe operating area under sustained load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V: Maximum allowable collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines safe operation in 24 V automotive systems with transients. |
| IC | −1 A continuous: Rated DC collector current; supports load switching up to ~12 W at 12 V with adequate heatsinking. |
| hFE | 100–250 at IC = −150 mA: Guaranteed DC current gain range ensures predictable base drive requirements for saturation in high-side configurations. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ −500 mV at IC = −500 mA, IB = −50 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and heat generation in linear regulator or switch applications. |
| Ptot | 1.8 W (4-layer PCB, 1 cm² collector pad): Maximum dissipation under optimized layout; enables compact thermal design without external heatsink. |
| fT | 100–140 MHz: Transition frequency confirms suitability for switching frequencies up to several MHz in driver stages. |
| Rth(j-a) | 70 K/W (4-layer PCB, 1 cm² collector pad): Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance determines temperature rise per watt - critical for reliability at full load. |
Pinout & Package
SOT223 (SC-73) surface-mount plastic package with integrated heatsink tab (pin 4), designed for high-power dissipation in space-constrained layouts. The 4-pin configuration includes redundant collector connections to improve current sharing and thermal path efficiency.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control terminal; requires −15 mA typical base drive for full saturation at −500 mA collector current. |
| 2 | Collector | Main current-carrying terminal; electrically identical to pin 4; connects to high-side rail or load return path. |
| 3 | Emiter | Output/switched node; tied to load or regulated output; reverse polarity relative to NPN counterparts. |
| 4 | Collector | Duplicate collector terminal; bonded to internal die and package tab for low-inductance, low-resistance thermal and electrical path. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control, body electronics, and ADAS power stages. |
| High hFE bin (100–250) | Reduces required base drive current and simplifies bias network design in discrete driver circuits. |
| Dual-collector SOT223 package | Enables 1.8 W power dissipation with standard PCB layout - eliminates need for through-hole TO-220 in many designs. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ −500 mV at IC/IB = 10 ensures <1 W conduction loss at 1 A, improving efficiency in linear regulators. |
| −2 A peak current rating | Supports inrush current handling in motor drivers or capacitive load switching without secondary protection. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 5 V or 3.3 V linear regulators for microcontroller power domains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP pass element controlling output voltage via base-emitter feedback loop; no timing function. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) and stable hFE ensure tight regulation accuracy and minimal dropout across load steps. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting and current-boosting stage driving high-threshold N-channel MOSFET gates in half-bridge circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current PNP switch sourcing gate charge; operates in saturation during turn-on phase. Use Value: −2 A peak current and fast fT enable sub-microsecond gate charging, reducing switching losses in 100 kHz–1 MHz converters. |
| High-Side Switches | Automotive Power Management |
|
Use Scenario: Load switch controlling 12 V accessories (fans, solenoids, sensors) from microcontroller GPIO. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete high-side switch with integrated base resistor network (external); no built-in timing. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and −45 V VCEO withstand automotive load-dump transients up to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. |
Use Scenario: Power distribution block in body control modules managing lighting, HVAC, and infotainment subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary switching element in local DC-DC pre-regulation or battery-isolation paths. Use Value: 1.8 W dissipation capability and 150 °C Tj(max) support continuous operation in sealed enclosures up to +105 °C ambient. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP medium-power switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCP52-16TF | NPN complement; same package, voltage/current ratings, but opposite polarity and biasing logic. | Requires inverted control signal and different topology (e.g., low-side vs. high-side switching). | Select when circuit architecture mandates NPN placement or shared base-drive resources with NPN counterparts. |
| ZTX951 | TO-92 package; lower Ptot (1 W), higher Rth(j-a) (~200 K/W); hFE 100–300 at IC = −100 mA. | Limited to <500 mW continuous dissipation; unsuitable for >0.5 A loads without forced cooling. | Choose only for cost-sensitive, low-power prototypes where SOT223 footprint is not required. |
Compared with BCP51-16TF, BCP52-16TF enables complementary push-pull designs but cannot replace it in high-side roles without topology changes; ZTX951 offers higher hFE but lacks automotive qualification and thermal headroom for production automotive use.
Availability
BCP51-16TF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, high-side switching, and linear voltage regulation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for BCP51-16TF 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 semiconductors, delivering high-performance, reliable components for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
The BCP51T series belongs to Nexperia's medium-power discrete transistor portfolio, engineered specifically for AEC-Q101-compliant automotive power control and linear regulation where robustness, thermal efficiency, and consistent gain are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum junction temperature and how does it affect thermal design?
The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150 °C. To maintain reliability, designers must ensure actual Tj stays below this limit using the specified Rth(j-a) values - e.g., with 70 K/W on a 4-layer board and 1.2 W dissipation, temperature rise is 84 K, allowing 66 °C ambient before reaching 150 °C junction.
Is BCP51-16TF pin-compatible with other SOT223 PNP transistors like MMBT4403?
No - BCP51-16TF uses a 4-pin SOT223 with dual collectors (pins 2 and 4), whereas MMBT4403 is a 3-pin SOT23 device. Pin count, footprint, thermal pad connection, and current rating differ fundamentally; direct replacement would require PCB redesign and thermal validation.
Does the "-16" suffix indicate a specific hFE bin, and how is it verified?
Yes - "-16" denotes the highest hFE bin: 100–250 at VCE = −2 V and IC = −150 mA under pulsed conditions. This is verified per batch during final test using automated parametric screening per Nexperia's AEC-Q101 qualification protocol.
Can BCP51-16TF be used in avalanche mode for inductive load suppression?
No - the datasheet does not specify or characterize avalanche energy rating (EAS). Its safe operating area (SOA) curves cover only forward-biased operation; using it in unclamped inductive switching risks secondary breakdown and permanent failure.
BCP51-16TF 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:
- 1.3 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 140MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
BCP51-16TF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCP51-16TF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP51-16TF 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 BCP51-16TF reliable?
The price and inventory of BCP51-16TF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCP51-16TF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP51-16TF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP51-16TF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCP51-16TF?
BCP51-16TF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCP51-16TF 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 BCP51-16TF?
For technical support, including BCP51-16TF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP51-16TF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP51-16TF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCP51-16TF 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 BCP51-16TF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP51-16TF?
All BCP51-16TF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP51-16TF, 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 BCP51-16TF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCP51-16TF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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