STMicroelectronics BCP53-16
- Part No.:
- BCP53-16
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
BCP53-16.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 80V 1A SOT-223
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:10,503
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Product details
Overview
BCP53-16 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon epitaxial planar PNP medium-voltage transistor in SOT-223 package, rated for VCEO = −80 V, IC = −1 A, Ptot = 1.6 W, and hFE = 40–250 (at IC = −5 mA to −500 mA), used as a medium-voltage load switch and output stage transistor in automotive post-voltage regulation and audio amplifier circuits.
For engineers reviewing the BCP53-16 datasheet, BCP53-16 pinout, BCP53-16 application, or BCP53-16 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed hFE range at multiple collector currents, VCE(sat) ≤ −0.5 V at IC = −500 mA/IB = −50 mA, fT = 50 MHz, thermal resistance Rthj-amb = 78 °C/W on 1 cm² PCB, and complementary pairing with BCP56-16.
Technical Context
This PNP bipolar junction transistor operates in linear or switching mode with base-controlled current amplification. Its breakdown ratings-VCBO = −100 V, VCEO = −80 V, and VCER = −100 V with 1 kΩ base-emitter resistor-support robust medium-voltage switching in regulated power rails.
DC current gain hFE is specified across three operating points (IC = −5 mA, −150 mA, −500 mA), enabling predictable gain behavior in both small-signal amplification and saturated switching. Transition frequency fT = 50 MHz at IC = −10 mA confirms suitability for audio-frequency and fast-switching applications up to several megahertz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −80 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition, defining upper limit for load switching in 24 V/48 V automotive systems. |
| IC | −1 A continuous: Rated collector current enables direct drive of medium-power loads such as relays, LED arrays, or pre-driver stages. |
| Ptot | 1.6 W at Tamb = 25 °C: Power dissipation capability with standard PCB mounting (1 cm² copper area), supporting thermally constrained surface-mount designs. |
| hFE | 40–250: DC current gain range across IC = −5 mA to −500 mA, ensuring stable biasing and predictable saturation in both linear and switching configurations. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ −0.5 V at IC = −500 mA / IB = −50 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating during high-current switching. |
| fT | 50 MHz: Transition frequency confirms usable bandwidth for audio amplification and fast digital signal switching up to ~5–10 MHz. |
Pinout & Package
SOT-223 plastic surface-mount package with integrated heat sink tab (pin 2), optimized for thermal performance on PCBs with ≥1 cm² copper area. Standard 3-pin configuration: emitter, base, collector, with pin 2 electrically connected to collector and thermally coupled to heatsink pad.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter | Current exit terminal; referenced to ground or negative rail in PNP high-side switch configurations. |
| 2 | Collector (and thermal tab) | Main current input; electrically and thermally tied to exposed metal tab for enhanced heat dissipation into PCB copper. |
| 3 | Base | Control input; requires current-limited drive (max IB = −0.1 A) to ensure reliable saturation without overdrive. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Medium-voltage PNP switching | VCEO = −80 V supports operation in 24 V/48 V automotive and industrial supply rails with margin. |
| Complementary pairing | Matched gain and rating with NPN BCP56-16 enables balanced push-pull and H-bridge driver designs. |
| High fT for audio use | 50 MHz transition frequency ensures low distortion and stable gain in Class-A/B audio output stages. |
| Thermally enhanced SOT-223 | Rthj-amb = 78 °C/W on 1 cm² PCB allows >1 W dissipation without external heatsink in space-constrained layouts. |
Applications
| Automotive Post-Voltage Regulation | Audio Amplifier Output Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating downstream 5 V or 3.3 V supplies after main DC-DC converter in vehicle infotainment or body control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP pass transistor controlling current flow from higher intermediate rail (e.g., 12 V) to regulated output, operating in linear mode. Use Value: VCEO = −80 V and hFE stability across temperature enable precise dropout control and thermal reliability under load transients. | Use Scenario: Driving speaker loads in Class-B or Class-AB audio output stages of car radios and cabin amplifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary PNP output device paired with NPN BCP56-16 in push-pull configuration to deliver bidirectional current to speaker. Use Value: fT = 50 MHz and low VCE(sat) reduce crossover distortion and conduction loss, improving audio fidelity and efficiency. |
| Medium-Voltage Load Switch | Industrial Relay Driver |
Use Scenario: Enabling/disabling 24 V solenoids, valves, or sensors in factory automation and building management systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP switch controlled by microcontroller GPIO via base resistor network. Use Value: IC = −1 A rating and robust VCBO = −100 V withstand inductive kickback without snubber diodes in many cases. | Use Scenario: Driving coil current for 24 V DC relays in PLC I/O modules and motor control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated-switching transistor providing full coil current while minimizing power loss and self-heating. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ −0.5 V at IC = −500 mA reduces relay coil power dissipation and improves system thermal margin. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP medium-voltage switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCP53-10 | Lower hFE range (25–160) and same VCEO/IC ratings. | Suitable where lower gain suffices and tighter hFE tolerance is acceptable. | Select when bias network design accommodates reduced minimum gain and cost sensitivity outweighs gain headroom. |
| MJD2955T4G | TO-220 package, higher Ptot = 15 W, VCEO = −60 V, hFE = 20–70 at IC = −4 A. | Requires heatsink; suited for higher-current, lower-frequency power switching-not surface-mount audio or compact regulation. | Choose only when >1 A continuous current or forced-air cooling is required; not drop-in compatible due to package and gain profile. |
Compared with BCP53-10, the BCP53-16 offers higher guaranteed hFE for more stable biasing in precision linear regulators; versus MJD2955T4G, it trades raw power handling for SMT compatibility, thermal efficiency on PCB, and audio-grade fT.
Availability
BCP53-16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive post-regulation, audio amplifier output stages, medium-voltage load switching, and industrial relay driving requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.
Supply support for BCP53-16 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, power, MCU, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BCP53 series belongs to ST's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for medium-voltage linear regulation and audio-frequency switching in space- and thermal-constrained surface-mount applications.
FAQ
Is BCP53-16 suitable for linear regulator pass transistor applications?
Yes. With VCEO = −80 V, hFE = 40–250, and Ptot = 1.6 W on standard PCB layout, it supports adjustable linear regulators delivering up to ~500 mA at 5–12 V output from 24 V input rails. Thermal derating must be applied above 25 °C ambient per Rthj-amb = 78 °C/W.
What is the recommended base drive for saturation switching?
For reliable saturation at IC = −500 mA, apply IB = −50 mA (hFE ≥ 10), using a series base resistor calculated from microcontroller output voltage and VBE(on) ≈ −1 V. Avoid exceeding IB = −0.1 A peak to prevent base damage per absolute maximum ratings.
Can BCP53-16 be used in push-pull audio output stages with BCP56-16?
Yes. The BCP53-16 (PNP) and BCP56-16 (NPN) are explicitly designated as complementary types with matched voltage ratings, gain ranges, and thermal characteristics. Their SOT-223 footprints allow symmetrical PCB layout and thermal coupling in Class-AB amplifier output stages.
Does the SOT-223 package require special PCB layout considerations?
Yes. Pin 2 (collector/thermal tab) must be soldered to ≥1 cm² of copper pour for thermal performance. Use thermal vias under the tab if internal layers are available. Keep traces short and wide for collector/emitter paths, and avoid routing sensitive signals near the tab to minimize coupling from switching noise.
BCP53-16 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- 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):
- 80 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:
- 1.6 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 50MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
BCP53-16 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCP53-16 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP53-16 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 BCP53-16 reliable?
The price and inventory of BCP53-16 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCP53-16 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP53-16?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP53-16 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCP53-16?
BCP53-16 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCP53-16 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 BCP53-16?
For technical support, including BCP53-16 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP53-16 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP53-16 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCP53-16 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 BCP53-16 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP53-16?
All BCP53-16 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP53-16, 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 BCP53-16 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCP53-16:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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