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Nexperia USA Inc. BCP55-16-QX
- Part No.:
- BCP55-16-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
BCP55-16-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 60V 1A SOT-223
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,585
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Product details
Overview
BCP55-16-QX from Nexperia is a 60 V, 1 A NPN medium power transistor in SOT223 (SC-73) package, optimized for automotive-grade low-side switching and MOSFET driver stages with hFE = 100–250 at IC = 150 mA, VCE = 2 V, and qualified to AEC-Q101. It delivers 1.35 W total power dissipation on 6 cm² copper pad and supports peak collector current up to 2 A.
For engineers reviewing the BCP55-16-QX datasheet, BCP55-16-QX pinout, BCP55-16-QX application, or BCP55-16-QX equivalent, this device is selected for linear voltage regulators, battery-driven power management, and high-reliability automotive subsystems where thermal robustness and DC gain consistency across temperature are critical.
Technical Context
This NPN transistor operates as a medium-power amplifying and switching element with open-base collector-emitter breakdown voltage of 60 V and emitter-base breakdown voltage of 5 V. Its pulsed hFE range (100–250) is specified under tightly controlled conditions: VCE = 2 V, IC = 150 mA, Tamb = 25 °C, pulse width ≤ 300 μs, duty cycle ≤ 0.02.
Thermal performance is defined across three mounting configurations: standard SOT223 footprint (Rth(j-a) = 192 K/W), 1 cm² collector pad (125 K/W), and 6 cm² pad (93 K/W). Saturation voltage remains ≤ 0.5 V at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA, enabling efficient low-side drive in power control circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 60 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in switch/driver applications |
| IC | 1 A continuous - Rated DC collector current; sets steady-state load-handling capability in regulators and drivers |
| hFE | 100–250 at VCE = 2 V, IC = 150 mA - Confirmed DC current gain range for stable bias design in linear and switching modes |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.5 V at IC = 500 mA, IB = 50 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in low-side switch configurations |
| Ptot | 1.35 W on 6 cm² copper - Maximum power dissipation achievable with enhanced heatsinking; enables higher ambient operation |
| fT | 100–180 MHz - Transition frequency confirms suitability for moderate-speed switching (e.g., <500 kHz PWM drivers) |
| Rth(j-a) | 93 K/W (6 cm² pad) - Thermal resistance directly determines junction temperature rise under given power load |
Pinout & Package
SOT223 (SC-73) surface-mount plastic package with 4 leads; lead 1 = Base, leads 2 & 4 = Collector (internally connected), lead 3 = Emitter; integrated heatsink tab (lead 2/4) requires soldered copper area for thermal management.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control input node; requires current-limited drive (IB ≤ 0.3 A peak) to avoid overdrive and ensure reliable hFE operation |
| 2 & 4 | Collector | Dual-collector configuration improves thermal path; both pins must be soldered to ≥1 cm² copper for rated Ptot |
| 3 | Emitter | Reference node for output stage; tied to ground or low-side return path in switch/driver topologies |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive use per Stress Test Qualification for Discrete Semiconductors - enables deployment in engine control, body electronics, and ADAS power stages |
| Three hFE variants | BCP55-16-QX provides mid-to-high gain (100–250), enabling precise biasing in feedback loops without external gain compensation |
| Enhanced thermal dissipation | 1.35 W rating with 6 cm² copper pad - supports sustained 1 A operation in compact automotive PCB layouts |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.5 V at IC/IB = 10 - reduces conduction loss by >30% vs. generic 1 A transistors, improving efficiency in battery-fed systems |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | Power Management |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 3-terminal linear regulator supplying 5 V/1 A to microcontroller subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN pass element controlling output voltage via base current modulation in series regulation topology. Use Value: Stable hFE (100–250) ensures predictable loop gain; 60 V VCEO accommodates 24 V automotive input rails with margin. |
Use Scenario: Load switch enabling/disabling 12 V power domains in infotainment head units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power NPN switch driving gate of downstream PMOS high-side FET or directly switching resistive loads. Use Value: Dual-collector SOT223 package enables 1.35 W dissipation during inrush, preventing thermal shutdown during hot-plug events. |
| Low-Side Switches | MOSFET Drivers |
Use Scenario: Ground-referenced switching of solenoids or relays in chassis control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated NPN switch sinking up to 1 A load current with minimal VCE(sat) loss. Use Value: ≤0.5 V saturation voltage limits power loss to <500 mW at full load, reducing board-level heating in sealed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for logic-level N-channel MOSFETs in DC-DC converter synchronous rectifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-amplifying stage converting MCU GPIO output into ~50 mA gate charge/discharge current. Use Value: fT ≥ 100 MHz supports clean 100–500 kHz switching edges; AEC-Q101 rating ensures reliability in noisy power-conversion environments. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCP55-10-Q | hFE = 63–160 at same test conditions - lower and narrower gain range | Less suitable for precision biasing in analog feedback paths; preferred where gain tolerance is relaxed | Select when circuit stability is less sensitive to hFE variation or when cost optimization is prioritized over gain headroom |
| BCP54-16-Q | Lower VCEO = 45 V; identical hFE range and package | Not suitable for 24 V+ automotive inputs requiring 60 V breakdown margin | Choose only for 12 V systems with strict voltage derating constraints and no need for 60 V headroom |
Compared with BCP55-10-Q and BCP54-16-Q, the BCP55-16-QX offers the highest guaranteed hFE floor (100) and full 60 V breakdown margin - making it optimal for automotive linear regulators and high-reliability low-side switches where gain consistency and voltage safety are non-negotiable.
Availability
BCP55-16-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear voltage regulators, automotive power management, and low-side switching applications requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and consistent DC current gain performance.
Supply support for BCP55-16-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 high-volume, high-reliability essential semiconductors - delivering discrete, logic, and MOSFET solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BCP55-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified medium-power bipolar transistor portfolio, engineered specifically for automotive power control, linear regulation, and driver-stage amplification where thermal resilience and parametric consistency are critical.
FAQ
Is BCP55-16-QX pin-compatible with other SOT223 NPN transistors?
Yes - BCP55-16-QX uses standard SOT223 pinout (1 = Base, 2/4 = Collector, 3 = Emitter) and shares mechanical footprint with industry-standard SOT223 devices. However, electrical parameters (especially hFE range and VCEO) differ; direct substitution requires validation of gain and voltage requirements in the target circuit.
What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum DC base current is 0.3 A, but for reliable long-term operation at 1 A collector current, design practice limits IB to ≤50 mA (IC/IB ≥ 20) to maintain saturation and avoid thermal runaway. Peak pulses up to 0.3 A are permitted only for ≤1 ms with duty cycle ≤ 0.02.
Can BCP55-16-QX replace BCP55-10-Q in an existing design?
Yes, if the circuit benefits from higher minimum hFE (100 vs. 63) and does not rely on the tighter 63–160 spread of the -10 variant. No layout change is needed, but verify that increased gain does not cause instability in feedback-controlled applications like linear regulators.
Does the dual-collector configuration require both pins 2 and 4 to be connected?
Yes - pins 2 and 4 are internally joined to the collector and share the thermal path. Both must be soldered to the PCB copper pour to achieve the rated 1.35 W power dissipation; omitting either compromises thermal performance and risks premature failure under sustained load.
BCP55-16-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- BCP55-Q
- Package/Case:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 1 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 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:
- 180MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
BCP55-16-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCP55-16-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP55-16-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 BCP55-16-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BCP55-16-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCP55-16-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP55-16-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP55-16-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCP55-16-QX?
BCP55-16-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCP55-16-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 BCP55-16-QX?
For technical support, including BCP55-16-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP55-16-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP55-16-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCP55-16-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 BCP55-16-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP55-16-QX?
All BCP55-16-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP55-16-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 BCP55-16-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCP55-16-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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