Diodes Incorporated BCP5516TA

Overview

BCP5516TA from Diodes Incorporated is an NPN medium-power bipolar junction transistor in SOT223 package, rated for 60V V_CEO, 1A continuous collector current, and 2W power dissipation. It features low saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) ≤ 500 mV @ 500 mA/50 mA), h_FE gain group 16 (100–250), and is qualified for automotive-grade applications with AEC-Q101 compliance. It serves as a switching or amplification device in AF driver stages and medium-power load control circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BCP5516TA datasheet, BCP5516TA pinout, BCP5516TA application, or BCP5516TA equivalent, key selection criteria include verified V_CEO = 60 V, h_FE min/max in gain group 16, SOT223 thermal performance (R_θJA = 62 °C/W), and RoHS-compliant "Green" construction with matte tin plating.

Technical Context

This NPN transistor operates in linear or saturated switching modes with DC current gain specified across three test conditions: h_FE ≥ 25 at I_C = 5 mA, ≥ 63 at I_C = 150 mA, and ≥ 100 at I_C = 500 mA - all at V_CE = 2 V. Its f_T = 150 MHz enables use in audio-frequency amplification and fast-switching applications up to several tens of MHz.

Thermal design is enabled by R_θJL = 19.4 °C/W (junction-to-leads) and validated derating curves for 50 mm × 50 mm 1 oz copper PCBs. ESD robustness includes HBM rating of 4,000 V and MM rating of 400 V, supporting handling in standard manufacturing environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT223 - surface-mount, 4-lead plastic package with exposed collector tab for thermal and electrical connection; case weight ≈ 0.112 g; UL 94V-0 rated molding compound.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BCP5510TA, BCP5516TA offers higher minimum h_FE for more predictable biasing; versus MJD31C, it trades raw power handling for smaller footprint, better manufacturability, and certified automotive reliability - making it optimal for space-constrained, production-grade automotive and industrial control nodes.

Availability

BCP5516TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial fan control, and audio output stage designs requiring stable component supply, consistent gain binning, and AEC-Q101 reliability assurance.

Supply support for BCP5516TA 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The BCP5516TA belongs to Diodes' BCP54/55/56 family of medium-power NPN transistors designed specifically for automotive and industrial switching and amplification applications where reliability, thermal performance, and RoHS/Green compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

Is BCP5516TA pin-compatible with BCP5416TA or BCP5616TA?

Yes - all three share identical SOT223 pinout (Emitter-Base-Collector-Tab) and mechanical footprint. However, absolute maximum ratings differ: BCP5416TA has V_CEO = 45 V, BCP5516TA = 60 V, and BCP5616TA = 80 V. Electrical substitution requires verification of voltage stress margins in the target circuit.

What is the recommended PCB layout for thermal performance?

Diodes specifies a 50 mm × 50 mm 1 oz copper area connected directly to the collector tab via multiple thermal vias. The SOT223 pad layout must follow Diodes' published outline (SOT223 Rev. D), with minimum 2.3 mm × 6.4 mm copper pour under the tab and ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting to inner or back-layer planes.

Does BCP5516TA support pulsed operation beyond its DC ratings?

Yes - it supports I_CM = 2 A peak pulse current with pulse width ≤ 300 µs and duty cycle ≤ 2%. This enables short-duration surge handling in motor commutation or solenoid drive, provided average power remains within the 2 W DC limit and thermal design accounts for transient junction temperature rise.

How is the "16" in BCP5516TA interpreted?

The "16" denotes h_FE gain group 16, specifying a guaranteed DC current gain range of 100–250 when measured at I_C = 150 mA and V_CE = 2 V. This binning enables predictable bias network design and reduces calibration overhead in production test for linear amplifier or precision switch applications.