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Home > Products > Discrete Semiconductor Products > Transistors > Bipolar (BJT) > Single Bipolar Transistors

STMicroelectronics BCP56-16

Name: BCP56-16
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: BCP56-16
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BCP56-16

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-261-4, TO-261AA

Datasheet:: BCP56-16.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 80V 1A SOT-223

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:6,483

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Product details

Overview

BCP56-16 from STMicroelectronics is a silicon epitaxial planar NPN medium-voltage transistor in SOT-223 package, rated for V_CEO = 80 V, I_C = 1 A, and P_tot = 1.6 W at T_amb = 25°C, used as a medium-voltage load switch in automotive post-regulation circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BCP56-16 datasheet, BCP56-16 pinout, BCP56-16 application, or BCP56-16 equivalent, key selection criteria include DC current gain (h_FE = 40–250), V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V at I_C = 500 mA/I_B = 50 mA, thermal resistance (R_thj-amb = 78 °C/W on 1 cm² PCB), and compliance with ECOPACK® lead-free requirements.

Technical Context

This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in linear or saturated switching mode with base-emitter turn-on voltage V_BE(on) = 1 V at I_C = 500 mA and V_CE = 2 V. Its breakdown ratings-V_(BR)CEO = 80 V, V_(BR)CBO = 100 V, and V_(BR)EBO = 5 V-define safe operating limits under open-base and open-collector conditions.

The device features a thermally enhanced SOT-223 plastic surface-mount package with exposed collector tab for improved heat dissipation. Its h_FE varies from 40 (I_C = 5 mA) to 250 (I_C = 5 mA), and drops to 25–100 at I_C = 500 mA, supporting stable biasing across audio output and load-switching duty cycles.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	80 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before avalanche under zero-base-current condition; sets upper rail limit for load-switch applications.
I_C	1 A - Continuous collector current rating; supports medium-power switching up to ~80 W at 80 V with appropriate heatsinking.
h_FE	40–250 - DC current gain range across 5–500 mA I_C; enables predictable base drive sizing for saturation control.
V_CE(sat)	≤ 0.5 V @ I_C = 500 mA / I_B = 50 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in switching mode.
R_thj-amb	78 °C/W - Thermal resistance from junction to ambient on 1 cm² PCB; defines required board copper area for thermal management.
P_tot	1.6 W @ T_amb = 25°C - Total power dissipation limit; derates linearly above 25°C ambient per thermal data sheet.

Pinout & Package

SOT-223 package with three terminals and an exposed collector tab (pin 3) for thermal and electrical connection. Standard pin assignment: Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Emitter, Pin 3 = Collector (tab).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1	Base	Control input for forward-biased junction; requires ~50 mA drive for full saturation at 500 mA collector load.
Pin 2	Emitter	Current return path; internally connected to emitter semiconductor region; referenced to ground in common-emitter configuration.
Pin 3 (Tab)	Collector	Main power output terminal and primary thermal path; must be soldered to ≥1 cm² copper pour for rated power handling.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Medium-voltage operation	V_CEO = 80 V and V_CBO = 100 V enable use in 24–48 V industrial and automotive supply rails without external clamping.
ECOPACK® compliance	Lead-free second-level interconnect meets JEDEC JESD97 and EU RoHS/2002/95/EC directives; marked on package and inner box label.
Thermally optimized SOT-223	Exposed collector tab provides low-impedance thermal path to PCB; R_thj-amb = 78 °C/W enables 1.6 W operation with minimal heatsink area.
Wide h_FE range	h_FE = 40–250 across 5–500 mA I_C allows flexible bias design for both linear amplification and digital switching modes.

Applications

Automotive Post-Voltage Regulation

Audio Amplifier Output Stage

Use Scenario: Regulating downstream 12 V loads after main vehicle battery conditioning, where transient spikes up to 80 V may occur.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-voltage NPN switch controlling current flow to regulated subsystems (e.g., infotainment, lighting modules).

Use Value: Withstand 80 V V_CEO and dissipate up to 1.6 W while maintaining <0.5 V saturation drop ensures stable regulation under load transients.

Use Scenario: Driving speaker loads in Class-B or AB audio amplifier output stages requiring low-distortion current sourcing.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Complementary NPN output transistor paired with BCP53-16 PNP in push-pull configuration.

Use Value: h_FE ≥ 40 at 500 mA and V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V reduce crossover distortion and improve efficiency in mid-power audio outputs.

Industrial Load Switching

DC Motor Control Interface

Use Scenario: Switching solenoids, relays, or LED arrays in programmable logic controller (PLC) output modules operating from 24 V DC rails.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power discrete switch interfacing microcontroller GPIO to higher-current loads.

Use Value: 1 A continuous I_C rating and robust V_(BR)CEO = 80 V tolerate inductive kickback without snubbers in 24 V systems.

Use Scenario: Controlling small brushed DC motors (e.g., fans, actuators) in embedded motion systems with PWM-based speed regulation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switching element driven by MCU PWM signal through current-limiting base resistor.

Use Value: Fast turn-on/off characteristics and low V_CE(sat) minimize switching losses during PWM operation at frequencies up to several kHz.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN medium-voltage switching applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BCP56-10	Lower h_FE range (25–160); same V_CEO, I_C, and package.	Less suitable for low-base-drive designs; requires higher I_B to achieve same I_C.	Select when base drive current is abundant and cost sensitivity outweighs gain margin.
MJD127	TO-220 package; higher P_tot = 15 W; V_CEO = 80 V; h_FE = 1000–4000 at low I_C.	Requires heatsink for >1 W; not surface-mount compatible; better for high-current linear operation.	Choose for higher-power analog amplification where SOT-223 thermal limits are exceeded.

Compared with BCP56-10, the BCP56-16 offers higher h_FE for reduced base drive overhead; versus MJD127, it trades package size and thermal capacity for PCB space savings and reflow compatibility-ideal for compact, medium-power switching.

Availability

BCP56-16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive post-regulation, audio amplifier output stages, and industrial PLC load switching requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BCP56-16 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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs and discrete devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The BCP56 series belongs to ST's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for reliable medium-voltage switching and amplification in cost-sensitive, space-constrained surface-mount applications.

FAQ

Is BCP56-16 suitable for linear amplification?

Yes, BCP56-16 supports linear operation with h_FE = 100–250 at I_C = 5–150 mA and V_CE = 2 V, and exhibits low V_CE(sat) and stable gain curves per Figure 1. It is commonly used in Class-A/B audio output stages, though thermal derating must be applied above 25°C ambient.

What is the maximum safe operating temperature for BCP56-16?

The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150°C, and storage temperature ranges from –65°C to +150°C. At T_amb = 25°C, full 1.6 W dissipation is allowed; above that, power must be linearly derated using R_thj-amb = 78 °C/W, reaching zero dissipation at ~45°C ambient on a 1 cm² PCB.

Does BCP56-16 require a heatsink?

A dedicated heatsink is not required for ≤1.6 W dissipation when mounted on ≥1 cm² of 2-oz copper on FR-4 PCB, per ST's thermal characterization. For sustained >1 W operation or elevated ambient temperatures, additional copper area or thermal vias are recommended instead of mechanical heatsinks due to SOT-223 form factor.

How does BCP56-16 compare to its PNP complement BCP53-16?

BCP56-16 (NPN) and BCP53-16 (PNP) share identical voltage ratings (V_CEO = 80 V), current capability (I_C = 1 A), package (SOT-223), and thermal performance. Their h_FE ranges differ slightly (BCP56-16: 40–250; BCP53-16: 25–250), enabling matched push-pull audio output stages with symmetrical drive requirements.

BCP56-16 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-261-4, TO-261AA

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: NPN

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:: -

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: SOT-223

BCP56-16 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BCP56-16 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP56-16 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 BCP56-16 reliable?

The price and inventory of BCP56-16 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCP56-16 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP56-16?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP56-16 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BCP56-16?

BCP56-16 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BCP56-16 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 BCP56-16?

For technical support, including BCP56-16 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP56-16 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP56-16 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BCP56-16 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 BCP56-16 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP56-16?

All BCP56-16 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP56-16, 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 BCP56-16 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BCP56-16:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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