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Nexperia USA Inc. BCP68-25-QF
- Part No.:
- BCP68-25-QF
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
BCP68-25-QF.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 20V 2A SOT-223
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:9,362
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Product details
Overview
BCP68-25-QF from Nexperia is a 20 V, 2 A NPN medium power transistor in SOT223 (SC-73) package, optimized for automotive-grade low-side switching and MOSFET driver stages. It delivers hFE = 160–375 at VCE = 1 V, IC = 500 mA, supports 3 A peak pulsed current, and is qualified to AEC-Q101.
For engineers reviewing the BCP68-25-QF datasheet, BCP68-25-QF pinout, BCP68-25-QF application, or BCP68-25-QF equivalent, this device is selected for linear voltage regulators, battery-driven power management, and thermally constrained amplifier stages where DC current gain stability and junction temperature control up to 150 °C are critical.
Technical Context
This NPN bipolar transistor operates as a medium-power amplifying or switching element with open-base collector-emitter breakdown of 20 V and collector-base breakdown of 32 V. Its pulsed operation supports 3 A peak current (tp ≤ 1 ms), and its base-emitter saturation behavior is characterized at IC/IB = 10 across –55 °C to +100 °C.
Thermal design relies on validated junction-to-ambient resistance: 192 K/W (standard FR4 footprint), 125 K/W (1 cm² collector pad), or 93 K/W (6 cm² pad). The device exhibits fT = 40–170 MHz at VCE = 5 V, IC = 50 mA, enabling use in mid-frequency signal amplification and fast-switching control loops.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in low-side switch designs. |
| IC | 2 A continuous - Sustained collector current rating under Tamb ≤ 25 °C with standard PCB layout. |
| hFE | 160–375 at VCE = 1 V, IC = 500 mA - Confirmed DC current gain range for stable biasing in linear regulator error amplifiers. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.6 V at IC = 2 A, IB = 200 mA - Low saturation voltage enables <1.2 W conduction loss in 2 A switching applications. |
| Ptot | 1.35 W with 6 cm² copper pad - Maximum dissipation achievable with enhanced thermal layout; determines heatsink requirement. |
| fT | 40–170 MHz - Transition frequency confirming suitability for audio and sub-MHz PWM feedback amplification. |
| Rth(j-a) | 93 K/W (6 cm² pad) - Thermal resistance defining junction temperature rise per watt; critical for lifetime estimation in automotive ambient. |
Pinout & Package
SOT223 (SC-73) surface-mount plastic package with 4 leads: pins 1 (B), 2 (C), 3 (E), and 4 (C) - dual-collector configuration improves thermal conduction and current handling. Pin 2 and Pin 4 are internally connected to the same collector terminal and share the large exposed copper tab for heatsinking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control input requiring ~200 mA drive for full 2 A saturation; base-emitter voltage ≤ 1 V at IC = 1 A. |
| 2 | Collector | Main high-current output node; electrically tied to Pin 4; mounted to PCB copper area for thermal management. |
| 3 | Emitter | Reference node for bias network; common return path for load current in low-side switch topology. |
| 4 | Collector | Second collector terminal, internally bonded to Pin 2; used for mechanical reinforcement and additional thermal path. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive underhood applications including engine control modules and body electronics. |
| High hFE bin (160–375) | Reduces required base drive current and simplifies driver stage design in space-constrained regulators. |
| Dual-collector SOT223 package | Enables 1.35 W power dissipation with 6 cm² copper pad - 37% higher than standard SOT223 variants. |
| Low VCE(sat) at 2 A | Minimizes conduction losses in battery-powered devices operating near 2 A load thresholds. |
| 150 °C maximum junction temperature | Supports operation in extended ambient environments such as automotive cabin and industrial motor drives. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Error amplifier and pass transistor driver in adjustable LDOs delivering up to 2 A output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN medium-power transistor providing high-gain current amplification for reference-to-output feedback loop. Use Value: Stable hFE over temperature ensures consistent regulation accuracy across –40 °C to +125 °C ambient. |
Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for N-channel power MOSFETs in DC-DC converters and motor H-bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-saturation switch translating logic-level signals into high-current gate charge/discharge pulses. Use Value: VCE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V at 2 A reduces driver-stage power loss and enables faster MOSFET turn-on. |
| Low-Side Switches | Battery-Driven Devices |
Use Scenario: Load switching in automotive lighting, HVAC actuators, and solenoid control modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power NPN switch placed between load and ground, controlled by microcontroller GPIO. Use Value: Dual-collector thermal design sustains 2 A continuous current without derating in sealed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Power path management and load switching in portable medical monitors and handheld test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability discrete switch enabling battery isolation, backlight control, and sensor power gating. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification ensures long-term reliability under repeated thermal cycling and vibration stress. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN medium-power switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCP56-16 | Lower VCEO (60 V), lower hFE (100–250), same SOT223 package, not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Acceptable in industrial non-automotive 2 A switches but lacks automotive qualification and thermal margin. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs AEC-Q101 compliance and thermal performance requirements. |
| ZTX653 | Higher VCEO (60 V), higher Ptot (1.5 W), TO-92 package, no AEC-Q101 qualification. | Requires through-hole assembly and offers no SMT thermal advantage; unsuitable for high-density automotive PCBs. | Choose only if legacy TO-92 footprint compatibility is mandatory and automotive qualification is not required. |
Compared with BCP56-16 and ZTX653, BCP68-25-QF uniquely combines AEC-Q101 qualification, dual-collector SOT223 thermal performance, and guaranteed hFE ≥ 160 at 500 mA - making it the only option qualified for thermally demanding automotive low-side switching.
Availability
BCP68-25-QF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear voltage regulators, MOSFET drivers, and low-side switches requiring stable component supply in automotive, industrial, and portable power management systems.
Supply support for BCP68-25-QF 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 efficiency-enhancing components, with leadership in logic, discrete, and MOSFET technologies.
The BCP68-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for robust, thermally efficient medium-power switching in automotive and industrial power management.
FAQ
Is BCP68-25-QF pin-compatible with standard SOT223 NPN transistors?
Yes - it uses the standard SOT223 (SC-73) outline with Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Emitter, Pin 4 = Collector. Pins 2 and 4 are internally shorted, matching industry-standard dual-collector SOT223 footprints used by compatible drivers and regulators.
What is the minimum base current required to saturate BCP68-25-QF at 2 A collector current?
At IC = 2 A and VCE ≤ 0.6 V, the datasheet specifies IB = 200 mA. With hFE ≥ 160 at IC = 500 mA and typical fT > 40 MHz, a 200 mA base drive ensures reliable saturation even under worst-case gain and temperature conditions.
Can BCP68-25-QF be used in avalanche mode?
No - the device is not rated or characterized for avalanche energy handling. Its absolute maximum VCEO is 20 V with base open, and operation beyond this risks permanent damage. Clamping circuits or TVS diodes must be used externally if inductive load switching is involved.
How does the 6 cm² copper pad affect thermal performance compared to standard layout?
With a 6 cm² collector pad, Rth(j-a) drops to 93 K/W versus 192 K/W on standard FR4 - reducing junction temperature rise by ~100 K/W per watt. This allows full 2 A continuous operation at 70 °C ambient without forced cooling, unlike standard layouts which require derating above 45 °C.
BCP68-25-QF 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:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 2 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 20 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 600mV @ 200mA, 2A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 160 @ 500mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- 650 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 170MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
BCP68-25-QF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCP68-25-QF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP68-25-QF 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 BCP68-25-QF reliable?
The price and inventory of BCP68-25-QF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCP68-25-QF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP68-25-QF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP68-25-QF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCP68-25-QF?
BCP68-25-QF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCP68-25-QF 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 BCP68-25-QF?
For technical support, including BCP68-25-QF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP68-25-QF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP68-25-QF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCP68-25-QF 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 BCP68-25-QF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP68-25-QF?
All BCP68-25-QF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP68-25-QF, 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 BCP68-25-QF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCP68-25-QF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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