Nexperia USA Inc. BCP68-25/ZLF
- Part No.:
- BCP68-25/ZLF
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
BCP68-25/ZLF.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 20V 2A SOT-223
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,029
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Product details
Overview
BCP68-25/ZLF from Nexperia is a medium-power NPN bipolar junction transistor in SOT223 (SC-73) package, rated for 20 V VCEO, 2 A continuous collector current, and 1.35 W power dissipation on 6 cm² copper pad - used as low-side switch or MOSFET driver in battery-powered DC-DC converters and linear regulators.
For engineers reviewing the BCP68-25/ZLF datasheet, BCP68-25/ZLF pinout, BCP68-25/ZLF application, or BCP68-25/ZLF equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, hFE binning (160–375 at IC = 500 mA), SOT223 terminal mapping, and validated alternatives for power switching designs requiring stable gain and robust pulsed current handling.
Technical Context
The BCP68-25/ZLF operates as a silicon NPN transistor with VCEO = 20 V, VCBO = 32 V, and VEBO = 5 V, supporting linear and switching modes up to 150 °C junction temperature. Its hFE binning (160–375) ensures predictable base drive requirements in saturated-switch applications.
Thermal performance is defined across three PCB mounting conditions: standard footprint (Rth(j-a) = 192 K/W), 1 cm² collector pad (125 K/W), and 6 cm² pad (93 K/W). Transient thermal impedance curves confirm suitability for ≤1 ms pulse operation at duty cycles ≤0.02.
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 configurations. |
| IC (continuous) | 2 A - Continuous DC collector current rating at Tamb ≤ 25 °C on 6 cm² copper; sets steady-state load-driving capability. |
| hFE @ VCE=1 V, IC=500 mA | 160–375 - Guaranteed DC current gain range for precise base resistor selection in saturation-critical drivers. |
| Ptot (max) | 1.35 W - Total power dissipation limit on FR4 PCB with 6 cm² collector copper; determines thermal margin in compact power stages. |
| fT | 40–170 MHz - Transition frequency at VCE=5 V, IC=50 mA; supports high-speed switching up to ~10 MHz with adequate gain margin. |
| VCE(sat) @ IC=2 A, IB=200 mA | ≤ 0.6 V - Confirmed saturation voltage ensuring <1.2 W conduction loss at full rated current. |
| Cc | 22 pF - Collector capacitance at VCB=10 V; impacts switching speed and EMI in hard-switched topologies. |
Pinout & Package
SOT223 (SC-73) surface-mount plastic package with four terminals: two collector leads (pins 2 and 4) for enhanced thermal and current handling, one base (pin 1), and one emitter (pin 3). The exposed collector tab provides direct thermal path to PCB copper.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control input node; requires current-limited drive to achieve target IC with specified hFE. |
| 2 | Collector | Main high-current output terminal; electrically and thermally tied to pin 4 and exposed metal tab. |
| 3 | Emitter | Reference node for load return path; common connection point for grounded-load configurations. |
| 4 | Collector | Second collector terminal - parallel-connected to pin 2 to reduce bond wire resistance and improve thermal spreading. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| High IC/ICM capability | 2 A continuous / 3 A peak (1 ms pulse) enables driving heavy loads like solenoids or power MOSFET gates without external amplification. |
| Two hFE bins (BCP68 / BCP68-25) | BCP68-25 guarantees 160–375 hFE at IC=500 mA, reducing base drive uncertainty in production designs. |
| Enhanced thermal performance | 93 K/W Rth(j-a) with 6 cm² collector pad allows >1 W dissipation in space-constrained industrial PCBs. |
| Robust absolute maximum ratings | VCBO=32 V, VEBO=5 V, and Tj=150 °C support operation in noisy 24 V systems with transient overvoltage exposure. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable LDOs delivering up to 2 A output current with dropout <1 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Series pass element regulating output by varying VCE in linear mode. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) (≤0.6 V) and stable hFE minimize dropout and thermal drift across load and temperature. |
Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for N-channel power MOSFETs in buck converters or motor H-bridges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current amplifier converting microcontroller GPIO logic into high-current gate charge/discharge pulses. Use Value: 3 A peak current capability and fast fT ensure sub-100 ns gate transitions for efficient 500 kHz–1 MHz switching. |
| Low-Side Switches | Battery-Driven Devices |
|
Use Scenario: Load switch controlling 12 V/2 A solenoids, relays, or LED arrays in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch connecting load between supply and ground under digital control. Use Value: Dual-collector construction lowers on-resistance equivalent and improves thermal reliability during sustained 2 A conduction. |
Use Scenario: Power management in portable medical monitors or handheld test equipment with 3.3–24 V battery inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Enable-controlled power path switch isolating subsystems to extend battery life. Use Value: Low ICBO (≤100 nA) and wide Tamb range (−55 to +150 °C) ensure low standby leakage and field reliability. |
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 | Same SOT223 package; lower VCEO (60 V), higher hFE min (100), but lower IC (1 A). | Better for higher-voltage, lower-current linear regulation where gain stability > current capacity is critical. | Select when operating above 20 V rail or needing tighter hFE tolerance at <1 A loads. |
| ZTX653 | TO-92 package; VCEO = 60 V, IC = 3 A, hFE = 100–800, but no dual-collector thermal enhancement. | Higher voltage/current headroom but limited thermal performance in SMT layouts due to through-hole form factor. | Choose only if board layout permits TO-92 and system-level thermal design accommodates higher Rth(j-a). |
Compared with BCP68-25/ZLF, BCP56-16 trades current capacity for higher voltage margin and gain consistency, while ZTX653 offers greater absolute ratings but lacks the SOT223 thermal advantages essential for dense, high-reliability SMT power stages.
Availability
BCP68-25/ZLF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear voltage regulators, MOSFET drivers, and low-side switches requiring stable component supply in industrial automation, battery-powered instrumentation, and embedded power management.
Supply support for BCP68-25/ZLF 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 specializing in high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with manufacturing rooted in process control and automotive-grade quality systems.
The BCP68 series belongs to Nexperia's medium-power bipolar transistor product line, engineered for robust switching and linear operation in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer power circuits where thermal efficiency and gain predictability are critical.
FAQ
What is the guaranteed hFE range for BCP68-25/ZLF?
The BCP68-25 variant guarantees hFE between 160 and 375 when measured at VCE = 1 V and IC = 500 mA under pulsed conditions (tp ≤ 300 μs, duty cycle ≤ 0.02). This binning ensures consistent base drive requirements across production lots without post-screening.
Can BCP68-25/ZLF be used in avalanche mode?
No - BCP68-25/ZLF is not rated or characterized for avalanche energy handling. Its absolute maximum VCEO of 20 V is a DC blocking rating only; operation beyond this voltage risks irreversible breakdown. External clamping or snubbing is required for inductive load switching.
How does the dual-collector configuration affect PCB layout?
Pins 2 and 4 are internally shorted to the same collector node and share the exposed metal tab. Layout must connect both pins and the tab to a single, low-impedance copper pour - ideally ≥6 cm² - to achieve the 1.35 W power rating and 93 K/W thermal resistance specified in the datasheet.
Is BCP68-25/ZLF suitable for automotive applications?
No - per Nexperia's revision history (Rev. 9, July 2023), the BCP68 series is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and automotive-grade process controls. For automotive use, consult Nexperia's -Q qualified alternatives such as PBSS4041T or MMBT4401DW.
BCP68-25/ZLF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- 1.35 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 170MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-223
BCP68-25/ZLF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCP68-25/ZLF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP68-25/ZLF 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/ZLF reliable?
The price and inventory of BCP68-25/ZLF 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/ZLF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP68-25/ZLF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP68-25/ZLF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCP68-25/ZLF?
BCP68-25/ZLF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCP68-25/ZLF 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/ZLF?
For technical support, including BCP68-25/ZLF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP68-25/ZLF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP68-25/ZLF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCP68-25/ZLF 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/ZLF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP68-25/ZLF?
All BCP68-25/ZLF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP68-25/ZLF, 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/ZLF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCP68-25/ZLF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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