My Inquiry
My Account
Nexperia USA Inc. BCP68-QX
- Part No.:
- BCP68-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-261-4, TO-261AA
- Datasheet:
-
BCP68-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 20V 2A SOT-223
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:7,103
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
BCP68-QX from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN medium power 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 in automotive linear regulators and MOSFET drivers.
For engineers reviewing the BCP68-QX datasheet, BCP68-QX pinout, BCP68-QX application, or BCP68-QX equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, base-emitter voltage vs. current curves, and AEC-Q101 qualification status for automotive-grade design validation.
Technical Context
The BCP68-QX operates as a silicon NPN bipolar junction transistor with DC current gain (hFE) ranging from 85 to 375 at VCE = 1 V and IC = 500 mA, and exhibits VCE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V at IC = 2 A / IB = 200 mA. Its 32 V VCBO and 5 V VEBO support robust blocking in 12 V automotive systems.
Thermal performance is defined by Rth(j-a) = 93 K/W when mounted on FR4 PCB with 6 cm² collector pad, enabling stable operation up to Tj = 150 °C. Transient thermal impedance data confirms suitability for pulsed loads with duty cycles ≤ 0.02 and pulse widths ≤ 300 μs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition; defines rail compatibility with 12 V automotive systems. |
| IC | 2 A - Continuous DC collector current rating; supports load switching up to ~24 W at 12 V with adequate heatsinking. |
| hFE | 85–375 - DC current gain range at VCE = 1 V, IC = 500 mA; enables predictable base drive sizing for saturation control. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.6 V at IC = 2 A / IB = 200 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in switching applications. |
| Ptot | 1.35 W - Total power dissipation limit with 6 cm² copper pad; sets practical thermal boundary for sustained 2 A operation. |
| fT | 40–170 MHz - Transition frequency range at VCE = 5 V, IC = 50 mA; indicates usable bandwidth for moderate-speed switching. |
| Rth(j-a) | 93 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance with optimized 6 cm² PCB pad; directly determines temperature rise under load. |
Pinout & Package
SOT223 (SC-73) surface-mount plastic package with 4 leads: pins 1 and 4 are internally connected to the collector tab for enhanced thermal and current handling; pin 2 is collector (alternate), pin 3 is emitter, and pin 1/4 serve as primary collector terminals with integrated heatsink capability.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collector (C) | Primary collector terminal; electrically tied to metal tab for low-inductance, high-current path and thermal conduction to PCB. |
| 2 | Collector (C) | Secondary collector terminal; provides redundancy and layout flexibility for routing and thermal management. |
| 3 | Emitter (E) | Emitter output node; referenced to ground in low-side switch configurations; requires low-impedance return path. |
| 4 | Collector (C) | Collector terminal co-located with pin 1; shares internal connection to metal tab, enabling dual-point collector attachment. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Qualified for automotive applications per Stress Test Qualification for Discrete Semiconductors-enables use in engine control, body electronics, and ADAS without additional reliability screening. |
| High ICM = 3 A | Peak collector current rating for 1 ms pulses allows surge tolerance during motor startup or capacitor charging transients. |
| Dual collector terminals (pins 1 & 4) | Redundant collector connections reduce bond wire inductance and improve thermal spreading across PCB copper area. |
| hFE binning (BCP68-Q / BCP68-25-Q) | Two gain variants enable precise base drive optimization: standard (85–375) and high-gain (160–375) versions for reduced base current demand. |
| Low VBE ≈ 0.7 V at IC = 1 A | Enables efficient drive from 3.3 V or 5 V microcontrollers without external level-shifting or excessive base resistor power loss. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | MOSFET Drivers |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 5 V or 3.3 V linear regulators powering infotainment or sensor modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN pass element controlling output voltage via base bias; operates in active region for regulation. Use Value: VCEO = 20 V and Ptot = 1.35 W allow stable dropout operation with 12 V input and ≥1.5 V headroom at 2 A load. |
Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for N-channel power MOSFETs in BLDC motor controllers or LED matrix drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power NPN switch sinking gate charge during turn-off; complements PNP high-side driver. Use Value: IC = 2 A and VCE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V ensure fast, low-loss gate discharge with minimal Miller effect coupling. |
| Low-Side Switches | Battery-Driven Devices |
|
Use Scenario: Load switch for 12 V battery-fed solenoids, relays, or heating elements in automotive body control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated NPN switch connecting load to ground; controlled by MCU GPIO or dedicated driver IC. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification and 150 °C Tj rating guarantee reliable operation in under-hood environments with ambient up to 105 °C. |
Use Scenario: Power path control in portable diagnostic tools or telematics modules powered by 12 V lead-acid or LiFePO4 batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-polarity and overcurrent protected main power switch; placed between battery and system input. Use Value: VEBO = 5 V and IB = 0.4 A rating support direct MCU-level base drive while surviving load dump transients up to ±30 V. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCP56-10Q | Lower VCEO = 80 V, same SOT223 package, hFE = 100–300 at IC = 500 mA, Ptot = 1.25 W | Higher voltage margin but lower power dissipation; less suitable for sustained 2 A loads at elevated ambient temperatures | Select when higher breakdown voltage is prioritized over thermal capacity in low-duty-cycle switching. |
| ZTX653 | TO-92 package, VCEO = 60 V, IC = 1 A, Ptot = 1 W, hFE = 100–800 | Through-hole mounting, lower current/power rating, no AEC-Q101 qualification | Use only in non-automotive, low-volume, or prototyping contexts where SMT assembly is unavailable or thermal demands are modest. |
Compared with BCP56-10Q and ZTX653, the BCP68-QX offers superior thermal performance (1.35 W vs. ≤1.25 W), AEC-Q101 compliance, and dual-collector SOT223 construction-making it the preferred choice for production automotive low-side switches requiring 2 A continuous current and 12 V system compatibility.
Availability
BCP68-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial power supplies, and battery management systems requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for BCP68-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 essential efficiency-enhancing components-specializing in logic, discrete, and MOSFET devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The BCP68-QX belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified medium power transistor product line, engineered specifically for robust, thermally efficient switching in automotive power management and load control applications.
FAQ
Is BCP68-QX pin-compatible with standard SOT223 NPN transistors like BCX56?
No-BCP68-QX has four pins with pins 1 and 4 both connected to the collector, whereas BCX56 uses a 3-pin SOT223 configuration. Layout must accommodate the dual-collector footprint and larger thermal pad area specified in Figure 10 of the datasheet.
What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum DC base current is 0.4 A (per Table 5), but for reliable 2 A collector operation with hFE ≥ 85, recommended IB is 20–30 mA. Exceeding 200 mA continuously risks thermal runaway due to base-emitter junction heating.
Does BCP68-QX support pulsed operation beyond its DC ratings?
Yes-peak collector current reaches 3 A for single pulses ≤1 ms (duty cycle ≤ 0.02), validated by transient thermal impedance curves in Figures 2–4. Pulse operation requires strict adherence to tp ≤ 300 μs and δ ≤ 0.02 to avoid junction overheating.
How does the BCP68-QX perform under automotive load dump conditions?
While not designed as a standalone load dump protector, its 32 V VCBO and 20 V VCEO provide margin against ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (up to 35 V). System-level protection (e.g., TVS diode) is still required-BCP68-QX serves as the regulated switching element downstream of such protection.
BCP68-QX 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:
- 85 @ 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-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCP68-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP68-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 BCP68-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BCP68-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCP68-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP68-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP68-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCP68-QX?
BCP68-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCP68-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 BCP68-QX?
For technical support, including BCP68-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP68-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP68-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCP68-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 BCP68-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP68-QX?
All BCP68-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP68-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 BCP68-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCP68-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BCP68-QX Tags
-
MMBT3906LT1G
onsemi
-
MMBT3904-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
-
MMBT3904LT1G
onsemi
-
MMBT3906-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
-
MMBT3904-TP
Micro Commercial Co
-
MMBT2222A-7-F
Diodes Incorporated
-
BC846BLT1G
onsemi
-
BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.
-
SMMBT3904LT1G
onsemi
-
MMBT2222A-TP
Micro Commercial Co
-
MMBTA06LT1G
onsemi
-
MMBT2222ALT1G
onsemi
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
