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

Nexperia USA Inc. BCP68/ZLF

Name: BCP68/ZLF
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BCP68/ZLF
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BCP68/ZLF

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

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

Datasheet:: BCP68/ZLF.pdf

Description:: TRANS NPN 20V 2A SOT-223

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:8,381

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Product details

Overview

BCP68/ZLF from Nexperia is an NPN medium power transistor in SOT223 (SC-73) package, rated for 20 V V_CEO, 2 A continuous collector current, and 1.35 W total power dissipation on 6 cm² copper pad - used as low-side switch in linear voltage regulators and MOSFET drivers for industrial power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the BCP68/ZLF datasheet, BCP68/ZLF pinout, BCP68/ZLF application, or BCP68/ZLF equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CEO = 20 V, I_C = 2 A, h_FE range of 85–375 at I_C = 500 mA, V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V at I_C = 2 A / I_B = 200 mA, and thermal resistance R_th(j-a) = 93 K/W with enhanced heatsinking.

Technical Context

This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in linear or switching mode with DC current gain (h_FE) specified across I_C = 5 mA to 2 A and V_CE = 1 V or 10 V, supporting stable amplification and saturated switching. Its 4-pin SOT223 package features dual collector terminals (pins 2 and 4) for improved thermal conduction and current handling.

Thermal performance is defined by three mounting conditions: standard footprint (R_th(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 pulsed operation up to 3 A peak with t_p ≤ 1 ms and duty cycle ≤ 0.02.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CEO	20 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in low-side switch designs.
I_C	2 A - Continuous DC collector current rating; supports sustained load driving in battery-powered regulators.
h_FE	85–375 at V_CE = 1 V, I_C = 500 mA - Current gain range enabling predictable base drive sizing for saturation control.
V_CE(sat)	≤ 0.6 V at I_C = 2 A, I_B = 200 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in power stages.
P_tot	1.35 W with 6 cm² copper pad - Achievable power dissipation enables compact thermal design without external heatsink.
f_T	40–170 MHz - Transition frequency supports moderate-speed switching (e.g., <500 kHz PWM) and RF pre-amplifier use.
C_c	22 pF - Collector capacitance impacts high-frequency gain roll-off and switching speed in amplifier or driver circuits.

Pinout & Package

SOT223 (SC-73) surface-mount plastic package with integrated heatsink pad; 4 leads, standardized footprint per Figure 10 (reflow) and Figure 11 (wave soldering); dimensions: 6.7 × 3.7 × 1.8 mm (L × W × H).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base	Control input; requires ~200 mA base current to saturate at 2 A collector load.
2	Collector	Main current-carrying terminal; electrically tied to pin 4 for parallel conduction and thermal spreading.
3	Emiter	Reference node for biasing; connected to ground or low-side return path in switch configurations.
4	Collector	Second collector terminal; enhances thermal transfer to PCB copper and improves current sharing reliability.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Dual collector terminals	Enables lower effective thermal resistance and higher reliability under pulsed 3 A loads via parallel current paths.
Two h_FE selections (BCP68 / BCP68-25)	Allows precise base drive optimization: BCP68-25 offers 160–375 h_FE for tighter gain control in feedback loops.
1.35 W power dissipation (6 cm² pad)	Permits direct PCB heatsinking in space-constrained industrial modules without auxiliary cooling.
150 °C maximum junction temperature	Supports operation in extended ambient environments (−55 °C to +150 °C) including automotive-adjacent industrial enclosures.

Applications

Linear Voltage Regulators

MOSFET Drivers

Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable linear regulator delivering up to 2 A output current with <1 % load regulation.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN series pass element controlling output voltage via emitter-follower configuration with feedback loop compensation.

Use Value: V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V and h_FE ≥ 85 ensure minimal dropout and stable closed-loop gain across temperature and load variations.

Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for N-channel power MOSFETs in DC-DC converters operating at ≤300 kHz switching frequency.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-power current amplifier translating logic-level signals into 2 A gate charge/discharge pulses.

Use Value: 3 A peak collector current capability and f_T ≥ 40 MHz enable fast MOSFET turn-on/turn-off with controlled dV/dt and reduced switching loss.

Low-Side Switches

Battery-Driven Devices

Use Scenario: Load switch for 12 V/2 A solenoids, relays, or LED arrays in programmable industrial I/O modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated NPN switch controlled by microcontroller GPIO with base resistor network.

Use Value: Dual collector pins reduce thermal stress during repeated 2 A on/off cycling, extending lifetime in high-duty-cycle applications.

Use Scenario: Power path controller in portable test equipment or handheld meters requiring efficient 20 V input handling and low quiescent current.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main power switch isolating battery from system load during sleep mode or fault conditions.

Use Value: V_CEO = 20 V accommodates fully charged 12 V lead-acid or 4S Li-ion packs; I_CBO ≤ 100 nA ensures negligible leakage during standby.

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
BCP56-10/ZLF	V_CEO = 80 V, I_C = 1 A, h_FE = 63–160 - higher voltage rating but lower current and gain.	Preferred in high-voltage, lower-current linear regulators where 20 V margin is insufficient.	Select when V_IN exceeds 25 V and thermal budget allows lower I_C derating.
ZTX653STZ	V_CEO = 60 V, I_C = 3 A, P_tot = 1.5 W, SOT89 package - higher current and voltage, different footprint.	Suitable for higher-power switching where SOT223 thermal limits are exceeded and board layout permits SOT89 placement.	Choose when >2 A continuous load or >20 V bus voltage is required and package change is acceptable.

Compared with BCP68/ZLF, BCP56-10/ZLF trades current and gain for higher breakdown voltage, while ZTX653STZ delivers greater power handling in a thermally superior but non-pin-compatible package - both require PCB redesign and thermal revalidation.

Availability

BCP68/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, test equipment, and battery-powered instrumentation.

Supply support for BCP68/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 focused on high-volume, high-reliability essential semiconductors for automotive, industrial, mobile, and computing markets.

The BCP68 series belongs to Nexperia's medium-power bipolar transistor product line, engineered for robust switching and linear amplification in cost-sensitive, thermally constrained industrial power stages.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?

The absolute maximum base current (I_B) is 0.4 A per datasheet limiting values. For reliable continuous operation at I_C = 2 A, design with I_B = 200 mA to achieve V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.6 V while maintaining thermal margin below 150 °C junction temperature on a 6 cm² copper pad.

Can BCP68/ZLF be used in avalanche mode?

No - BCP68/ZLF is not rated or characterized for avalanche energy handling. Its V_CEO = 20 V and V_CB0 = 32 V are absolute maximum ratings; operation beyond V_CEO risks permanent damage. Use external clamping diodes or snubbers for inductive load flyback protection.

How does the dual-collector configuration affect PCB layout?

Pins 2 and 4 must be routed to the same net - typically the high-current output node - and connected to a shared thermal pad (≥6 cm²) on the PCB. This configuration reduces current density per trace and lowers effective R_th(j-a) by up to 40 % compared to single-collector alternatives.

Is BCP68/ZLF automotive qualified?

No - this part is explicitly marked as non-automotive qualified in the revision history. It lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and has not undergone automotive-grade stress testing. For automotive applications, consult Nexperia's BCP68-Q series or equivalent qualified alternatives.

BCP68/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/ZLF FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BCP68/ZLF through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCP68/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/ZLF reliable?

The price and inventory of BCP68/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/ZLF is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BCP68/ZLF?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCP68/ZLF transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BCP68/ZLF?

BCP68/ZLF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BCP68/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/ZLF?

For technical support, including BCP68/ZLF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCP68/ZLF requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BCP68/ZLF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BCP68/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/ZLF meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCP68/ZLF?

All BCP68/ZLF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCP68/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/ZLF part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BCP68/ZLF:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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