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

Nexperia USA Inc. BCV46,215

Name: BCV46,215
Brand: Nexperia USA Inc.
SKU: BCV46,215
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: BCV46,215

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Category:: Single Bipolar Transistors

Package:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Datasheet:: BCV46,215.pdf

Description:: TRANS PNP DARL 60V 0.5A TO-236AB

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

BCV46 from Nexperia is a PNP Darlington transistor in SOT23 package, designed for high-gain amplification in low-power analog circuits. It delivers DC current gain (h_FE) of 10,000 at −100 mA and −5 V, supports −60 V V_CE_S, −800 mA peak collector current, and operates across −65 °C to +150 °C ambient range - used in audio preamplifiers and sensor interface stages.

For engineers reviewing the BCV46 datasheet, BCV46 pinout, BCV46 application, or BCV46 equivalent, this page provides verified pin functions, thermal resistance (500 K/W), saturation voltages (V_CE_sat ≤ −1 V), switching timing (t_off ≤ 1330 ns), and direct alternatives with documented parameter divergence.

Technical Context

The BCV46 integrates two cascaded PNP transistors in a monolithic Darlington configuration, enabling ultra-high DC current gain while maintaining single-base control. Its structure inherently increases input impedance and reduces base drive requirements compared to standard PNP transistors.

It operates under fixed-bias or emitter-follower configurations with guaranteed V_BE_sat ≤ −1.5 V at −100 mA/−0.1 mA drive and exhibits low leakage (I_CBO, I_CES, I_EB_O ≤ −100 nA) across full temperature range.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
V_CE_S	−60 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base shorted to emitter; defines usable voltage headroom in switching applications
h_FE	10000 at −5 V, −100 mA - enables microampere-level base drive for 100 mA load, reducing upstream driver burden
V_CE_sat	≤ −1 V - low saturation voltage preserves output swing in linear amplifier or saturated switch operation
P_tot	250 mW at T_amb ≤ 25 °C - limits continuous power handling on FR4 PCB without heatsinking
R_th(j-a)	500 K/W - thermal resistance determines junction temperature rise per watt; requires derating above 25 °C ambient
t_off	1330 ns - total turn-off delay defines maximum usable switching frequency in pulse-amplifier or logic interface roles

Pinout & Package

SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount package: 3-terminal, 1.9 mm pitch, 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body; optimized for reflow soldering per Fig. 9 footprint.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	Base (B)	Control terminal; accepts low-current input to enable high-current conduction between Collector and Emitter
2	Emitter (E)	Current source terminal in PNP topology; connected to higher potential rail in common-emitter configurations
3	Collector (C)	Output terminal; sinks load current to ground or lower-potential node when device is active

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Ultra-high DC current gain	h_FE = 10,000 at −100 mA ensures <10 µA base drive suffices for 100 mA collector load
Low V_CE_sat and V_BE_sat	V_CE_sat ≤ −1 V and V_BE_sat ≤ −1.5 V minimize power loss and improve efficiency in saturated switching
Wide operating temperature range	−65 °C to +150 °C junction rating supports deployment in industrial and automotive-adjacent environments
Low leakage performance	I_CBO, I_CES, I_EB_O ≤ −100 nA ensures stable biasing and minimal standby current in precision analog stages

Applications

Audio Preamp Stage

Sensor Signal Amplifier

Use Scenario: Boosting weak microphone or piezoelectric sensor outputs before ADC sampling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP Darlington configured as common-emitter voltage amplifier with high input impedance and gain stability.

Use Value: 10,000 h_FE allows direct coupling from high-impedance sources without loading; V_CE_sat ≤ −1 V preserves dynamic range near supply rails.

Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level thermistor or strain gauge bridge outputs in industrial monitoring systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear-mode current booster in emitter-follower configuration to drive ADC reference buffers or op-amp inputs.

Use Value: Low leakage (<100 nA) prevents offset drift over temperature; wide T_amb range (−65 °C to +150 °C) sustains accuracy in uncontrolled enclosures.

Relay Driver Interface

LED Current Booster

Use Scenario: Driving 12 V relay coils from 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO pins.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated PNP switch with base resistor network controlling coil current up to 500 mA.

Use Value: −60 V V_CE_S withstands relay back-EMF spikes; t_off ≤ 1330 ns ensures clean deactivation without contact chatter.

Use Scenario: Increasing LED string current beyond MCU pin capability in status indicator or backlight circuits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current sink in common-emitter configuration with emitter resistor feedback.

Use Value: High h_FE enables precise current regulation using small-signal base control; 250 mW P_tot supports sustained 200 mA LED drive at room temperature.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP Darlington transistor applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
BCV47	NPN complement; identical SOT23 package, same h_FE and voltage ratings but opposite polarity	Requires inverted biasing and signal flow; suitable only where NPN topology fits system architecture	Select when circuit uses NPN-centric design (e.g., high-side switching with NPN pull-down)
MMDT3906	Single PNP transistor (not Darlington); h_FE = 100–300, V_CE_S = −40 V, faster switching (t_off ≈ 250 ns)	Lacks Darlington gain; needs ~100× more base current for same collector load; better for high-speed switching	Choose when speed > gain is critical and base drive capability permits higher current sourcing

Compared with BCV46, BCV47 offers identical gain and ruggedness in NPN form but cannot substitute directly in PNP-biased circuits; MMDT3906 trades 99% less gain for 5× faster turn-off and lower V_CE_S, making it unsuitable for microampere-drive scenarios but preferable in digital switching.

Availability

BCV46 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio preamplifiers, sensor signal conditioners, and relay driver interfaces requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term SMT manufacturability.

Supply support for BCV46 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 discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified and industrial-grade components.

The BCV46 belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor family, engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained analog amplification and interface applications where high gain and SOT23 compatibility are essential.

FAQ

Is BCV46 automotive-qualified?

No. Per Nexperia's revision history (v.4, Jan 2023), BCV46 is explicitly non-automotive qualified. It lacks AEC-Q101 stress testing and automotive process controls. For automotive use, consult Nexperia's BCV46-Q series or equivalent qualified PNP Darlington alternatives.

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BCV46?

The absolute maximum continuous collector current (I_C) is −500 mA at T_amb ≤ 25 °C. Derating is required above 25 °C ambient per the 500 K/W thermal resistance; at 70 °C ambient, max I_C drops to approximately −225 mA to maintain T_j ≤ 150 °C.

Can BCV46 replace BC557 in a circuit?

Not directly. BC557 is a standard PNP transistor (h_FE ≈ 125–800), while BCV46 is a Darlington (h_FE = 10,000). Substituting BCV46 would cause severe overdrive, unintended saturation, and possible instability due to excessive gain and slower response. Circuit redesign is required.

Does BCV46 require a base resistor in switching applications?

Yes. A series base resistor is mandatory to limit I_B and prevent damage. With h_FE = 10,000, even 10 µA base current drives 100 mA collector current. For a 500 mA load, I_B must be ≥ 50 µA - select resistor value based on driving voltage and desired safety margin against I_BM limit (−100 mA peak).

BCV46,215 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Nexperia USA Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Transistor Type:: PNP - Darlington

Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):: 500 mA

Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):: 60 V

Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:: 1V @ 100µA, 100mA

Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):: 100nA (ICBO)

DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:: 10000 @ 100mA, 5V

Power - Max:: 250 mW

Frequency - Transition:: 220MHz

Operating Temperature:: 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: Automotive

Qualification:: AEC-Q101

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: TO-236AB

BCV46,215 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for BCV46,215 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCV46,215 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 BCV46,215 reliable?

The price and inventory of BCV46,215 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCV46,215 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for BCV46,215?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCV46,215 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for BCV46,215?

BCV46,215 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your BCV46,215 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 BCV46,215?

For technical support, including BCV46,215 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCV46,215 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that BCV46,215 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All BCV46,215 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 BCV46,215 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCV46,215?

All BCV46,215 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCV46,215, 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 BCV46,215 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for BCV46,215:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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