onsemi BCW60A_D87Z

Overview

BCW60A_D87Z from Fairchild Semiconductor is an NPN epitaxial silicon general-purpose transistor in SOT-23 package, rated for 32 V V_CEO, 100 mA I_C, and 350 mW P_C, commonly used in low-power switching and amplification stages of portable audio and sensor interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BCW60A_D87Z datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include DC current gain (h_FE = 60–100 at I_C = 10 µA), saturation voltage (V_CE(sat) = 0.55 V @ I_C = 50 mA), noise figure (6 dB @ 1 kHz), f_T = 125 MHz, and SOT-23 thermal and layout constraints.

Technical Context

This NPN bipolar junction transistor operates in linear and saturated modes with verified breakdown voltages: V_CBO = 32 V, V_CEO = 32 V, and V_EBO = 5 V. Its h_FE range (60–100) is specified at low-current bias (I_C = 10 µA), supporting precision biasing in analog front-ends.

Dynamic performance includes t_ON = 150 ns and t_OFF = 800 ns under defined test conditions, with Cob = 4.5 pF and f_T = 125 MHz confirming suitability for RF-coupled preamplifier and IF-stage applications up to ~100 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23 plastic surface-mount package with gull-wing leads; footprint compatible with JEDEC TO-236AB standard; thermal pad not present; intended for reflow soldering on 1 oz copper PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose transistor applications.

Compared with BC846A and MMBT3904, BCW60A_D87Z offers tighter low-current h_FE control (60–100 @ 10 µA), lower noise (6 dB), and optimized saturation behavior for µA-biased analog stages-making it preferred for precision microphone preamps and low-power sensor interfaces where gain predictability at minimal bias matters most.

Availability

BCW60A_D87Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable audio preamplifiers, low-voltage sensor interfaces, and LED driver switches requiring stable component supply across high-mix, low-volume production runs.

Supply support for BCW60A_D87Z 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in power management, analog, and discrete components before its acquisition by ON Semiconductor in 2016.

The BCW60A_D87Z belongs to Fairchild's legacy BCW60 family of general-purpose NPN transistors designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained analog and switching applications in consumer and industrial electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum collector-emitter voltage rating for BCW60A_D87Z?

The BCW60A_D87Z has a maximum collector-emitter voltage (V_CEO) rating of 32 V at T_A = 25°C. This value is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the original Fairchild datasheet Rev. B2. Exceeding this voltage risks avalanche breakdown and permanent device failure. Derating is required at elevated ambient temperatures per the thermal resistance specification.

What does the 'D87Z' suffix indicate in BCW60A_D87Z?

The 'D87Z' suffix in BCW60A_D87Z is a Fairchild internal date-and-lot code indicating manufacturing week/year and assembly location-not an electrical variant. The electrical specifications, pinout, and package remain identical to the base BCW60A part. Datasheet Rev. B2 confirms all BCW60A variants share identical absolute maximum and electrical characteristics regardless of suffix.

Is BCW60A_D87Z pin-compatible with BC846A or MMBT3904?

Yes, BCW60A_D87Z uses the standard SOT-23 package with pin 1 = Base, pin 2 = Emitter, pin 3 = Collector-matching BC846A and MMBT3904. However, functional substitution requires verification of h_FE behavior at target bias points, as BCW60A_D87Z is binned specifically for 60–100 h_FE at I_C = 10 µA, unlike the other two.

What is the typical noise figure of BCW60A_D87Z and at what conditions is it measured?

The BCW60A_D87Z has a typical noise figure (NF) of 6 dB, measured at I_C = 0.2 mA, V_CE = 5 V, R_G = 2 kΩ, and f = 1 kHz. This value is documented in the Electrical Characteristics table of the Fairchild BCW60A/B/C/D datasheet Rev. B2 and reflects its suitability for low-noise preamplifier applications such as electret microphone biasing.

Can BCW60A_D87Z be used in switching applications above 1 MHz?

Yes, BCW60A_D87Z supports switching up to ~2 MHz based on its t_ON = 150 ns and t_OFF = 800 ns values (measured under defined load and drive conditions). While f_T = 125 MHz suggests RF capability, practical switching speed is limited by stored charge and external circuit parasitics-not f_T alone. For >1 MHz operation, minimize base drive impedance and layout inductance.