Nexperia USA Inc. BCW72,235
- Part No.:
- BCW72,235
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BCW72,235.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 45V 0.1A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BCW72,235 from Nexperia is an NPN general-purpose bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in SOT23 package, rated for 45 V VCEO, 100 mA IC, and 250 mW Ptot, with DC current gain hFE of 200–450 at IC = 2 mA, used in low-voltage signal switching and amplification circuits in consumer and industrial electronics.
For engineers reviewing the BCW72,235 datasheet, BCW72,235 pinout, BCW72,235 application, or BCW72,235 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated SOT23 terminal mapping, real-world use cases in discrete analog stages, and confirmed alternative transistors with documented gain and voltage differences.
Technical Context
The BCW72,235 operates as a low-noise, medium-gain NPN BJT optimized for linear amplification and saturated switching below 45 V. Its hFE range (200–450 at IC = 2 mA) and low VCEsat (210 mV max at IC = 50 mA) support stable biasing in emitter-follower and common-emitter configurations.
Thermal resistance Rth j-a is 500 K/W on FR4 PCB, limiting continuous power dissipation to 250 mW at Tamb ≤ 25 °C. Cutoff currents (ICBO ≤ 100 nA at 20 V, IEBO ≤ 100 μA) confirm suitability for low-leakage analog front-ends and battery-powered signal conditioning.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 45 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown under open-base condition; defines safe operating voltage in switching applications. |
| IC (DC) | 100 mA - Continuous collector current rating; sets upper limit for sustained load drive in amplifier or switch stages. |
| hFE | 200–450 - DC current gain at IC = 2 mA, VCE = 5 V; enables predictable base drive sizing for bias stability. |
| VCEsat | 210 mV max at IC = 50 mA, IB = 2.5 mA - Low saturation voltage reduces conduction loss in digital logic interface or relay driver circuits. |
| fT | 100 MHz - Transition frequency at IC = 10 mA, VCE = 5 V; supports audio-frequency amplification and low-speed digital signal buffering. |
| Rth j-a | 500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR4 board; determines required derating above 25 °C ambient. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount package with gull-wing leads; 3-terminal configuration optimized for high-density PCB layouts and automated assembly.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control electrode for forward-biased junction; requires current-limited drive to achieve specified hFE-based collector current. |
| 2 | Emitter | Current sink node in common-emitter topology; connected to ground or low-impedance reference for stable biasing. |
| 3 | Collector | Output current source node; handles up to 100 mA DC load with ≤210 mV drop when fully saturated. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-noise operation | F = 10 dB at IC = 200 μA, enabling use in preamplifier stages without added noise floor degradation. |
| High DC current gain | hFE ≥ 200 at IC = 2 mA ensures reliable switching with minimal base drive current in microcontroller GPIO interfaces. |
| Low VCEsat | ≤210 mV at IC = 50 mA reduces power loss and self-heating in constant-current LED drivers or sensor excitation circuits. |
| Robust thermal rating | Tj ≤ 150 °C and Tstg = −65 to +150 °C support operation in extended-temperature industrial environments. |
Applications
| Audio Pre-amplifier Stage | Microcontroller GPIO Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak microphone signals prior to ADC sampling in portable audio devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN BJT configured in common-emitter mode for voltage gain with low input impedance matching. Use Value: 100 MHz fT and 10 dB noise figure preserve signal integrity across 20 Hz–20 kHz bandwidth without added distortion. | Use Scenario: Driving small-signal relays or optocouplers from 3.3 V/5 V MCU output pins. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Saturated switch translating logic-level signals into higher-current loads. Use Value: 210 mV VCEsat minimizes voltage drop and power loss, ensuring full load activation with <1 mA base current. |
| Low-Voltage Sensor Excitation | Discrete Logic Level Shifting |
Use Scenario: Providing stable 1–5 mA excitation current to resistive temperature sensors (RTDs) in battery-powered instrumentation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current source using emitter-degeneration resistor and fixed base bias. Use Value: Tight hFE spread (200–450) and low ICBO (<100 nA) ensure repeatable current accuracy over temperature and unit variance. | Use Scenario: Translating 1.8 V logic outputs to 3.3 V or 5 V domains in mixed-supply systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active pull-up switch with grounded emitter and collector tied to higher rail. Use Value: 45 V VCEO margin allows safe operation across multiple supply rails; fast turn-on/off supports >1 MHz data rates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN general-purpose transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC847B,215 | Higher hFE (200–450 same range), lower VCEsat (150 mV typ), same SOT23 package. | Identical pinout and voltage ratings; better suited for ultra-low-loss switching where <150 mV drop is critical. | Select when minimizing conduction loss is prioritized over legacy footprint compatibility. |
| MMBT3904LT1G | Same VCEO (40 V), slightly lower hFE (100–300), higher IC (200 mA), same SOT23. | Higher current capability supports heavier loads but requires recalculation of base drive for gain-dependent designs. | Select when driving >100 mA loads is required and gain tolerance can be relaxed. |
Compared with BCW72,235, BC847B,215 offers lower saturation voltage for efficiency-critical switching, while MMBT3904LT1G trades some gain consistency for higher current capacity-both require validation of hFE-dependent bias networks in existing designs.
Availability
BCW72,235 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio pre-amplifiers, microcontroller interface circuits, low-voltage sensor excitation, and discrete level-shifting applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for BCW72,235 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 leader in discrete, logic, and PowerMOS semiconductors, formed in 2017 from the former NXP Standard Products division, with core focus on automotive, industrial, computing, and consumer markets.
The BCW72,235 belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability analog and switching functions in space-constrained PCBs.
FAQ
Is BCW72,235 pin-compatible with BCW71,235?
Yes, both share identical SOT23 pinout (1=base, 2=emitter, 3=collector) and mechanical footprint. However, BCW72,235 has higher hFE (200–450 vs. 110–220 for BCW71), so base resistor values may need adjustment to maintain consistent bias points in linear applications.
What is the maximum operating temperature for BCW72,235?
The BCW72,235 has a maximum junction temperature (Tj) of 150 °C and storage temperature range of −65 °C to +150 °C. At ambient temperatures above 25 °C, power dissipation must be derated per its 500 K/W thermal resistance to avoid exceeding Tj.
Can BCW72,235 replace BC847B in existing designs?
Yes, with verification: both are SOT23 NPN transistors with overlapping VCEO (45 V vs. 45 V) and hFE ranges. BCW72,235 has slightly higher VCEsat (210 mV vs. 150 mV typ), so check saturation margin in high-current switching nodes before substitution.
Does BCW72,235 have automotive qualification?
No-BCW72,235 is not AEC-Q101 qualified. It is rated for industrial and consumer applications only. For automotive use, Nexperia offers AEC-Q101 variants such as BC847BW, which shares similar electrical characteristics but includes stress testing and traceability for automotive systems.
BCW72,235 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:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 100 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 210mV @ 2.5mA, 50mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 200 @ 2mA, 5V
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 100MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BCW72,235 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCW72,235 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCW72,235 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 BCW72,235 reliable?
The price and inventory of BCW72,235 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCW72,235 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCW72,235?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCW72,235 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCW72,235?
BCW72,235 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCW72,235 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 BCW72,235?
For technical support, including BCW72,235 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCW72,235 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCW72,235 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCW72,235 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 BCW72,235 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCW72,235?
All BCW72,235 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCW72,235, 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 BCW72,235 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCW72,235:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BCW72,235 Tags

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