Diodes Incorporated BCX17TC

Overview

BCX17TC from Nexperia is a PNP silicon planar medium-power transistor in SOT23 package, rated for V_CEO = −45 V, I_C = −500 mA, and P_tot = 330 mW at T_amb = 25°C; it delivers h_FE ≥ 100 at I_C = −100 mA and supports f_T = 100 MHz, commonly used in low-voltage switching and linear amplification stages of industrial control interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the BCX17TC datasheet, BCX17TC pinout, BCX17TC application, or BCX17TC equivalent, key selection considerations include verified V_CEO/I_C derating at elevated temperature, SOT23 thermal resistance (R_thJA ≈ 450 K/W), h_FE variation across I_C = −100 to −500 mA, and complementary pairing with BCX19 for push-pull output stages.

Technical Context

This PNP bipolar junction transistor employs a planar epitaxial structure optimized for medium-power DC/low-frequency switching and analog amplification. Its design targets stable current gain (h_FE = 100–600) across I_C = −100 mA to −500 mA at V_CE = −1 V, with guaranteed V_CE(sat) ≤ −620 mV under forced β = 10 (I_B = −50 mA).

Thermal performance is defined by R_thJA = 450 K/W (SOT23, PCB-mounted), enabling operation up to +150°C junction temperature. The device exhibits C_obo = 8.0 pF at V_CB = −10 V and f = 1 MHz, supporting bandwidth-limited signal paths up to ~35 MHz in common-emitter configuration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23 plastic surface-mount package with standard lead frame, 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, and gull-wing leads. Thermal resistance R_thJA = 450 K/W (JEDEC-standard PCB layout).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP medium-power switching applications.

Compared with BCX17TC, BC807-40 offers superior current gain but reduced thermal margin, while MMBT4403 trades 5 V lower V_CEO for slightly higher I_C; BCX17TC remains optimal for industrial 24 V relay drivers requiring both breakdown safety and sustained 500 mA capability.

Availability

BCX17TC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial relay drivers, LED current sinks, level-shifting interfaces, and push-pull output stages requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for BCX17TC 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 semiconductors, delivering high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The BCX17TC belongs to Nexperia's general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-effective, thermally robust switching and amplification in space-constrained industrial control modules.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current for BCX17TC at 70°C ambient?

At T_amb = 70°C, BCX17TC's maximum continuous collector current is derated to approximately −370 mA. This follows its thermal specification: P_tot = 330 mW at 25°C with R_thJA = 450 K/W, resulting in a linear derating slope of −2.2 mW/°C above 25°C. At 70°C, allowable power drops to ~230 mW, limiting I_C under typical V_CE(sat) conditions.

Can BCX17TC be used in linear amplifier configurations?

Yes, BCX17TC supports linear operation with verified h_FE stability across I_C = −100 mA to −500 mA and f_T = 100 MHz. Its V_CE(sat) and thermal resistance allow Class-A biasing up to ~200 mW dissipation, making it suitable for low-noise preamplifier stages and current-source references where gain consistency matters more than RF performance.

Is BCX17TC pin-compatible with BCX19?

No-BCX17TC (PNP) and BCX19 (NPN) share identical SOT23 pinout (E-B-C), but their complementary polarity means direct substitution would invert circuit function. They are designed as matched pairs for push-pull topologies, not drop-in replacements. Swapping requires reversing external bias and load connections to maintain intended current direction.

Does BCX17TC meet AEC-Q101 for automotive use?

No-BCX17TC is not qualified to AEC-Q101. It is specified for industrial and commercial temperature ranges (−55°C to +150°C), but lacks the stress testing, failure analysis, and traceability documentation required for automotive qualification. For automotive applications, Nexperia's BC807-40-Q series or PBSS4041T are AEC-Q101 qualified alternatives with similar electrical specs.