Nexperia USA Inc. BCX51-16-QF
- Part No.:
- BCX51-16-QF
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
BCX51-16-QF.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 45V 1A SOT-89
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BCX51-16-QF from Nexperia is a PNP medium-power bipolar junction transistor in SOT89 package, rated for −45 V VCEO, −1 A continuous collector current, and 100–250 hFE at −150 mA/−2 V, optimized for high-side switching and linear regulation in automotive power management systems.
For engineers reviewing the BCX51-16-QF datasheet, BCX51-16-QF pinout, BCX51-16-QF application, or BCX51-16-QF equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q101 qualification, exposed collector pad for thermal management, −0.5 V VCE(sat) at −500 mA/−50 mA drive, and SOT89 footprint compatibility with high-power PCB layouts.
Technical Context
This PNP transistor operates as a medium-power active switch or linear amplifier with fixed polarity and DC-controlled conduction. Its design emphasizes thermal robustness via an exposed collector tab and supports pulsed operation up to −2 A ICM with 300 µs pulse width.
The device exhibits stable DC current gain across −5 mA to −500 mA collector currents and maintains usable hFE down to −55 °C and up to 100 °C ambient, enabling deployment in under-hood automotive environments without gain collapse.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines high-side switch blocking capability in 24 V automotive systems. |
| IC | −1 A - Continuous DC collector current rating; supports load switching up to ~12 W at 12 V with adequate heatsinking. |
| hFE | 100–250 at −150 mA/−2 V - Confirmed DC current gain range ensures predictable base drive sizing for saturation in switching applications. |
| VCE(sat) | −0.5 V max at −500 mA/−50 mA - Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss and self-heating during sustained on-state operation. |
| Ptot | 1.35 W with 6 cm² collector pad - Thermal performance enables higher power dissipation than standard SOT89 footprints when PCB copper area is optimized. |
| fT | 145 MHz - Transition frequency supports stable operation beyond audio and low-speed control frequencies, including PWM gate driving. |
| Rth(j-a) | 93 K/W with 6 cm² pad - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance confirms effective heat transfer path for automotive-grade reliability. |
Pinout & Package
SOT89 (SC-62) plastic surface-mount package with 3 leads, 1.5 mm pitch, 4.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.5 mm body, and exposed collector pad for thermal and electrical conduction.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter | Current exit node; connected to system ground or low-side reference in high-side configurations. |
| 2 | Collector | Main power output terminal; electrically and thermally tied to large PCB copper pour for heat dissipation. |
| 3 | Base | Control input; requires current-limited drive (≤ −0.3 A peak) to ensure reliable saturation without overdrive stress. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive use per stress test requirements, supporting deployment in engine control, lighting, and body electronics. |
| Exposed collector pad | Provides direct thermal path to PCB copper, reducing Rth(j-a) by up to 40% versus standard SOT89 mounting. |
| Three hFE bins | BCX51-16-Q offers 100–250 gain spread, enabling tighter base resistor tolerance and reduced production calibration effort. |
| High ICM | −2 A peak collector current allows short-duration surge handling (e.g., motor startup, solenoid pull-in) without device failure. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | High-Side Switches |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Adjustable 5 V to 12 V linear regulators supplying microcontrollers and sensors in automotive ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pass transistor controlling output voltage via emitter-follower configuration with feedback loop. Use Value: Stable regulation under load transients due to high hFE and low VCE(sat), minimizing dropout and thermal drift. |
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed power distribution to infotainment modules and HVAC actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side switch enabling load enable/disable with reverse-polarity protection. Use Value: −45 V VCEO withstands load dump spikes; exposed collector pad sustains 1 A continuous current without derating. |
| Battery-Driven Devices | MOSFET Drivers |
Use Scenario: Power path control in portable diagnostic tools and telematics units powered by 12 V lead-acid batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-polarity and overcurrent protected main power switch upstream of DC-DC converters. Use Value: −5 V VEBO rating prevents emitter-base breakdown during accidental reverse connection. |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting driver stage for N-channel high-side MOSFETs in BLDC motor controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-amplifying stage translating logic-level signals to sufficient gate drive current. Use Value: 145 MHz fT ensures fast turn-on/turn-off response, reducing MOSFET switching losses in 20–50 kHz PWM. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP medium-power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCX51-10-Q | hFE = 63–160 at −150 mA/−2 V - lower mid-range gain bin. | Suitable where base drive margin is ample and gain consistency is less critical. | Select when cost optimization is prioritized and circuit tolerates wider hFE variation. |
| ZTX753 | −60 V VCEO, −2 A IC, TO-92 package - higher voltage/current but through-hole and no AEC-Q101 rating. | Applicable in non-automotive industrial controls requiring higher blocking voltage. | Choose only for non-automotive designs needing extended voltage headroom and accepting larger footprint. |
Compared with BCX51-10-Q, BCX51-16-Q provides higher guaranteed hFE for tighter base drive control; compared with ZTX753, it trades off voltage headroom for AEC-Q101 compliance, SMT compatibility, and superior thermal performance in compact layouts.
Availability
BCX51-16-QF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, high-side switching, and linear regulator applications requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 qualification, and SOT89 thermal performance.
Supply support for BCX51-16-QF 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 components and advanced packaging.
The BCX51-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified medium-power transistor family, designed specifically for automotive power control, load switching, and analog signal conditioning in harsh-environment ECUs.
FAQ
Is BCX51-16-QF pin-compatible with other SOT89 PNP transistors?
Yes - BCX51-16-QF uses standard SOT89 pinout (Emitter–Collector–Base), matching industry-standard layout for E-C-B orientation. Its mechanical dimensions and solder pad recommendations align with IPC-7351B SOT89 footprint, ensuring drop-in replacement in existing SOT89-based PCBs.
What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum DC base current is −0.3 A, but for reliable long-term operation, base current should be limited to ≤ −50 mA at −500 mA collector current to maintain VCE(sat) ≤ −0.5 V and avoid thermal runaway in the base-emitter junction.
Does BCX51-16-QF require a heatsink on the PCB?
No external heatsink is required, but the exposed collector pad must be connected to ≥1 cm² of 1 oz copper on the PCB. With 6 cm² copper, full 1.35 W power dissipation is achievable at Tamb = 25 °C; smaller pads require derating per Figure 1 in the datasheet.
Can BCX51-16-QF replace BCX56-16 in existing designs?
No - BCX56-16 is an NPN transistor with opposite polarity, different pinout (C-B-E), and distinct biasing requirements. Swapping would invert control logic and likely cause circuit failure; a true functional replacement requires an NPN counterpart like BCX56-16 or ZTX653.
BCX51-16-QF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-243AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 1 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 45 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 500mV @ 50mA, 500mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 100 @ 150mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 500 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 145MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-89
BCX51-16-QF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCX51-16-QF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCX51-16-QF 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 BCX51-16-QF reliable?
The price and inventory of BCX51-16-QF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCX51-16-QF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCX51-16-QF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCX51-16-QF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCX51-16-QF?
BCX51-16-QF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCX51-16-QF 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 BCX51-16-QF?
For technical support, including BCX51-16-QF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCX51-16-QF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCX51-16-QF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCX51-16-QF 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 BCX51-16-QF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCX51-16-QF?
All BCX51-16-QF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCX51-16-QF, 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 BCX51-16-QF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCX51-16-QF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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