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

- Shipping:

Inventory:500
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Product details
Overview
BCX51-16-QX from Nexperia is a PNP medium power transistor in SOT89 package, rated for −45 V VCEO, −1 A continuous collector current, and 100–250 hFE at VCE = −2 V / IC = −150 mA; used as high-side switch or linear regulator pass element in automotive power management systems.
For engineers reviewing the BCX51-16-QX datasheet, BCX51-16-QX pinout, BCX51-16-QX application, or BCX51-16-QX equivalent, this page delivers verified thermal resistance values (93 K/W with 6 cm² copper pad), AEC-Q101 qualification status, SOT89 pin mapping, and direct alternatives with validated hFE and VCEO trade-offs.
Technical Context
This device operates as a silicon PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for medium-power linear and switching applications. Its exposed collector tab enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper, supporting up to 1.35 W total power dissipation when mounted on 6 cm² of tin-plated FR4 copper.
It features pulsed hFE of 100–250 under standardized conditions (VCE = −2 V, IC = −150 mA, Tamb = 25 °C, δ ≤ 0.02), low VCE(sat) of −0.5 V at IC = −500 mA / IB = −50 mA, and fT of 145 MHz - enabling stable operation in MOSFET gate driving and audio amplification stages.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −45 V: Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage with base open; defines upper rail limit in high-side switch designs. |
| IC (continuous) | −1 A: Continuous DC collector current rating; sets maximum load current in linear regulators or battery switches. |
| hFE | 100–250 at VCE = −2 V / IC = −150 mA: Confirmed DC current gain range for bias network design and drive capability estimation. |
| Ptot (max) | 1.35 W with 6 cm² copper pad: Achievable power handling under defined PCB thermal layout; critical for thermal margin calculation. |
| Rth(j-a) | 93 K/W with 6 cm² copper: Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; enables accurate junction temperature prediction in automotive ambient (−40 to 125 °C). |
| fT | 145 MHz: Transition frequency at VCE = −5 V / IC = −50 mA; supports stable operation in broadband amplifier and fast-switching driver circuits. |
| VCE(sat) | −0.5 V at IC = −500 mA / IB = −50 mA: Low saturation voltage minimizes conduction loss in high-current switching applications. |
Pinout & Package
SOT89 (SC-62) surface-mount plastic package with 3 leads, 1.5 mm pitch, 4.5 mm × 2.5 mm × 1.5 mm body, and exposed collector tab for thermal and electrical connection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter | Current exit terminal; connects to load ground or regulated output node in high-side configurations. |
| 2 | Collector | Main current input terminal and thermally conductive pad; soldered directly to large copper area for heat dissipation. |
| 3 | Base | Control input; requires current-limited drive (≤ −0.3 A peak) to achieve target IC without overdrive. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive-grade reliability including temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD testing per JESD22 standards. |
| Exposed collector pad | Enables direct thermal path to PCB copper; reduces Rth(j-a) by up to 45% vs. standard SOT89 footprint. |
| Three hFE variants | BCX51-10-Q (63–160), BCX51-16-Q (100–250), BCX51-40-Q (250–630); allows precise gain matching across production batches. |
| High VCEO / IC ratio | −45 V / −1 A rating supports 12 V and 24 V automotive systems with headroom for load dump transients. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | High-Side Switches |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Adjustable LDO or emitter-follower regulator supplying 3.3 V/5 V rails in infotainment ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pass transistor controlling output voltage via base bias; handles up to 1 A load with minimal dropout. Use Value: Low VCE(sat) (−0.5 V) and stable hFE ensure tight regulation accuracy and thermal stability across −40 °C to 125 °C. |
Use Scenario: Battery disconnect switch in 12 V vehicle subsystems (e.g., telematics, ADAS sensors). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side PNP switch enabling controlled power-up/down sequencing with reverse polarity protection. Use Value: −45 V VCEO withstands ISO 7637-2 pulse 5a (−100 V transient), while AEC-Q101 qualification ensures field reliability. |
| MOSFET Drivers | Amplifiers |
|
Use Scenario: Level-shifting gate driver stage for N-channel high-side MOSFETs in BLDC motor controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-switching PNP pull-up element complementing NPN pull-down in totem-pole output stage. Use Value: 145 MHz fT and low Cc (15 pF) support clean 100 kHz PWM edge transitions with <100 ns rise/fall times. |
Use Scenario: Pre-amplifier stage in automotive cabin audio systems requiring low-noise, high-linearity signal gain. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Class-A biased common-emitter amplifier with fixed hFE binning for consistent gain calibration. Use Value: Tight hFE spread (100–250) and low ICBO (−100 nA at 25 °C) minimize DC offset drift and thermal noise in analog signal paths. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCX52-16-Q | Higher VCEO (−60 V) but same hFE range (100–250) and SOT89 package; 10% higher Rth(j-a) (103 K/W). | Preferred where load dump immunity beyond −45 V is required (e.g., commercial truck 24 V systems). | Select when system-level transient protection exceeds −45 V, accepting minor thermal derating. |
| ZTX753 | Same VCEO (−45 V), lower hFE (60–120), TO-92 package; no exposed thermal pad. | Suitable for non-automotive, low-volume prototyping where PCB space is unconstrained and thermal demands are modest. | Choose only for cost-sensitive consumer designs lacking AEC-Q101 requirements and thermal constraints. |
Compared with BCX51-16-QX, BCX52-16-Q extends voltage margin at the cost of thermal performance, while ZTX753 sacrifices gain consistency and automotive qualification for legacy through-hole compatibility and lower unit cost.
Availability
BCX51-16-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power management, high-side switching, and MOSFET driver applications requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q101 compliance, and repeatable hFE binning.
Supply support for BCX51-16-QX 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 efficiency-enhancing components, delivering high-performance, reliable, and scalable solutions for automotive, industrial, and mobile markets.
The BCX51-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified discrete transistor portfolio, engineered specifically for robust, thermally efficient medium-power switching and linear regulation in harsh automotive environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for BCX51-16-QX?
The absolute maximum junction temperature (Tj) is 150 °C per IEC 60134 limiting values. Operation above this threshold risks permanent parametric shift or failure. Thermal design must ensure Tj remains ≤150 °C under worst-case ambient (125 °C) and power dissipation conditions using the specified 6 cm² copper pad.
Is BCX51-16-QX pin-compatible with BCX51-10-Q or BCX51-40-Q?
Yes - all BCX51-Q variants share identical SOT89 package dimensions, pinout (E-C-B), and marking layout (AD for BCX51-16-Q). Only hFE binning differs; no PCB or schematic changes are needed when substituting between these versions for gain optimization.
Does BCX51-16-QX require a heatsink in typical automotive applications?
No external heatsink is required if mounted per Nexperia's recommended footprint (6 cm² tin-plated copper pad on FR4). With that layout, Rth(j-a) is 93 K/W, allowing 1.35 W dissipation at Tamb = 125 °C while holding Tj ≤150 °C - sufficient for most 12 V/24 V high-side switch and regulator uses.
Can BCX51-16-QX be used in linear amplifier configurations?
Yes - its 145 MHz fT, low Cc (15 pF), and stable hFE make it suitable for Class-A audio preamplifiers and sensor signal conditioning. Bias networks must maintain VCE ≥ −2 V and IC ≤ −500 mA to stay within SOA limits and avoid thermal runaway.
BCX51-16-QX 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-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCX51-16-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCX51-16-QX 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-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BCX51-16-QX 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-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCX51-16-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCX51-16-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCX51-16-QX?
BCX51-16-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCX51-16-QX 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-QX?
For technical support, including BCX51-16-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCX51-16-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCX51-16-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCX51-16-QX 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-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCX51-16-QX?
All BCX51-16-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCX51-16-QX, 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-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCX51-16-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
BCX51-16-QX Tags

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