Infineon Technologies BCX 55-16 E6327

Overview

BCX55-16 E6327 from Infineon Technologies is an NPN silicon bipolar junction transistor designed for audio-frequency driver and output stages in linear and switching applications. It features a 60 V collector-emitter breakdown voltage (V_(BR)CEO), 1 A continuous collector current (I_C), 0.5 V collector-emitter saturation voltage (V_CE(sat)) at I_C = 500 mA / I_B = 50 mA, and DC current gain (h_FE) of 100–160 at I_C = 150 mA. It is used in automotive lighting drivers and industrial relay interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BCX55-16 E6327 datasheet, BCX55-16 E6327 pinout, BCX55-16 E6327 application, or BCX55-16 E6327 equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CE(sat) performance under 500 mA load, thermal resistance (R_thJS ≤ 15 K/W), AEC-Q101 qualification status, SOT89 package footprint compatibility, and complementary PNP pairing with BCX52-16.

Technical Context

This transistor operates as a medium-power general-purpose NPN switch or linear amplifier with fixed-emitter biasing capability. Its design supports stable DC current gain across temperature (25°C to 100°C) and low V_CE(sat) at high I_C, enabling efficient operation in Class AB audio output stages and inductive load switching.

The device meets AEC-Q101 stress testing requirements for automotive use and uses Pb-free (RoHS-compliant) packaging. Its SOT89 package provides enhanced thermal dissipation over SOT23, supporting up to 2 W total power dissipation at T_S ≤ 120°C with validated R_thJS ≤ 15 K/W.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT89 package: surface-mount, 3-pin, single-ended heatsink tab (pin 2), JEDEC TO-243AA compliant outline with standardized 2.5 mm × 4.5 mm footprint and 1.6 mm height. Tab is electrically connected to collector.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BCX55-16 E6327, the BCX55-10 offers reduced gain consistency at cost savings, while BC817-40 trades package size and thermal capability for higher h_FE variability and lower current handling-neither matches its 1 A / AEC-Q101 / SOT89 combination.

Availability

BCX55-16 E6327 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial relay interfaces, audio amplifier output stages, and DC motor fan drivers requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 compliance.

Supply support for BCX55-16 E6327 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

Infineon Technologies AG is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, automotive electronics, and industrial control ICs and discrete devices.

The BCX54–BCX56 series belongs to Infineon's legacy bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for robust, thermally efficient medium-power switching in automotive and industrial environments.

FAQ

Is BCX55-16 E6327 pin-compatible with BCX54-16 or BCX56-16?

Yes - all BCX54–BCX56 variants share identical SOT89 pinout (Emitter–Collector–Base) and mechanical footprint. Voltage ratings differ (45 V / 60 V / 80 V), but layout reuse is fully supported. No PCB redesign is needed when upgrading within the family for higher V_CEO margin.

What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?

The absolute maximum rated base current (I_B) is 100 mA, and peak base current (I_BM) is 200 mA for ≤10 ms pulses. For reliable 1 A collector operation, typical base drive is 5–10 mA using h_FE ≥ 100; exceeding 100 mA risks permanent bond wire damage even with short duration.

Does the SOT89 tab require electrical isolation from the PCB ground plane?

No - the collector-connected tab is designed to be soldered directly to a copper thermal pad tied to system ground or power rail. Thermal vias beneath the pad improve heat transfer; isolation is unnecessary unless circuit topology demands collector floating (e.g., high-side switch with level shift).

Can BCX55-16 E6327 replace BCX55 in existing designs?

Yes - the "-16" suffix denotes h_FE binning (100–160), whereas unmarked BCX55 covers broader 40–160 range. All other parameters (V_(BR)CEO, V_CE(sat), package, thermal specs) are identical. The -16 variant guarantees minimum gain, improving bias stability in production.