Nexperia USA Inc. BCX55-16-QX
- Part No.:
- BCX55-16-QX
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
BCX55-16-QX.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 60V 1A SOT-89
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BCX55-16-QX from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN medium power transistor in SOT89 (SC-62) package, rated for 60 V VCEO, 1 A continuous collector current, and 100–250 hFE at VCE = 2 V / IC = 150 mA. It serves as a low-side switch or MOSFET driver in automotive power management systems with exposed die pad for thermal dissipation.
For engineers reviewing the BCX55-16-QX datasheet, BCX55-16-QX pinout, BCX55-16-QX application, or BCX55-16-QX equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal derating behavior, automotive qualification status, and real-world use context for linear regulators, battery-driven devices, and amplifier stages.
Technical Context
This transistor operates as a single NPN bipolar junction device optimized for medium-power switching and amplification. Its design supports pulsed IC up to 2 A (tp ≤ 1 ms), VBE ≤ 1 V at IC = 500 mA, and fT = 100–180 MHz - enabling stable gain in audio and DC-DC control loops.
Thermal performance is defined by Rth(j-sp) = 16 K/W to solder point and Ptot = 1.35 W with 6 cm² collector pad on FR4. Junction temperature is rated to 150 °C, and ambient operating range spans −55 °C to +150 °C per AEC-Q101 stress testing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 60 V - maximum safe collector-emitter voltage under open-base condition; defines breakdown margin in 48 V automotive rail switching. |
| IC (continuous) | 1 A - steady-state current handling capacity; supports load switching in battery-powered motor drivers and LED arrays. |
| hFE | 100–250 at VCE = 2 V / IC = 150 mA - high and tightly binned DC current gain enables predictable base drive sizing in linear regulators. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.5 V at IC = 500 mA / IB = 50 mA - low saturation voltage reduces conduction loss in low-side switch configurations. |
| fT | 100–180 MHz - transition frequency confirms usable bandwidth for audio amplification and fast-switching feedback paths. |
| Rth(j-sp) | 16 K/W - thermal resistance to solder point enables direct PCB heat sinking without heatsink hardware in space-constrained modules. |
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Qualified for automotive applications - validated for temperature cycling, HTRB, and ESD per AEC standard; suitable for under-hood ECUs. |
Pinout & Package
SOT89 (SC-62) surface-mount plastic package with exposed collector pad for enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity. Dimensions: 4.6 × 2.6 × 1.8 mm; 3-pin flat-lead configuration with standardized reflow footprint (Fig. 10).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emitter (E) | Current return path; connected to ground or low-side reference; electrically isolated from package tab. |
| 2 | Collector (C) | Main current output node; tied to exposed die pad for thermal transfer and low-inductance high-current routing. |
| 3 | Base (B) | Control input; requires ~50 mA drive for full saturation at 500 mA load; sensitive to ESD due to thin oxide layer. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Exposed collector pad | Enables direct thermal coupling to PCB copper; achieves 1.35 W total power dissipation with 6 cm² mounting area. |
| Three hFE bins (10–16–25) | BCX55-16-QX offers 100–250 hFE, allowing precise base resistor selection for consistent turn-on timing across production batches. |
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive under-hood environments including temperature cycling (−55 °C to +150 °C) and humidity exposure. |
| High VCEO / VCBO | 60 V rating supports operation in 42 V stop-start systems and industrial 48 V DC distribution without derating. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤ 0.5 V at IC/IB = 10 ensures <125 mW conduction loss at 250 mA load - critical for thermally constrained battery packs. |
Applications
| Linear Voltage Regulators | Power Management |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Pass transistor in adjustable 3-terminal linear regulator supplying 12 V/500 mA to infotainment subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: NPN pass element controlling output voltage via base bias network; operates in active region with thermal feedback. Use Value: High hFE bin minimizes base drive current; exposed pad maintains Tj < 125 °C at full load without external heatsink. |
Use Scenario: Load switch enabling/disabling 24 V auxiliary rail in commercial vehicle telematics module. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch controlled by microcontroller GPIO; handles inrush and steady-state current. Use Value: 2 A peak rating absorbs capacitor charging surges; AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability over 15-year vehicle lifecycle. |
| MOSFET Drivers | Battery-Driven Devices |
|
Use Scenario: Gate driver stage for N-channel power MOSFET in 48 V BLDC motor controller half-bridge. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current amplifier boosting MCU GPIO output to deliver ≥1 A gate charge pulse. Use Value: fT > 100 MHz supports clean 20 kHz PWM edge transitions; low VCE(sat) limits driver-stage losses. |
Use Scenario: Power enable switch in portable medical monitor powered by Li-ion battery pack (3.0–4.2 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reverse-polarity protection and soft-start control via emitter-follower configuration. Use Value: VEBO = 5 V withstands battery insertion transients; −55 °C minimum Tamb rating supports field deployment in cold climates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN medium power transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCX55-10-Q | hFE = 63–160 (lower gain bin); identical VCEO, IC, package, and AEC-Q101 status. | Suitable where lower base drive sensitivity is acceptable, e.g., fixed-resistor bias in cost-sensitive consumer power supplies. | Select when tighter hFE tolerance is unnecessary and BOM simplification is prioritized over gain headroom. |
| ZTX653 | TO-92 package; VCEO = 60 V, IC = 1 A, hFE = 100–300, but not AEC-Q101 qualified; higher Rth(j-a). | Limited to non-automotive industrial or prototyping use; lacks thermal pad and automotive validation. | Choose only for lab evaluation or non-automotive production where SMT assembly compatibility is secondary. |
Compared with BCX55-10-Q and ZTX653, BCX55-16-QX provides the highest guaranteed hFE bin and automotive qualification in a thermally optimized SOT89 package - making it the preferred choice for production-grade automotive power switches requiring robust base drive margin and thermal reliability.
Availability
BCX55-16-QX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECUs, industrial battery management systems, and medical portable devices requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for BCX55-16-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 high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and advanced packaging.
The BCX55-Q series belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified medium-power transistor family, engineered specifically for automotive power switching, linear regulation, and driver-stage amplification in harsh-environment applications.
FAQ
Is BCX55-16-QX pin-compatible with BCX55-10-Q and BCX55-Q?
Yes - all BCX55-Q series variants share identical SOT89 (SC-62) pinout: Pin 1 = Emitter, Pin 2 = Collector, Pin 3 = Base. The only differences are hFE binning and marking code (BM vs BG vs BE); no layout change is required when substituting within the same package.
What is the maximum allowable PCB copper area for optimal thermal performance?
Maximum thermal benefit is achieved with a 6 cm² collector pad on FR4 - delivering Ptot = 1.35 W and Rth(j-a) = 93 K/W. Using 1 cm² reduces Ptot to 0.95 W; standard footprint limits it to 0.50 W. Pad size must match the solder land dimensions in Figure 10.
Does BCX55-16-QX support pulsed operation beyond its DC ratings?
Yes - it supports ICM = 2 A for single pulses ≤ 1 ms and IC = 500 mA with IB = 50 mA for saturation. Transient thermal impedance curves (Figs. 2–4) confirm safe operation under short-duration loads typical in motor commutation and surge protection.
Can BCX55-16-QX be used in avalanche mode?
No - the device is not rated or characterized for repetitive avalanche operation. Its absolute maximum VCEO = 60 V applies only under open-base conditions; operation near breakdown without clamping risks permanent degradation. External snubbers or TVS diodes are required for inductive load switching.
BCX55-16-QX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-243AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 1 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 60 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:
- 180MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-89
BCX55-16-QX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BCX55-16-QX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BCX55-16-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 BCX55-16-QX reliable?
The price and inventory of BCX55-16-QX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BCX55-16-QX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BCX55-16-QX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BCX55-16-QX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BCX55-16-QX?
BCX55-16-QX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BCX55-16-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 BCX55-16-QX?
For technical support, including BCX55-16-QX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BCX55-16-QX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BCX55-16-QX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BCX55-16-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 BCX55-16-QX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BCX55-16-QX?
All BCX55-16-QX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BCX55-16-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 BCX55-16-QX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BCX55-16-QX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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