Nexperia USA Inc. BF550,235
- Part No.:
- BF550,235
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
BF550,235.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS PNP 40V 0.025A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
BF550 from Nexperia is a PNP medium-frequency transistor in SOT23 package, rated for −40 V VCEO, −25 mA IC, 325 MHz fT, and 500 K/W Rth(j-a), used in thick/thin-film RF amplification and oscillator stages up to ~100 MHz.
For engineers reviewing the BF550 datasheet, BF550 pinout, BF550 application, or BF550 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal behavior, SOT23 terminal mapping, and validated alternatives for medium-frequency analog signal conditioning and biasing circuits.
Technical Context
This PNP bipolar junction transistor operates with low-current (≤25 mA) and low-voltage (≤40 V) constraints, optimized for stable gain at frequencies up to 325 MHz under −1 mA / −10 V bias. Its −50 nA ICBO and −100 nA IEBO support low-leakage bias networks in precision analog front-ends.
The device uses silicon planar epitaxial construction with base-emitter voltage of 750 mV at −1 mA/−10 V, and exhibits 0.5 pF Cre for minimal Miller effect in tuned amplifier configurations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | −40 V: Maximum collector-emitter blocking voltage before breakdown in common-emitter configuration. |
| IC (DC) | −25 mA: Absolute maximum continuous collector current; design limit for linear operation at ambient ≤25 °C. |
| fT | 325 MHz: Unity-gain frequency defining usable bandwidth for small-signal amplification. |
| hFE | 50 min: Minimum DC current gain at −1 mA/−10 V, ensuring predictable bias point stability in fixed-bias designs. |
| Cre | 0.5 pF max: Feedback capacitance limiting high-frequency instability and phase shift in amplifier feedback paths. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W: Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on FR4 PCB, dictating derating above 25 °C ambient. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 plastic surface-mounted package (TO-236AB), 3-lead, dimensions per JEDEC MO-178AA: 2.9 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm, 0.95 mm lead pitch, 0.1 mm thickness.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base | Control electrode for forward-active region; requires negative bias relative to emitter for PNP conduction. |
| 2 | Emitter | Current source terminal; connected to most positive rail in typical common-emitter amplifier topology. |
| 3 | Collector | Output current sink; tied to load resistor or tuned circuit in RF amplifier stages. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Medium-frequency optimization | fT = 325 MHz enables stable gain in 10–100 MHz oscillator and IF amplifier designs. |
| Low leakage performance | ICBO ≤ −50 nA ensures minimal temperature drift in bias networks over −65 to +150 °C range. |
| SOT23 footprint compatibility | Standardized 0.95 mm pitch allows drop-in replacement in existing thin-film and hybrid circuit layouts. |
| Thermal robustness | 150 °C max junction temperature supports operation in sealed industrial enclosures without forced cooling. |
Applications
| FM Radio IF Amplifier | Crystal Oscillator Buffer |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying 10.7 MHz intermediate frequency signal in portable FM radio receivers with minimal distortion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PNP common-emitter RF amplifier stage providing 15–20 dB small-signal gain at 10.7 MHz. Use Value: 325 MHz fT and 0.5 pF Cre maintain flat gain response and low phase noise in narrowband IF filtering. | Use Scenario: Isolating and driving crystal oscillator output to multiple downstream logic inputs without loading. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Emitter-follower buffer stage delivering low-impedance, rail-referenced clock signal. Use Value: 50 hFE min and −4 V VEBO rating ensure reliable drive into capacitive loads up to 20 pF. |
| Thin-Film RF Preamp | Temperature-Stable Bias Generator |
Use Scenario: First-stage amplification in hybrid microwave modules using thick-film resistors and chip capacitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Medium-frequency preamplifier with fixed emitter degeneration for gain linearity. Use Value: −25 mA IC rating and 500 K/W thermal resistance allow stable DC bias under 70 °C board temperature rise. | Use Scenario: Generating precise reference current in analog sensor signal chains operating across automotive temperature ranges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current source using diode-connected PNP configuration with emitter resistor. Use Value: −50 nA ICBO and −100 nA IEBO minimize temperature-induced current drift below 100 ppm/°C. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PNP medium-frequency transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC856B | Higher hFE (220–475), same SOT23, −65 V VCEO, but lower fT (100 MHz). | Better for DC/low-frequency switching; less suitable for >50 MHz amplification. | Select when higher DC gain and voltage margin outweigh RF bandwidth needs. |
| MMBT3906 | Same VCEO/IC, fT = 250 MHz, hFE = 100 min, wider industry availability. | Compatible in most BF550 linear amplifier roles but with 75 MHz lower fT. | Prefer for cost-sensitive production where 250 MHz bandwidth suffices and supply chain resilience is critical. |
Compared with BC856B and MMBT3906, the BF550 offers superior high-frequency gain-bandwidth product (325 MHz) at the expense of lower DC current gain and narrower voltage margin-making it optimal for compact, medium-frequency analog signal paths where bandwidth is prioritized over switching speed or voltage headroom.
Availability
BF550 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FM radio IF amplifiers, crystal oscillator buffers, thin-film RF preamps, and temperature-stable bias generators requiring stable component supply across industrial and consumer electronics programs.
Supply support for BF550 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 leader in discrete, logic, and PowerMOS semiconductors, spun off from NXP in 2017 and focused on automotive, industrial, computing, and consumer markets.
The BF550 belongs to Nexperia's legacy PNP RF transistor portfolio, designed specifically for medium-frequency analog signal conditioning in space-constrained hybrid and thin-film circuits.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency for linear amplification with BF550?
The BF550 achieves usable small-signal gain up to approximately 100 MHz in practical amplifier designs, supported by its 325 MHz transition frequency (fT) and 0.5 pF feedback capacitance. Gain rolls off predictably beyond 100 MHz due to parasitic capacitances and package limitations, making it best suited for IF stages and oscillator buffers rather than UHF applications.
Can BF550 be used in common-base configuration?
Yes, the BF550 supports common-base operation with verified VCB = −40 V and fT = 325 MHz, enabling wideband current-buffer applications. Its low Cre (0.5 pF) minimizes Miller multiplication, and the −50 nA ICBO ensures stable input impedance at high frequencies-ideal for RF current mirrors and broadband amplifiers.
Is BF550 RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, BF550 meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is halogen-free per Nexperia standard specifications. The SOT23 package uses lead-free matte tin plating, and the device complies with JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL1), supporting standard reflow profiles without preconditioning.
How does thermal resistance affect BF550's power handling at 70 °C ambient?
With Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W and Ptot = 250 mW at 25 °C, the BF550's allowable power dissipation drops to ~138 mW at 70 °C ambient (ΔT = 45 K). This requires design-level derating-e.g., limiting IC to ~18 mA at VCE = −10 V-to maintain Tj ≤ 150 °C and ensure long-term reliability.
BF550,235 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- PNP
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 25 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 40 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- -
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 50nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 50 @ 1mA, 10V
- Power - Max:
- 250 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 325MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
BF550,235 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for BF550,235 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for BF550,235 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 BF550,235 reliable?
The price and inventory of BF550,235 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for BF550,235 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for BF550,235?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for BF550,235 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for BF550,235?
BF550,235 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your BF550,235 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 BF550,235?
For technical support, including BF550,235 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your BF550,235 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that BF550,235 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All BF550,235 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 BF550,235 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of BF550,235?
All BF550,235 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with BF550,235, 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 BF550,235 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for BF550,235:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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