NXP Semiconductors BFR93A,235

Overview

BFR93A,235 from NXP Semiconductors is an NPN silicon RF transistor in SOT23 package, optimized for wideband amplification up to 6 GHz with 13 dB maximum unilateral gain at 1 GHz, 1.9 dB noise figure at 1 GHz, and 425 mV output voltage under MATV intermodulation test conditions. It serves as a high-linearity active device in RF front-end stages of terrestrial TV tuners and broadband CATV distribution amplifiers.

For engineers reviewing the BFR93A,235 datasheet, BFR93A,235 pinout, BFR93A,235 application, or BFR93A,235 equivalent, this discrete NPN transistor delivers verified wideband RF performance with documented thermal resistance (260 K/W), intermodulation distortion (–50 dB), and transition frequency (6 GHz) critical for MATV and broadband amplifier design.

Technical Context

The BFR93A,235 operates as a common-emitter RF amplifier with S-parameters characterized at IC = 30 mA, VCE = 8 V, and Tamb = 25 °C. Its low feedback capacitance (0.6 pF) and high fT (6 GHz) support stable wideband gain up to 2 GHz, while its minimum noise figure circles (Fig.11–12) enable impedance-matching for low-noise front-end designs.

Thermal management relies on junction-to-soldering-point resistance of 260 K/W, with power derating required above Ts = 95 °C. The device exhibits second-order intermodulation distortion of –50 dB under defined MATV test conditions (fp + fq − fr = 793.25 MHz), confirming suitability for multi-carrier cable TV signal paths.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Plastic surface-mounted SOT23 (TO-236AB), 3-lead, marking code R2p. Dimensions per IEC/JEDEC outline: D = 2.8 mm, E = 1.4 mm, Lp = 1.2 mm, bp = 0.48 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN RF transistor applications.

Compared with BFR92A,235 and BFT93,215, the BFR93A,235 uniquely combines 6 GHz f_T, 1.9 dB NF, and –50 dB intermodulation in a single NPN SOT23 device-making it irreplaceable for MATV-compliant broadband amplifiers where both linearity and noise performance are simultaneously constrained.

Availability

BFR93A,235 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for terrestrial TV tuners, CATV distribution amplifiers, and UHF wireless receiver front-ends requiring stable component supply with traceable lot history and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for BFR93A,235 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company delivering high-performance mixed-signal and standard products, with leadership in RF, analog, and interface technologies for consumer, industrial, and communications markets.

The BFR93A,235 belongs to NXP's legacy RF transistor product line designed specifically for wideband analog signal amplification in broadcast and cable television infrastructure, emphasizing linearity, noise, and thermal reliability in surface-mount packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the BFR93A,235?

The BFR93A,235 has a transition frequency (f_T) of 6 GHz, confirmed under IC = 30 mA, VCE = 5 V, and f = 500 MHz test conditions. This specifies the frequency at which current gain drops to unity, making the BFR93A,235 suitable for amplification up to 2 GHz with usable gain margin. Its S-parameter data (Fig.10) shows >10 dB G_UM at 2 GHz, validating real-world wideband operation.

Does the BFR93A,235 meet MATV linearity standards?

Yes-the BFR93A,235 delivers 425 mV output voltage and –50 dB second-order intermodulation (d₂) under the DIN 45004B MATV test configuration (fp + fq − fr = 793.25 MHz, RL = 75 Ω). These values are explicitly measured and published in the official NXP datasheet, confirming compliance for cable TV distribution amplifier use cases.

What is the thermal resistance of the BFR93A,235 and how does it affect PCB layout?

The BFR93A,235 has a junction-to-soldering-point thermal resistance (R_{th j-s}) of 260 K/W, measured with Ts ≤ 95 °C. This requires direct copper pour connection to Pin 3 (collector) on the PCB for heat conduction, and limits continuous DC power dissipation to 300 mW. Layout must minimize thermal impedance between collector pad and internal ground plane to avoid junction temperature exceeding +175 °C.

Can the BFR93A,235 replace the BFR92A,235 in existing designs?

The BFR93A,235 is not a drop-in replacement for the BFR92A,235 due to higher f_T (6 GHz vs. 4.5 GHz), lower noise figure (1.9 dB vs. 2.5 dB), and tighter intermodulation performance (–50 dB vs. –45 dB). While pin-compatible in SOT23, circuit re-tuning of input/output matching networks is required to exploit the BFR93A,235's superior RF characteristics without instability.

What is the recommended bias condition for low-noise operation of the BFR93A,235?

For minimum noise figure, the BFR93A,235 should be biased at IC = 5 mA, VCE = 8 V, with source impedance matched to Γ_opt (as shown in Fig.11–12). At this condition, the datasheet specifies 1.9 dB noise figure at 1 GHz and 3.0 dB at 2 GHz. Maintaining VCE ≥ 8 V ensures optimal f_T and G_UM while avoiding saturation-induced distortion.