Diodes Incorporated DCP54-16-13

Overview

DCP54-16-13 from Diodes Incorporated is an NPN surface-mount bipolar junction transistor in SOT-223 package, rated for 45 V V_CEO, 1 A continuous collector current, and 1 W power dissipation at 25°C ambient. It delivers h_FE = 100–250 at I_C = 150 mA, V_CE = 2 V, with V_CE(SAT) ≤ 500 mV at I_C = 500 mA / I_B = 50 mA, and f_T = 200 MHz - used in medium-power switching and linear amplification stages of industrial power supplies and motor drivers.

For engineers reviewing the DCP54-16-13 datasheet, DCP54-16-13 pinout, DCP54-16-13 application, or DCP54-16-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include verified SOT-223 thermal resistance (R_θJA = 125°C/W), guaranteed h_FE binning (16 = 100–250), RoHS-compliant matte tin plating, and JEDEC Level 1 moisture sensitivity rating.

Technical Context

This NPN BJT employs epitaxial planar die construction for stable gain and low leakage. Its complementary PNP counterpart is DCP51, enabling push-pull configurations. The device operates across –55°C to +150°C junction temperature range and supports pulsed testing per JEDEC standards (300 μs pulse width, ≤2% duty cycle).

Designed for automated SMT assembly, it features a 4-pin SOT-223 package with Collector connected to both pins 1 and 3 (dual-collector thermal path), Base on pin 2, and Emitter on pin 4. Thermal performance relies on FR-4 PCB pad layout per AP02001, delivering 125°C/W R_θJA under standard conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-223 - 4-pin surface-mount plastic package with exposed thermal pad (Collector connected to pins 1 and 3); UL 94V-0 rated molding compound; 0.115 g typical weight; JEDEC Level 1 moisture sensitivity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DCP54-16-13, BCP54 lacks guaranteed h_FE binning and may require additional gain-margin design overhead, while BCP5416 offers identical performance and qualification with second-source assurance - making it the preferred alternative for new designs requiring long-term supply continuity.

Availability

DCP54-16-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, motor control modules, and analog signal conditioning circuits requiring stable component supply and verified SOT-223 thermal performance.

Supply support for DCP54-16-13 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in China, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

The DCP54 series belongs to Diodes' general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for reliable medium-power switching and amplification in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications where thermal robustness and RoHS compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What does the "-16" suffix indicate in DCP54-16-13?

The "-16" denotes the h_FE gain bin: minimum DC current gain of 100 and maximum of 250 when measured at I_C = 150 mA and V_CE = 2 V. This binning enables predictable base drive design and reduces gain-related variability in production assemblies.

Is DCP54-16-13 suitable for linear regulator applications?

Yes - its guaranteed h_FE ≥ 100, low V_CE(SAT), and 150°C maximum junction temperature support stable operation in series-pass linear regulators. Thermal design must follow AP02001 pad layout to maintain T_j < 125°C at full 1 A load.

How does the SOT-223 pin configuration affect PCB layout?

Pins 1 and 3 are internally connected to the Collector and must be routed to the same net - typically a large copper pour for thermal management. Pin 4 (Emitter) is isolated and serves as the reference node; pin 2 (Base) requires controlled-impedance routing to minimize noise coupling in sensitive analog uses.

Why is DCP54-16-13 marked "Not Recommended for New Design"?

Diodes Incorporated issued this notice in 2011 due to planned obsolescence and migration toward newer process nodes. However, the part remains fully available, supported, and qualified - with BCP5416 offered as a functionally identical second-source alternative for long-term design assurance.