Diodes Incorporated DCP56-16-13

Overview

DCP56-16-13 from Diodes Incorporated is an NPN epitaxial planar silicon transistor in SOT-223 package, rated for 80 V V_CEO, 1 A I_C, and 1 W power dissipation at T_A = 25°C, with h_FE = 100–160 at I_C = 150 mA, used in medium-power switching and linear amplification circuits in industrial power supplies and motor drivers.

For engineers reviewing the DCP56-16-13 datasheet, DCP56-16-13 pinout, DCP56-16-13 application, or DCP56-16-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include V_CEO/V_CBO ratings, h_FE consistency across I_C range, R_θJA = 125°C/W thermal performance on FR-4 PCB, and SOT-223 footprint compatibility with automated assembly.

Technical Context

This device operates as a general-purpose NPN bipolar junction transistor with complementary PNP counterpart DCP53. Its epitaxial planar die construction ensures stable gain and breakdown characteristics across temperature, while the SOT-223 package provides enhanced thermal dissipation over smaller SOT-23 variants.

It supports DC switching and analog amplification with verified V_CE(SAT) ≤ 0.5 V at I_C = 500 mA/I_B = 50 mA and f_T = 200 MHz at I_C = 50 mA/V_CE = 5 V, enabling use in audio preamps and low-frequency switching regulators up to ~10 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-223, surface-mount, 4-terminal plastic case with exposed collector tab (pins 1 and 3 both connected to collector); UL 94V-0 rated molding compound; moisture sensitivity level 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DCP56-16-13, BCP56-16 offers identical gain binning and updated process control, while BCP56 provides broader h_FE tolerance at lower cost-making BCP56-16 the preferred drop-in upgrade for legacy designs requiring guaranteed gain matching.

Availability

DCP56-16-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, DC motor drivers, audio preamplifiers, and LED constant-current drivers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for DCP56-16-13 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 and manufacturing operations across Asia and the Americas.

The DCP56 series belongs to Diodes' general-purpose bipolar transistor product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, medium-power linear and switching applications in industrial and consumer equipment where reliability and RoHS compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

Is DCP56-16-13 pin-compatible with BCP56-16?

Yes, DCP56-16-13 and BCP56-16 share identical SOT-223 pinout (Collector-Base-Emitter-Collector), same mechanical dimensions, and matching thermal pad layout. Both devices have Collector connected to pins 1 and 3, Base on pin 2, and Emitter on pin 4-enabling direct PCB footprint reuse.

What is the maximum safe operating current at 85°C ambient?

At T_A = 85°C, derating begins at 1 W P_D with R_θJA = 125°C/W. Junction temperature must stay ≤150°C, allowing ΔT = 65°C. Max power = 65°C ÷ 125°C/W = 0.52 W. At V_CE(SAT) ≈ 0.45 V, max I_C ≈ 1.15 A-but I_C rating drops to 0.65 A per datasheet derating curve at 85°C.

Does DCP56-16-13 support pulsed operation beyond 1 A?

Yes, per datasheet Note 4: pulse testing allows I_C > 1 A with pulse width ≤300 μs and duty cycle ≤2%. Under these conditions, peak I_C may reach 2 A while maintaining V_CE(SAT) ≤ 0.6 V and avoiding secondary breakdown, provided thermal mass limits junction temperature rise.

Why is DCP56-16-13 marked "Not Recommended for New Design"?

Diodes Incorporated issued this designation because BCP56-16 supersedes DCP56-16-13 with improved process control, tighter h_FE binning (100–160), and extended lifecycle support. The DCP56 series remains fully functional but is no longer promoted for new schematics per DS30796 Rev. 7.