Diodes Incorporated DNLS160-7

Overview

DNLS160-7 from Diodes Incorporated is a low V_CE(SAT) NPN bipolar junction transistor in SOT-23 package, rated for 60 V V_CEO, 1 A continuous collector current, and 300 mW power dissipation at 25°C ambient. It delivers 140–250 mΩ R_CE(SAT) at I_C = 1 A / I_B = 100 mA and is qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive signal switching applications.

For engineers reviewing the DNLS160-7 datasheet, DNLS160-7 pinout, DNLS160-7 application, or DNLS160-7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 80–250 mV V_CE(SAT) across 100 mA–1 A load range, 150–270 MHz f_T, AEC-Q101 qualification, RoHS-compliant matte tin terminals, and SOT-23 footprint compatibility with automated assembly.

Technical Context

This NPN transistor uses epitaxial planar die construction for stable gain and low saturation voltage. Its V_CE(SAT) remains ≤140 mV at I_C = 500 mA / I_B = 50 mA and ≤250 mV at I_C = 1 A / I_B = 100 mA, enabling efficient low-side switching in space-constrained DC-DC and load control circuits.

With h_FE = 100–320 (depending on I_C), f_T ≥150 MHz, and C_obo = 7–10 pF at 10 V, it supports medium-speed digital switching and analog amplification up to ~100 MHz while maintaining thermal stability over −55°C to +150°C operating range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-23 - Surface-mount plastic case, 0.008 g weight, UL 94V-0 rated molding compound, moisture sensitivity level 1, matte tin-plated copper leadframe.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN low-saturation switching applications.

Compared with MMBT3904-7-F, DNLS160-7 offers lower saturation voltage and automotive qualification; versus DPLS160-7, it provides NPN polarity for single-ended low-side switching, enabling simpler bias networks and higher DC gain consistency at 1 A loads.

Availability

DNLS160-7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial PLC output stages, USB-C power delivery load switching, and DC-DC synchronous rectification requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101 assurance.

Supply support for DNLS160-7 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.

DNLS160-7 belongs to Diodes' AEC-Q101-qualified low-V_CE(SAT) transistor family, engineered specifically for automotive signal switching, industrial load control, and energy-efficient power management where reliability and thermal performance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable junction temperature for DNLS160-7?

The absolute maximum junction temperature is +150°C, as specified in the Thermal Characteristics table. Derating begins above 25°C ambient at 0.72 mW/°C (based on R_θJA = 417 °C/W), so sustained 1 A operation requires careful PCB copper area design to maintain T_J ≤125°C under worst-case ambient conditions.

Is DNLS160-7 pin-compatible with standard SOT-23 NPN transistors like MMBT3904?

Yes - DNLS160-7 uses the standard SOT-23 outline with E-B-C pin order (pin 1 = emitter, pin 2 = base, pin 3 = collector), matching JEDEC TO-236AB and compatible with MMBT3904, BC846, and other common SOT-23 NPN transistors in layout and assembly.

Does DNLS160-7 require a base resistor when driven by a 3.3 V microcontroller GPIO?

Yes - a series base resistor is mandatory to limit I_B to ≤100 mA. For 3.3 V drive with V_BE(SAT) ≈ 0.91 V, a 22 Ω resistor delivers ~109 mA base current, ensuring saturation at 1 A collector load per datasheet test condition.

Can DNLS160-7 be used in linear amplifier applications?

It is not optimized for linear operation - its h_FE variation (100–320) and f_T rolloff above 100 MHz limit precision analog gain stability. The datasheet specifies only switching parameters; for amplification, Diodes' BCP56 or PBSS4041 series are better suited.