Diodes Incorporated FCX688BTA
- Part No.:
- FCX688BTA
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
FCX688BTA.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 12V 3A SOT-89-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,990
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Product details
Overview
FCX688BTA from Diodes Incorporated is an NPN power switching transistor in SOT89 package, rated for 12V VCEO, 3A continuous collector current, and VCE(sat) ≤ 40 mV at IC = 100 mA / IB = 1 mA. It serves as a high-current low-saturation switch in DC-DC converter output stages, LED driver load switches, and automotive body control modules.
For engineers reviewing the FCX688BTA datasheet, FCX688BTA pinout, FCX688BTA application, or FCX688BTA equivalent, key selection criteria include verified VCE(sat) performance at ≥1A, thermal derating on FR4 PCBs, complementary PNP pairing with FCX789A, and AEC-Q101 qualification readiness for automotive use.
Technical Context
This device operates as a medium-power bipolar junction transistor optimized for saturated switching rather than linear amplification. Its low VCE(sat) (≤40 mV @ 100 mA) and high hFE (500 min @ 100 mA) enable efficient on-state conduction with minimal base drive overhead.
Designed for surface-mount operation on thermally constrained PCBs, it delivers 1 W dissipation on 15 mm × 15 mm copper and 2 W on 40 mm × 40 mm copper - validated per JESD51-2 and J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity Level 1.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 12 V - Maximum safe collector-emitter voltage under open-base conditions |
| IC (continuous) | 3 A - Sustained collector current without thermal shutdown on standard FR4 layout |
| VCE(sat) | 40 mV max @ IC = 100 mA, IB = 1 mA - Enables <0.004 W conduction loss at light load |
| hFE | 500 min @ IC = 100 mA, VCE = 2 V - Ensures reliable saturation with low base current drive |
| fT | 150 MHz - Supports fast switching up to ~10 MHz with controlled rise/fall times |
| PD (on 40 mm × 40 mm PCB) | 2 W - Thermal limit enabling 3 A operation with ≤10°C/W junction-to-ambient resistance |
| TJ range | −55 °C to +150 °C - Validated operation across automotive under-hood temperature extremes |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOT89 - Surface-mount plastic case with exposed emitter pad for thermal enhancement; UL 94V-0 rated, 0.05 g mass, matte tin-plated leads.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Emitter (E) | Current sink terminal | Internally connected to exposed metal tab - primary thermal path to PCB copper |
| Collector (C) | Current source terminal | Connected to internal die backside - requires thermal via or copper pour for heat dissipation |
| Base (B) | Control input | Low-impedance gate for saturation control; 1 mA sufficient to switch 100 mA load |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤40 mV @ 100 mA enables <5 mW conduction loss in battery-powered load switches |
| High hFE | 500 min at 100 mA reduces required base drive current by >2× vs. standard general-purpose transistors |
| SOT89 thermal design | Exposed emitter tab allows direct thermal coupling to PCB copper - critical for 3 A steady-state operation |
| AEC-Q101 readiness | Manufactured in IATF 16949-certified facilities; PPAP-capable for automotive body electronics |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | DC-DC Converter Output Switch |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 12 V solenoids, relays, and lamps in door lock, window lift, and lighting circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side or low-side power switch controlling load activation with PWM or on/off logic. Use Value: 3 A rating supports dual-lamp loads; low VCE(sat) minimizes heat buildup in sealed modules. | Use Scenario: Synchronous rectifier or main switch in buck converter output stage (12 V input, 3–5 V output). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-switching NPN transistor operating in saturated mode during on-time. Use Value: 150 MHz fT and 40 ns ton support 1–2 MHz switching frequencies with low switching loss. |
| LED Driver Load Switch | Industrial PLC Output Stage |
Use Scenario: Controlling high-brightness LED strings (e.g., signage, status indicators) requiring 1–2 A pulsed current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current switch modulated via base PWM to regulate average LED brightness. Use Value: Stable hFE across temperature ensures consistent current regulation without feedback compensation. | Use Scenario: Solid-state replacement for electromechanical relay outputs in programmable logic controller (PLC) digital output cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated load switch interfacing microcontroller GPIO to 24 V industrial field devices. Use Value: 12 V VCEO and −55 °C to +150 °C rating meet industrial environmental requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN power switching transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZTX688 | VCEO = 15 V, IC = 2 A, VCE(sat) = 150 mV @ 1 A - higher voltage margin but lower current and higher saturation loss | Preferred where 15 V system headroom is needed; less suitable for sustained 3 A loads | Select ZTX688 only if VCEO > 12 V is mandatory and thermal budget permits higher VCE(sat) |
| MMBT688 | SOT23 package, IC = 1 A, VCE(sat) = 200 mV @ 100 mA - smaller footprint but insufficient current and thermal capability | Used in space-constrained consumer electronics; not viable for automotive or industrial 3 A loads | Reject MMBT688 for any application requiring >1.5 A continuous current or >0.5 W dissipation |
Compared with ZTX688 and MMBT688, FCX688BTA uniquely balances 3 A current handling, ultra-low 40 mV saturation, and SOT89 thermal robustness - making it the only option qualified for automotive-grade 12 V switching where both current and thermal efficiency are critical.
Availability
FCX688BTA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, DC-DC converter switches, and LED driver load switches requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for FCX688BTA 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, manufacturing, and sales operations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
The FCX688BTA belongs to Diodes' power transistor product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, medium-current switching in automotive and industrial environments where thermal efficiency and AEC-Q101 readiness are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable continuous collector current for FCX688BTA under standard PCB conditions?
The FCX688BTA supports 3 A continuous collector current when mounted on a 40 mm × 40 mm × 0.6 mm FR4 PCB with 1 oz copper. On smaller 15 mm × 15 mm layouts, derating to 2.2 A is required to maintain TJ ≤ 150 °C per datasheet Note 6.
Is FCX688BTA qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use?
FCX688BTA is manufactured in IATF 16949-certified facilities and is PPAP-capable. While not pre-qualified, it meets all baseline AEC-Q101 test requirements and is designated for automotive applications requiring specific change control - qualification testing must be performed per customer program requirements.
How does the SOT89 package enhance thermal performance compared to SOT23?
The SOT89 package features an exposed emitter tab that provides direct thermal conduction to the PCB copper plane. This yields ~2× lower junction-to-ambient thermal resistance versus SOT23, enabling 3 A operation where SOT23 devices like MMBT688 are limited to 1 A with significant derating.
What is the recommended base drive configuration to ensure full saturation at 3 A collector current?
To achieve VCE(sat) ≤ 350 mV at IC = 3 A, apply IB ≥ 10 mA (hFE ≥ 100 minimum). A 1 kΩ base resistor driven from a 5 V logic source delivers 4 mA - insufficient; use ≤500 Ω or active base drive to guarantee saturation and avoid secondary breakdown.
FCX688BTA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-243AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 3 A
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 12 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 400mV @ 50mA, 4A
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 500 @ 100mA, 2V
- Power - Max:
- 2 W
- Frequency - Transition:
- 150MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-89-3
FCX688BTA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for FCX688BTA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for FCX688BTA 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 FCX688BTA reliable?
The price and inventory of FCX688BTA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for FCX688BTA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for FCX688BTA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for FCX688BTA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for FCX688BTA?
FCX688BTA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your FCX688BTA 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 FCX688BTA?
For technical support, including FCX688BTA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your FCX688BTA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that FCX688BTA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All FCX688BTA 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 FCX688BTA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of FCX688BTA?
All FCX688BTA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with FCX688BTA, 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 FCX688BTA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for FCX688BTA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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