Nexperia USA Inc. MMBT3904VL
- Part No.:
- MMBT3904VL
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
MMBT3904VL.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 40V 0.2A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:13,287
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Product details
Overview
MMBT3904VL from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN switching transistor in SOT23 package, rated for 40 V VCEO, 200 mA IC, and 250 mW Ptot, used for low-power digital switching and signal amplification in automotive body control modules, LED drivers, and sensor interface circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MMBT3904VL datasheet, MMBT3904VL pinout, MMBT3904VL application, or MMBT3904VL equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated SOT23 terminal mapping, automotive-grade reliability context, and direct substitution guidance against industry-standard alternatives.
Technical Context
This discrete NPN bipolar junction transistor operates with a DC current gain (hFE) of 100–300 at VCE = 1 V and IC = 10 mA, and achieves VCE(sat) ≤ 300 mV at IC = 50 mA / IB = 5 mA. Its fT of 300 MHz supports high-speed switching up to 50 ns fall time.
Thermal resistance Rth(j-a) is 500 K/W on FR4 PCB, and absolute maximum ratings include VCBO = 60 V, VEBO = 6 V, and Tj = 150 °C - confirming suitability for under-hood automotive environments with transient voltage and thermal stress.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCEO | 40 V - Maximum collector-emitter voltage before breakdown; defines safe operating range in 12 V/24 V automotive supply rails. |
| IC | 200 mA - Continuous collector current rating; supports driving small relays, LEDs, or logic-level MOSFET gates. |
| hFE | 100–300 - DC current gain at IC = 10 mA; enables stable biasing with low base drive current in linear or saturated operation. |
| VCE(sat) | ≤300 mV at IC/IB = 10 - Low saturation voltage minimizes power loss and heat generation during switching conduction. |
| fT | 300 MHz - Transition frequency; ensures reliable operation in pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals up to ~50 MHz fundamental content. |
| Rth(j-a) | 500 K/W - Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance on standard FR4 PCB; informs derating requirements above 25 °C ambient. |
| AEC-Q101 | Qualified - Validated for automotive use per stress test standard; includes HTOL, temperature cycling, and ESD testing. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 plastic surface-mount package: 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm lead pitch, 3-terminal configuration with gull-wing leads.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control terminal; requires ~1 mA base current to saturate at 10 mA collector load, enabling digital ON/OFF switching. |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Current return path; connected to ground or low-side reference; polarity defines NPN topology and current direction. |
| 3 | Collector (C) | Output terminal; sinks current from load (e.g., LED anode or relay coil); placed on high-side of load in common-emitter config. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units and lighting systems per stress test requirements. |
| Low VCE(sat) | ≤300 mV at IC = 50 mA ensures <15 mW conduction loss, reducing thermal load in space-constrained PCB layouts. |
| High hFE range | 100–300 at 10 mA enables robust switching margin across temperature (−55 °C to +150 °C) without active bias compensation. |
| Fast switching | 50 ns fall time and 35 ns rise time support PWM frequencies >1 MHz in LED dimming and motor control interfaces. |
| Small SOT23 footprint | 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm area saves board space vs. TO-92; compatible with automated reflow assembly and wave soldering. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control | LED Driver Interface |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Switching 12 V dome lights, door lock actuators, and HVAC fan controls in passenger vehicles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Discrete NPN switch controlling load current path between battery rail and ground. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability over 15-year vehicle lifetime; low VCE(sat) limits self-heating during continuous duty cycles. |
Use Scenario: Driving multiplexed indicator LEDs in instrument clusters and center consoles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side current sink for constant-current LED strings with PWM brightness control. Use Value: 300 MHz fT and 50 ns fall time enable clean 1–10 kHz PWM edges, eliminating visible flicker and ghosting. |
| Sensor Signal Conditioning | Microcontroller GPIO Expansion |
|
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak analog outputs from temperature or pressure sensors before ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Common-emitter amplifier stage providing voltage gain and impedance transformation. Use Value: hFE stability across −40 °C to +125 °C maintains consistent gain without calibration drift in cabin environments. |
Use Scenario: Extending output capability of low-drive MCU pins to control higher-current peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital buffer/inverter translating 3.3 V logic to 12 V/200 mA load switching. Use Value: 200 mA IC rating allows direct drive of solenoids, buzzers, or optocoupler inputs without external driver ICs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NPN switching transistor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON Semiconductor NSS20201MR6T1G | Same SOT23-3 package; VCEO = 40 V, IC = 200 mA, but hFE min = 70 (vs. 100 for MMBT3904VL); not AEC-Q101 qualified. | Lacks automotive qualification; suitable for industrial or consumer boards where AEC compliance is not required. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive reliability needs and gain margin is acceptable at low IC. |
| Diodes Incorporated DXT3904TC-7-F | SOT23-3; VCEO = 40 V, IC = 200 mA; hFE = 100–300 same range; AEC-Q101 qualified; slightly higher VBE(sat) (max 950 mV vs. 850 mV). | Drop-in replacement with identical automotive qualification and gain profile; minor VBE difference affects base resistor sizing. | Preferred for second-source assurance in automotive programs requiring dual-sourcing and full spec alignment. |
Compared with NSS20201MR6T1G, MMBT3904VL provides higher minimum hFE and automotive qualification; versus DXT3904TC-7-F, it offers marginally lower VBE(sat) for tighter base drive design, while maintaining identical switching performance and qualification status.
Availability
MMBT3904VL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, LED lighting control, sensor interface circuits, and microcontroller peripheral expansion requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MMBT3904VL 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
Nexperia is a global semiconductor expert focused on high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and efficient manufacturing.
MMBT3904VL belongs to Nexperia's AEC-Q101-qualified general-purpose transistor product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained automotive and industrial switching applications demanding proven field reliability.
FAQ
Is MMBT3904VL pin-compatible with the legacy MMBT3904?
Yes - MMBT3904VL uses the identical SOT23-3 package and pinout (Pin 1 = Base, Pin 2 = Emitter, Pin 3 = Collector) as the standard MMBT3904. The 'VL' suffix denotes enhanced automotive qualification (AEC-Q101), with no mechanical or electrical changes to pin assignment or footprint.
What is the maximum allowable PCB temperature rise when operating at 200 mA?
At IC = 200 mA and VCE(sat) ≈ 300 mV, power dissipation is ~60 mW. With Rth(j-a) = 500 K/W, junction temperature rise is ~30 K above ambient. For Tj ≤ 150 °C, ambient must stay ≤ 120 °C - achievable with moderate copper pour and airflow in automotive under-dash locations.
Can MMBT3904VL replace BC847BW in a 3.3 V logic interface?
No - BC847BW has higher hFE (min 200) and lower VCE(sat) (max 200 mV at IC/IB = 10), making it better suited for low-voltage saturation. MMBT3904VL's VCE(sat) reaches 850 mV at IC = 10 mA/IB = 1 mA, risking insufficient logic-low level in 3.3 V systems without base current adjustment.
Does MMBT3904VL support pulsed operation beyond 200 mA?
Yes - peak collector current ICM is rated at 200 mA, matching its DC rating. Unlike some transistors with higher pulsed IC, MMBT3904VL does not specify a higher short-duration current limit; operation above 200 mA risks permanent degradation even for sub-millisecond pulses unless derated per thermal constraints.
MMBT3904VL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Transistor Type:
- NPN
- Current - Collector (Ic) (Max):
- 200 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 40 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 300mV @ 5mA, 50mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 50nA (ICBO)
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 100 @ 10mA, 1V
- Power - Max:
- -
- Frequency - Transition:
- 300MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
MMBT3904VL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MMBT3904VL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MMBT3904VL 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 MMBT3904VL reliable?
The price and inventory of MMBT3904VL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MMBT3904VL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MMBT3904VL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MMBT3904VL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MMBT3904VL?
MMBT3904VL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MMBT3904VL 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 MMBT3904VL?
For technical support, including MMBT3904VL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MMBT3904VL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MMBT3904VL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MMBT3904VL 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 MMBT3904VL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MMBT3904VL?
All MMBT3904VL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MMBT3904VL, 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 MMBT3904VL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MMBT3904VL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MMBT3904VL Tags

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onsemi

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Diodes Incorporated

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MMBT3904LT1G
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BC846BLT1G
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BC847B,215
Nexperia USA Inc.

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