onsemi NZT6727

Overview

NZT6727 from ON Semiconductor (formerly Fairchild Semiconductor) is a PNP general-purpose amplifier transistor in SOT-223 package, rated for -40 V V_CEO, -1.5 A continuous collector current, and 1.0 W power dissipation at 25°C. It delivers h_FE = 55–250 at I_C = -10 mA to -1.0 A and V_CE = -1.0 V, with V_CE(sat) = -0.5 V at I_C = -1.0 A / I_B = -100 mA - used in medium-power linear amplification and switching circuits in industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the NZT6727 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its PNP polarity, SOT-223 thermal performance (R_θJA = 125°C/W), guaranteed V_(BR)CEO ≥ -40 V, and verified h_FE range across three operating points - critical for bias stability in discrete amplifier stages and relay drivers.

Technical Context

The NZT6727 is a silicon planar PNP bipolar junction transistor optimized for medium-power analog amplification and saturated switching. Its DC current gain (h_FE) is specified across three collector current levels (-10 mA, -100 mA, -1.0 A), enabling predictable bias design over wide dynamic range. The device features low V_CE(sat) (-0.5 V) under high-current drive, supporting efficient on-state operation in discrete power switches.

Thermal performance is defined for mounting on FR-4 PCB (36 mm × 18 mm × 1.5 mm) with ≥6 cm² collector pad area. Small-signal parameters include h_fe = 2.5–25 at f = 20 MHz and C_cb = 30 pF at V_CB = -10 V, indicating suitability for audio-frequency amplification and low-MHz switching applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-223 package with exposed collector tab for thermal conduction; standardized 4-pin outline (pin 4 is collector tab, electrically connected to pin 2). Mounting requires ≥6 cm² copper area on PCB for rated power dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with NZT6727, MJD6727 offers superior thermal performance in DPAK but occupies more board space, while ZTX6727 provides identical electrical behavior with automotive-grade qualification - choice depends on thermal budget and compliance requirements, not circuit redesign.

Availability

NZT6727 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial relay drivers, linear audio preamplifier stages, and high-side load switches requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for NZT6727 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

ON Semiconductor is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The NZT6727 belongs to Fairchild's legacy "FACT Quiet Series™" discrete transistor family, designed specifically for medium-power linear amplification and switching where low noise, consistent h_FE, and reliable saturation performance are prioritized over RF or ultra-high-speed operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous collector current rating for the NZT6727?

The NZT6727 has a maximum continuous collector current (I_C) rating of -1.5 A at T_A = 25°C. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal management - specifically, mounting on FR-4 with a minimum 6 cm² copper area for the collector pad. Derating applies above 25°C per the 8.0 mW/°C specification. The NZT6727 maintains safe operation within this limit when used in relay drivers or linear amplifiers with adequate heatsinking.

Is the NZT6727 pin-compatible with other SOT-223 PNP transistors like the MMBT6427?

No, the NZT6727 is not pin-compatible with the MMBT6427. The NZT6727 uses a 4-pin SOT-223 configuration where pin 4 is the collector tab (electrically tied to pin 2), while the MMBT6427 is a 3-pin SOT-23 device with different pinout, package size, and thermal characteristics. Substituting either into the other's layout would require PCB revision. Always verify pin mapping using the official NZT6727 datasheet before replacement.

What is the guaranteed h_FE range for the NZT6727 at I_C = -100 mA?

The NZT6727 guarantees an h_FE range of 60 to 250 at I_C = -100 mA, V_CE = -1.0 V, and T_A = 25°C. This specification is explicitly listed in the "Electrical Characteristics" table under On Characteristics. The lower bound (60) ensures predictable minimum gain for bias network design in amplifier or switch applications, while the upper bound reflects process variation. The NZT6727's multi-point h_FE testing supports robust design across operating conditions.

Does the NZT6727 have automotive qualification?

The NZT6727 itself is not AEC-Q101 qualified. It was originally released by Fairchild as an industrial-grade discrete transistor. For automotive applications requiring qualification, the functionally identical ZTX6727 (manufactured by Diodes Inc.) is AEC-Q101 qualified and shares the same SOT-223 pinout and electrical specifications. Engineers selecting for automotive use should specify ZTX6727 rather than rely on NZT6727, even though the NZT6727 may operate reliably in vehicle environments.

What is the thermal resistance (R_θJA) of the NZT6727 under standard mounting conditions?

The NZT6727 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 125°C/W when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB measuring 36 mm × 18 mm × 1.5 mm with a minimum 6 cm² copper area for the collector pad. This value is measured per JEDEC JESD51-3 and defines the worst-case thermal path without additional heatsinking. To sustain 1.0 W dissipation, ambient temperature must remain below 25°C - otherwise, derating per the 8.0 mW/°C spec is required. The NZT6727's thermal performance is fully characterized in this configuration.