Nexperia USA Inc. PBHV8540T-QR
- Part No.:
- PBHV8540T-QR
- Manufacturer:
- Nexperia USA Inc.
- Category:
- Single Bipolar Transistors
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
PBHV8540T-QR.pdf
- Description:
- TRANS NPN 400V 0.5A TO-236AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,978
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Product details
Overview
PBHV8540T-QR from Nexperia is an AEC-Q101-qualified NPN high-voltage low-VCEsat transistor in SOT23 package, rated for 500 V VCESM, 0.5 A continuous collector current, and 135 mV typical VCEsat at IC = 300 mA / IB = 60 mA. It serves as a robust switching element in automotive and industrial high-voltage DC-DC and lamp driver circuits.
For engineers reviewing the PBHV8540T-QR datasheet, PBHV8540T-QR pinout, PBHV8540T-QR application, or PBHV8540T-QR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 400 V VCEO, 150 °C max junction temperature, AEC-Q101 qualification, low saturation voltage under high-current drive, and SOT23 footprint compatibility with space-constrained automotive modules.
Technical Context
This device operates as a high-voltage NPN switch optimized for fast turn-on/turn-off (ton = 6.25 µs, toff = 3 µs) and low conduction loss in inductive load switching. Its hFE remains usable up to 300 mA (min 10 at IC = 300 mA), enabling direct microcontroller GPIO drive without external amplification in many cases.
Thermal design is supported by Rth(j-sp) = 70 K/W to solder point and power derating down to zero at 125 °C ambient on FR4 PCB. The 6 V VEBO rating allows safe base biasing in systems with transient-coupled control lines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VCESM | 500 V peak - enables use in 400 V DC bus applications with margin against transients |
| VCEO | 400 V - maximum sustainable collector-emitter voltage with open base, defining safe blocking range |
| IC | 0.5 A continuous - supports LED chain drivers and HID ballast loads without heatsinking at <25 °C ambient |
| VCEsat | 135 mV typ at IC = 300 mA / IB = 60 mA - reduces conduction loss to <40 mW in typical switching operation |
| hFE | 100–200 at IC = 50 mA - ensures reliable saturation with standard 5 V logic-level base drive |
| fT | 30 MHz - sufficient for SMPS operation up to ~500 kHz with margin for layout parasitics |
| Rth(j-sp) | 70 K/W - enables thermal coupling to PCB copper for passive cooling in automotive modules |
Pinout & Package
SOT23 (TO-236AB) plastic surface-mount package: 2.9 mm × 1.3 mm × 1.0 mm body, 1.9 mm lead pitch, FR4-compatible footprint per Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 of datasheet.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base (B) | Control input requiring ≥60 mA peak drive for full saturation at 300 mA collector current |
| 2 | Emitter (E) | Reference node for base drive and collector current return; connected to system ground or low-side return path |
| 3 | Collector (C) | High-voltage switched output node; rated for 500 V peak and 0.5 A DC in automotive ambient conditions |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive motor management and lighting per stress test requirements including HTGB, HTRB, and ESD |
| Low VCEsat at high IC | 135 mV typical at 300 mA enables >98 % efficiency in 12 V–48 V LED driver stages |
| High VCESM | 500 V rating supports direct interface to 380 V rectified AC inputs or 400 V battery systems with safety margin |
| High hFE at 100 mA | Min 80 at IC = 100 mA allows use with 10 kΩ base resistor from 5 V MCU, reducing BOM count |
| Small SOT23 footprint | Enables placement in tight spaces such as LED headlamp modules and telecom hook-switch PCBs |
Applications
| Electronic Ballast | Automotive Motor Management |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-frequency switching in fluorescent lamp ballasts operating from rectified 230 V AC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main switching transistor controlling resonant tank current and lamp ignition. Use Value: 500 V VCESM withstands line transients; low VCEsat minimizes heat in sealed ballast enclosures. |
Use Scenario: PWM-controlled fuel pump or radiator fan driver in 12 V/24 V vehicle systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch interfacing MCU PWM output to inductive motor load. Use Value: AEC-Q101 qualification ensures reliability over 15-year vehicle life; 150 °C Tjmax supports under-hood mounting. |
| LED Chain Driver | SMPS Primary Switch |
|
Use Scenario: Constant-current switching regulator driving 10–20 V LED strings in commercial signage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous rectifier or main pass switch in buck topology. Use Value: 0.5 A IC and 135 mV VCEsat enable compact, thermally efficient designs without forced air cooling. |
Use Scenario: 50–100 kHz flyback converter primary-side switch in automotive infotainment power supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage switching element handling reflected output voltage plus leakage spikes. Use Value: 400 V VCEO accommodates 380 V reflected voltage + 20 V margin; fT = 30 MHz supports clean gate drive. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage NPN switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHV8540T-Q | Same die, non-automotive grade; lacks AEC-Q101 qualification and has wider VCEsat tolerance (135–250 mV vs. 135 mV typ) | Acceptable for industrial lighting but not certified for automotive ECUs or ADAS modules | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs automotive compliance requirements |
| BCX56-16Q | Lower VCEO (80 V), higher hFE (160 min), same SOT23 package but no AEC-Q101 or high-voltage rating | Only suitable for ≤60 V DC applications like consumer appliance motor control | Choose only if system voltage is below 100 V and automotive qualification is unnecessary |
Compared with PHV8540T-Q and BCX56-16Q, PBHV8540T-QR uniquely combines AEC-Q101 compliance, 400 V blocking, and sub-150 mV VCEsat, making it the sole option among the three qualified for 12 V–48 V automotive lighting and motor control where both reliability and efficiency are critical.
Availability
PBHV8540T-QR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic ballasts, automotive motor management systems, and LED chain drivers requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for PBHV8540T-QR 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 specializing in high-performance, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with core expertise in automotive-grade components and advanced packaging.
PBHV8540T-QR belongs to Nexperia's high-voltage bipolar transistor product line, engineered specifically for automotive lighting, motor control, and industrial power conversion where AEC-Q101 compliance and low conduction loss are mandatory.
FAQ
Is PBHV8540T-QR pin-compatible with standard SOT23 NPN transistors?
Yes - PBHV8540T-QR uses standard SOT23 pinout (1 = Base, 2 = Emitter, 3 = Collector) and matches JEDEC TO-236AB mechanical dimensions. It replaces legacy parts like MMBT4401 or BC817 in high-voltage applications, though electrical ratings differ significantly.
What is the maximum allowable base current for continuous operation?
The absolute maximum peak base current is 200 mA (single pulse, tp ≤ 1 ms), but for continuous DC operation, IB must be limited to ensure junction temperature stays within 150 °C. At IC = 0.5 A and hFE = 100, 5 mA base current suffices; practical designs use 10–20 mA for margin.
Can PBHV8540T-QR be used in linear regulator applications?
No - it is optimized for switching operation, not linear regulation. Its SOA is limited: at VCE = 20 V, maximum continuous IC drops to ~150 mA due to Ptot = 300 mW and thermal resistance. Linear use risks thermal runaway and premature failure.
Does PBHV8540T-QR require a base resistor when driven by a 3.3 V MCU?
Yes - a base resistor is required to limit IB and ensure saturation. For 3.3 V drive and target IB = 10 mA, a 330 Ω resistor provides appropriate bias while accommodating VBEsat ≈ 0.95 V. Lower resistance increases drive strength but raises MCU output current demand.
PBHV8540T-QR 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):
- 500 mA
- Voltage - Collector Emitter Breakdown (Max):
- 400 V
- Vce Saturation (Max) @ Ib, Ic:
- 250mV @ 60mA, 300mA
- Current - Collector Cutoff (Max):
- 100nA
- DC Current Gain (hFE) (Min) @ Ic, Vce:
- 100 @ 50mA, 10V
- Power - Max:
- 300 mW
- Frequency - Transition:
- 30MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q101
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-236AB
PBHV8540T-QR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PBHV8540T-QR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PBHV8540T-QR 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 PBHV8540T-QR reliable?
The price and inventory of PBHV8540T-QR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PBHV8540T-QR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PBHV8540T-QR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PBHV8540T-QR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PBHV8540T-QR?
PBHV8540T-QR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PBHV8540T-QR 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 PBHV8540T-QR?
For technical support, including PBHV8540T-QR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PBHV8540T-QR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PBHV8540T-QR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PBHV8540T-QR 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 PBHV8540T-QR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PBHV8540T-QR?
All PBHV8540T-QR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PBHV8540T-QR, 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 PBHV8540T-QR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PBHV8540T-QR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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